| 101 T T Karen Phelps Designing for performance The Gisborne project features innovative use of cross laminated timber construction, allowing for untreated wood interiors that contribute to healthier living spaces. ARCHITECTURE Bub Architects Gisborne-based Bub Architects stands apart through its focus on high-performance buildings that are a response to the ever-increasing environmental issues the world is facing. “What we’re seeing now is a crucial awakening to the role buildings play in our environmental crisis,” says the firm’s founder Simone Bub. “At Bub Architects we are committed to using architecture as a tool to combat climate change and address fuel poverty. “This philosophy drives us to design buildings that prioritise sustainability, health, and efficiency, ensuring our clients receive not only well-designed spaces, but also solutions to some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.” Simone, a registered NZ Architect (NZRAB) and a member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), started the business in 2022. She is also a registered passive house designer and a member of the Passive House Institute New Zealand (PHINZ). A current Gisborne project exemplifies the principles the firm champions. The development consists of two, off-grid 60sqm units that showcase how sustainable design can seamlessly blend with practical living. “These units demonstrate all five, key passive house principles in action,” explains Simone. “From the continuous insulation and thermal bridge-free design to the airtight construction and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery – every element works together to maintain a consistent indoor temperature while minimising energy use.” The Gisborne project features innovative use of cross laminated timber construction, allowing for untreated wood interiors that contribute to healthier living spaces. Each unit includes a cleverly designed bathroom and kitchen, plus a loft for sleeping and working, all opening to stunning valley views through high-performance windows – a crucial component of passive house design. Bub Architects offers comprehensive services from the initial planning stages through to contract administration and site observation. As certified passive house designers, it also specialises in energy modeling and providing the necessary documentation for passive house certification. Simone says the market response to this approach has been positive. As energy costs continue to rise and climate awareness grows, she says more clients are seeking solutions that offer long-term sustainability. The firm’s commitment to education plays a crucial role in its mission. Through its recently launched Instagram account it shares insights about building science and sustainable design principles. Simone says the aim is to help the public understand the tangible benefits of high-performance buildings. “When people understand the health and environmental benefits of better-designed homes, improving building performance will become second nature,” she says. “It’s like wearing a properly designed winter coat – once you experience the difference, you wouldn’t want to go back to something less effective.” The firm’s primary focus is on the residential market. However, Simone says she is open to collaborating with clients that share the vision for sustainable design and would be happy to extend services to other sectors. Hao Quan Cai Your contact in New Zealand KLH PACIFIC PTY LTD +61 434 227 363 info@klhpacific.com K L H MA S S I V HO L Z GMBH | www.klh.at PIONEER IN CLT WITH OVER 40,000 PROJECTS WORLDWIDE MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF EXPERTISE IN CLT MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS - ORIENTED PROJECT PARTNER FROM STRUCTURAL PRE-DIMENSIONING TO FACTORY PLANNING SUPPLY LOGISTICS AND IMPORT MANAGEMENT ALL IN-HOUSE SERVICES, FROM 3D MODELLING TO COSTING KLH® - CLT MEETS AS -1530.4 FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR NZ Strong growth in sustainable construction has prompted the establishment of KLH Pacific in Australia, marking a significant expansion of cross-laminated timber (CLT) building solutions in the Pacific region. The company, which has been operating for just over a year as the international partner of Austrian-based KLH Massivholz GmbH, has established its Australia base, which also serves New Zealand, to meet increasing demand for sustainable building solutions. "The New Zealand market shows tremendous potential for carbon-negative construction methods," says Dr Andreas Luzzi, CEO of KLH Pacific. KLH Massivholz GmbH pioneered CLT manufacturing in cooperation with the Technical University of Graz in 1996 and the strong connection enables KLH Pacific to bring world-leading expertise to the New Zealand construction sector. Andreas says KLH Pacific is a one-stop-shop for CLT buildings and the expansion builds upon the company's successful implementation of over thirty CLT projects in Australia since 2019 under the banner of RAICO Pacific, also led by Andreas, and over 40,000 internationally by KLH Massivholz GmbH. KLH Pacific offers comprehensive services, accompanying clients from concepts to design details, engineering, 3D-modelling, value-management, building-physics, supply management and installation. The Australia-New Zealand operation brings together a diverse team of professionals, including carpenters, industrial designers, engineers, and building physicists. Andreas, a Swiss engineer with international experience in solar energy, hydrogen, and pre-fabricated Passivhaus buildings, leads the team in delivering sustainable construction solutions with a focus on resource conservation, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and efficient procurement strategies to minimise CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain. Andreas says a key factor in the company's expansion to New Zealand has been its ongoing collaboration with clients such as Bub Architects with projects including modular CLT cabins and Passivhaus buildings. Other early projects in New Zealand include certified carbon-negative Passivhaus residences, modular demountable classroom buildings, affordable social housing multi-residences and community halls. Andreas says these projects demonstrate the versatility of CLT construction in meeting New Zealand's unique architectural, environmental and seismic requirements. He says that KLH Pacific continues to encourage clients and builders to adopt pre-fabricated mass-timber construction, moving away from poorly performing concrete and steel buildings. “‘Green-washing’ seems not able to resolve our planet's core challenges. Our first-hand experience proves that pre-fabricated CLT buildings don't cost more and are the sustainable way of building for a better future.” One-stop-shop for CLT
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