120 | Passive homes for Kiwis Passive Aggressive’s construction methodology is based on a pre-tested ‘podular’ approach. Passive Aggressive T T Kelly Deeks BUILDING New Tauranga construction start-up Passive Aggressive, with its focus on the German standard of passive-certified homes, is bringing a Kiwi-style solution for those seeking that healthy, comfortable, low-energy, and high-performance living space, while still enjoying a typical New Zealand lifestyle. “While we are heavily intent on certified passive homes, which includes a high- performance envelope and airtightness, and the houses which we build for resale shall all be passive certified, Kiwis do love their indoor/ outdoor flow,” says Passive Aggressive director Aaron Lawrence. “We may find that some clients prioritise indoor/outdoor flow with a wall of bifold doors, which are difficult to keep airtight when closed, over passive certification. Where we cannot achieve both, our houses shall be net carbon zero. To achieve this goal, we’re bringing in some smart wind technology and solar technology from Europe and USA.” Also offering passive services to the market, such as blower door testing, air-sealing solutions, and preliminary passive consultancy, Passive Aggressive’s construction methodology is based on a pre-tested ‘podular’ approach in respect of a building’s performance. “Our customers can choose one or multiple rectangular pods, and we link them together with thermal corridors,” Aaron says. “Our modules, methods, and products are tested to passive house standards so we can provide the same air-changes-per-hour (ACH) value on each project.” Passive Aggressive is building high-level insulation walls with insulated concrete formwork (ICF) and roofs with structural insulated panels (SIPS), focusing on embodied carbon reduction. Passive Aggressive has committed to planting a sufficient number of trees to offset the embodied carbon of each build, while reducing operational carbon footprint through efficient design and passive modelling. Net zero is where its renewable energy solutions come to the fore, and Passive Aggressive is the New Zealand importer/distributor for SmartFlower.com SmartFlower is a revolutionary solar tree solution designed to produce more energy than standard rooftop solar panels. It mimics the actions of nature’s sunflower, which detects the sun in the morning, opens and follows the path of the sun for the day, before closing again at sunset. The Smartflower uses advanced robotics and automation to intelligently track the sun and make up to 40% more energy than traditional stationary solar panels. Every day at sunset, SmartFlower automatically folds up and cleans itself to maintain peak solar utilisation. Likewise, Tesup’s Atlas Vertical Wind Turbine brings another dose of innovation to Passive Aggressive homes. This renewable energy solution makes a statement of sustainability and innovation while reducing energy costs, decreasing carbon footprints, and even achieving energy independence for homeowners. Both of these products are being used in Passive Aggressive’s 400sqm passive show home, soon to start being built at 579 Minden Road, Te Puna. Aaron says this show home is for the passive industry as well as the building industry in New Zealand, and is set to feature in the Superhome Movement’s Superhome Tours. Passive Aggressive will hold open days at critical times during the build, and wants to invite like-minded construction industry professionals and tertiary education providers to come and develop their understanding of passive house construction. “We will never change the building industry with one house at a time,” Aaron says. “We’ve got to spread the word, and the way to do that is with open days. We want to work with young and dynamic small business owners who are passionate about the industry, and passionate about learning. “We are aiming to be quite edgy with Passive Aggressive. We have some pretty high metrics we’re trying to achieve. We want to imagine a future where there is no such thing as passive homes, only homes.” Certified Passive House Designer 0800 999 404 info@imaginenz.com www.imaginenz.com Working nationwide Proud to be the designer for Passive Aggressive
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