| 111 T T Lindy Andrews Creating a model for sustainability Semicircular and oriented to catch the sun, it also reflects the owners’ commitment to merging with the environment rather than competing with it. PT Building & Construction BUILDING Strong business relationships, integrity and top-notch skills have kept Te Awamutu’s PT Building and Construction busy through 18 months of tough times in the residential building sector. Owners Peta and Amy Taukiri say despite a “dull couple of years” in the industry, word of mouth and repeat business have kept them afloat. “We’ve just kept rolling and never stopped,” says Peta. Having recently completed a third cottage for the same client in Temple View, their current project is a visionary passive home. Designed by Hamilton’s Peter Were Architecture, the 270sqm, three-bedroom house references a proud nearby landmark. “It replicates the mountain with the side blown out,” Peta says. Semicircular and oriented to catch the sun, it also reflects the owners’ commitment to merging with the environment rather than competing with it. The house is a model for sustainability in all things. The Lawson cypress and macrocarpa framing used in its construction have been sourced from a mill in Raetihi, Peta says. “The owners’ vision is not to use any treated timber. Macrocarpa is weather-resistant to the equivalent of H3 treated pine.” Working with natural timbers is quite nice, he says, and makes bit of a change from conventional house building. While the cladding of the curvaceous exterior is yet to be confirmed, options include redwood or heat-treated poplar. The passive house standard was originally developed in Germany and has since been adopted worldwide for its energy efficiency and comfort. On average, passive houses use 90% less energy to heat, and with their stable indoor temperatures and humidity levels, provide a healthier, more comfortable home for all seasons. As climate change makes itself felt, passive homes, with their technological advances, even temperatures and durable, low-maintenance qualities are gaining traction in New Zealand. “A high-specification Stielbel Eltron air-transfer system avoids moisture build-up. It also filters the air and helps with the temperature as well.” While Peta is enjoying building “something that is away from the stock standard”, he admits it has its complexities, for example the airtight insulated wrap that runs right through the building. Triple-glazed windows and exterior doors have been sourced from Europe, and the roof features asphalt shingles, which require meticulous groundwork before they can be installed. “There is a bit more preparation work for them including air vents and strand sarking underneath.” The home will also be resilient – fully off-grid and powered by solar energy. “They will never run out of power.” PT Building and Construction is very much a team, with chief admin Amy as first point of contact for clients and undertaking “all the front-facing stuff”. “A high-specification Stielbel Eltron air-transfer system avoids moisture build-up. It also filters the air and helps with the temperature as well.” Aside from building, Peta is also schooling two apprentices for profitable careers. Three contract builders allow the company to easily ride out the highs and lows. “It’s a good business model,” says Amy, “and it’s hard work, but good for Peta to be teaching while building.” Life is never completely dull – the down-toearth couple has six children between them. “We are ‘keep it real’ sort of people,” Amy laughs. Proud to support PTBuilding&Construction Your HVAC-R Specialists WE CARE FOR YOUR AIR King Cooling & Heatpumps Ltd are your specialists in temperature control. Your comfort is our pleasure! The team at King Cooling Ltd offer dependable farming and commercial refrigeration/HVAC services, as well as supplying and installing the best heatpump systems available. Qualified and experienced technicians within Te Awamutu and the wider Waikato region completes all work. Contact us today to discuss your cooling/heating needs. 0800 654 002 office@kingcooling.co.nz 185 Jack Russell Drive, Te Awamutu 3800 Proudly supporting PT Building & Construction
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