| 115 Pinnacle Construction BUILDING T T Sue Russell Designed to be carbon-positive and net-zero energy and potentially off-grid, the passive thermal design means no active heating or cooling is necessary. It’s been a momentous year for Wellington-Kapiti home building company Pinnacle Construction, as it received a prestigious gong from the HOME Magazine House of the Year Awards at an awards announcement gala held on 26 March, along with an NZIA award for housing. Receiving the top award in the ‘Green’ home category Pinnacle Construction’s Kāpiti House entry, designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, demonstrated just what could be achieved with a bold focussed vision, a critical eye to detail and a fine materials palet meld together. Designed to be carbon-positive and net-zero energy and potentially off-grid, the passive thermal design means no active heating or cooling is necessary. Outside solar generation coupled with rainwater collection and on-site treatment systems define a home capable of standing independently. Deep eaves provide for comfort throughout the changes in season, while wool insulation, carpet and drapes, deliver all the environmental benefits of this wonder fibre. The Japanese barn-style home, redefines how technical performance capability can sit comfortably within a simple design. Asked how he became connected with the build, Pinnacle Construction director Ian Bethwaite says it came about through their sister company Pinnacle Pools. “We were approached by the architect to construct a pool. We are licensed agents for Mayfair Pools and specialise in building unique pools in situ. The pool, its size and shape were all custom made to the clients wishes and it was through this engagement initially that we were then asked if we would like to undertake building the home,” says Ian. The home is located on a 16-acre site inland from the Kāpiti Coast and presents as two simple, distinct forms built on the rising contour of the land. The main dwelling is home to shared living and sleeping spaces with the detached two-storey tower providing guest accommodation. Inside the main dwelling the first impression is of being in an open, lofty barn, with exposed, impressive LVL timber portals constructed on site, giving the home its internal shape and scale. Recycle timber has been employed extensively for interior finishes, quietly celebrating the timber’s grain, texture and sedate colour tones. Ventilation has been successfully achieved through combining cross-flow openings and stack-driven convection, naturally causing the Carbon-positive and net-zero energy home to expel warm air, while the concrete floor slab’s thermal mass, helps maintain a stable interior temperature. Outside the main home has a carbon negative footprint, class in Accoya, sustainably grown NZ radiata pine that is treated using non-toxic green chemistry. “This project was a real challenge and we really enjoyed it, including the pool build and we’re delighted to see its values have been recognised with this award. It speaks volumes to the commitment of the owner/architect who has designed with great care and clarity of vision.” In all there are six full-time staff and we also contract another two building crews in, a great scale to manage the nature of projects Pinnacle Construction undertakes. When Business Central spoke with Ian in September three big projects were currently underway. THE PRO CHOICE IN PLUMBING AND GASFITTING PLUMBING & BATHROOMS GASFITTING & KITCHENS CENTRAL HEATING 022 414 9848 | WWW.RDGASANDPLUMBING.CO.NZ At RD Gas and Plumbing we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and quality tradesmanship. Located in Levin, we cover the Kapiti Coast, Horowhenhua, Manawatu and everywhere in between. That number, he says, works well, keeping the teams fully engaged from one site to the next. Ian says he’s learnt the value of having a solid team on board and places a good deal of energy toward maintaining a strong company culture. “You know to me, a team that gets on well, also builds well, efficiently and enjoys the experience. I place a lot of importance in the work environment.”
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