Spectacular elevation enabled the design of this new sleek single level, open plan, three bedroom/two bathroom apartment-style dwelling. Specific attention to passive heating and energy saving design concepts are included throughout. Sunrise is magical and there's always something new to view out over the valley and native bush. A large deck runs the entire length of the north-east side, providing a wonderful interactive recreational indoor/outdoor living environment. Sell the lawnmower, sack the gardener, come and bask in a simplistic, option- filled lifestyle that you've always wished for. Call Lynne to book your viewing time.
EXTRA FEATURES:
• House was designed with passive heating and cooling techniques with large sun facing windows/doors, smaller windows to the west, and no windows to the south to ensure maximum insulation on the cold wall. Thicker insulation used in the ceiling space to increase insulation R-value to R4, above building code requirements. Design includes passive cooling [non powered] availability with high windows to use cross flow vent rooms to the opposite wall.
• Exposed concrete floors with underfloor insulation throughout capture the low winter sun coming in under the wide northeast facing soffits, which heats up the concrete and re-radiates this heat through the house.
• LED lights throughout use minimal power and when combined with the passive solar heating aids the overall low energy use of the house.
• Energy star appliances used [fridge and dishwasher] help with the low power use.
• Consideration given to future connection to solar panels with provision of a draw wire in the ceiling space for wiring access to the electrical sub board.
• Double Glazed windows with Argon gas installed ensure maximum glazed insulation for heat retention.
• To ensure a healthy air environment within the house low VOC [solvent] paints were used along with natural wool carpet with wool underlay rather than nylon equivalents.
• The clothesline position was designed to be located in a covered position to aid drying of clothes outside without getting wet on showery days. An electric hot water cylinder allows for an airing cupboard for clothes, saving the use of a power hungry drier.
• The wide covered "outside room" and large hardwood deck allows for a shaded and sheltered entertainment area particularly useful with New Plymouth's moist climate.
• Native plants chosen for their bird attraction properties have been planted on the bank below the house to provide a habitat for local native birds to flourish. When the plants grow to maturity they will provide a buffer from the neighbours and a pleasant bush canopy view from the house. A small orchard and herb tubs provide essential kitchen cooking ingredients.