84 | “A large house design is often energy and spatially inefficient, while compressing the house size in a considered way, can refine the quality of the spaces, provide a focus on quality over quantity, and ultimately reduce the overall embodied energy and running costs of the home.” Making sustainable design affordable T T Sue Russell Atkinson Harwood Architecture ARCHITECTURE Sol Atkinson and Sam Harwood decided 4 ½ years ago to collaborate their professional architecture skills and form Atkinson Harwood Architecture (AHA), based in Napier. “We have been back in Hawke’s Bay nine years and my background is largely projects for the education and residential sectors,” Sol says. The pair have a keen interest in sustainable design and building and in producing homes that far exceed the standard minimum building code. Sol describes the sustainable design process as being conscious of every decision, through the design process, including efficiency of space, orientation, chosen materials, technologies, and construction methods. Trying to always build as efficiently as possible, with the best outcome for the client and the environment long-term is something the couple are passionate about. “Thinking pragmatically about the size of a house and the individual rooms/spaces required is one simple way of addressing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. “A large house design is often energy and spatially inefficient, while compressing the house size in a considered way, can refine the quality of the spaces, provide a focus on quality over quantity, and ultimately reduce the overall embodied energy and running costs of the home.” Sol and Sam are keen advocates of the Green Council of NZ’s Homestar rating system. Homestar provides architects, designers and builders alike with a clear set of guidelines to achieve residential dwellings that perform well above Building Code minimum standards. Designs and builds are rated from 6–10 stars according to how effectively they meet benchmark standards the Council has prescribed, with 6 being above the building code and 10 being world-class in its performance and environmental impact. Homestar Assessments straddle seven categories; energy, health and comfort, water, waste, materials, site, home management and an optional innovation category. When these are individually assessed an overall star rating is arrived at. “I am a Registered Architect and Homestar Assessor, this means I not only produce residential designs to target a Homestar rating, but it allows me to also provide advice to other architects, designers and builders, and undertake a Homestar assessment on their works,” Sol explains. When Business Central spoke with Sol he had designed a home in Havelock North, which had achieved a Homestar 8 Design Rating. Having met the Design rating requirements the home now needs to be assessed to a Homestar Built rating once completed. Call us to make an appointment 116 Charlotte Crescent, Hastings. 06 929 9192 or email maria.harlen@opb.co.nz Need some inspiration or just want to get started check out https://obrienshbshowroom.co.nz/, Facebook - obrienshawkesbay, Instagram - obriens_hawkesbay, Pinterest - OBriensHB Meet the Showroom Ladies Ricki-lee & Maria have more than 30 years of experience between them, through various roles in the industry - they have moved around, gaining knowledge and staying ahead of interior trends. These ladies can help you plan anything from a basic renovation to a brand new dream home, and bring that vision to life. They also offer FREE home visits where they can view your space, take measurements, checkfittings andmake recommendations for your Bathroom, Kitchen or Laundry. Come in and mention this advert and we’ll give you 10% off all St Michel vanities
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=