6 Mar 12 2:34 PM

To add a little mass to timber framed construction is put a few second hand bricks into the cavity (internal walls only of course) hidden between the gib lining..Cheap and easy at the right time of co......read more

27 Apr 09 10:36 AM

There is plenty of debate on the pro's and con's of thermally broken aluminum and PVC frames, I would happily use either over current industrial standard. I applaud the owners of this house for using ......read more

4 Dec 08 9:20 AM

Who said anything about BRANZ anonymous?...read more

3 Dec 08 9:36 AM

New homes should have guarantees for products when new, which have maintenance schedules etc.. Ask the seller/developer!...read more

27 Nov 08 9:54 AM

The Passivhaus standard is a great goal and highlights want can be done, who doesn't want to heat there house with a light bulb?? The energy demand standards are an important aspect of building a hous......read more

27 Nov 08 9:24 AM

To balance the argument a little more when using steel (high embodied energy) be very careful to detail the construction. Steel framing requires a thermal break from inside to out otherwise there is a......read more

28 May 08 1:44 PM

The fire place has a rated output which should be sized for the demand of your house, the wet back reduces the output by it's capacity. So you need to oversize your fireplace by 3,4 or 7kw to compensa......read more

28 May 08 1:32 PM

Carlin, http://www.dbh.govt.nz/pub-ba-weathertightness-index...read more

23 May 08 10:36 AM

Some councils allow Douglas fir, it is worth asking them. The level of risk is important to there decision (see weatherization risk matrix for details)....read more

19 Jul 07 8:34 AM

Here is a link to the Energywise car rally results, it might help with your choice. http://www.aa.co.nz/Section?Action=View&Section_id=612 Honda jazz for petrol, Hyundai getz for diesel and look's lik......read more

11 Jul 07 8:45 AM

Strawbale, mudbrick and rammed earth tend to have a large labour content, so if you can do the labour it is a lot cheaper!...read more

6 Jul 07 8:29 AM

Yes a topic that interests me, I have a number of containers dotted around my garage with different levels chip fat, clean vegie oil to a small drop of bio-diesel (proud achievement). I have a back ya......read more

29 Jun 07 8:32 AM

Thanks Ecobob, I will give it a go!...read more

26 Jun 07 9:47 AM

Hi Mark, Try this one. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=104776942 Jeff...read more

25 Jun 07 9:12 AM

I do not see any reason why not, would make a good summer solar panel. To protect the pipes it might be best to install pipe work under roof sheathing....read more

25 Jun 07 9:02 AM

I do not see any reason why not, would make a good summer solar panel. To protect the pipes it might be best to install pipe work under roof sheathing....read more

20 Jun 07 4:42 PM

Adding more seals around windows is a good start, a more comprehensive measure is to fit secondary windows/glazing! A bit like the old European mountain lodges, fitting another set of windows on the i......read more

11 Jun 07 10:11 AM

If we are posting links, I attended a lecture in Wanaka on energy (including oil). This pod cast is worth hearing! http://www.sustainablewanaka.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=8......read more

1 Jun 07 9:25 AM

I would keep it running, a house is much healthier when it is over 16 degC. Warm up loads are quite high so I agree with installer, the difference in power bills should be very similar which ever way ......read more

23 Apr 07 8:22 AM

I have a centameter and it works well, it measures the whole house load and when turn on an appliance it displays the new load in kw's, it is easy to calulate the appliance load. If you are electrical......read more

10 Apr 07 10:14 AM

I have now put my house up for sale privately on trade-me http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=94753945 Most realestate agents do not understand (or care) about sustainability or energy so ......read more

16 Mar 07 8:43 AM

I would line the underside of your floor and fill the cavity with wool batts. High R-value, low embodied energy and locally made!...read more

16 Mar 07 8:38 AM

These lamps on the surface look like the future of lighting, but does any one know the amount of embodied energy to make a 'ECO Bulb'? I have a feeling that the energy to make such a lamp is higher th......read more

1 Mar 07 8:08 AM

Hi Dan, Yes Old fridges and freezers can cost a fortune. They got a nice new solar panel and tank (I think) so was able to get rid of all the others HWC's. The unflued gas heaters went too, I would ha......read more

28 Feb 07 11:11 AM

It becomes more cost effective when you need to change your hot water cylinder! If you don't frost protection it is easier....read more

28 Feb 07 11:09 AM

I saw the programme last night, some very good information. I was not convinced that you should empty your food cuboards though, this is contradicting advice with the earthquake comission! I like the ......read more

16 Feb 07 10:00 AM

Another important issue is make sure the fire has a balanced flue! Combustion is using air from outside the house via a separate supply....read more

13 Feb 07 8:05 AM

If like most people you live on property less then 2 ha then it is getting harder. Give Firenzo a ring they build fire places and may be able to help....read more

13 Feb 07 8:01 AM

I notice "The ***** 10 dream home" TV programe used the word 'sustainable' in the design brief and the architect mentioned 'thermal mass' during the design. This is all very positive!...read more

30 Jan 07 11:54 AM

You can pay over a Million dollars and still get a third world standard house, looks pretty though!...read more

30 Jan 07 11:49 AM

Yes, I agree an excellent expo with quality speakers and a good balance of exhibitors. Plenty of people which makes it all very positive....read more

9 Jan 07 8:42 AM

My house is in Queenstown, we will be looking to rent in Chch as well. We just created our own market demand for sustainable rental properties!...read more

8 Jan 07 9:41 AM

I will be renting my own home within the next 12 months so I will be able to say if a super insulated, passive solar house with solar HW will achive a premium!...read more

28 Dec 06 12:04 PM

Pushing heat through a barely insulated duct in an uninsulated roof space will only work as jaykay says with short runs, the heat lost will be too great on long runs. A solution is to reverse fan and ......read more

18 Dec 06 11:06 AM

The rating system is a positive step, although I would like to see it go further. If the public put value on solar panels and energy efficient design that can only be good for everyone!...read more