Business North November 2021

102 | MacPherson Architecture ARCHITECTURE Passionate about clever and sustainable design Thermal mass in POROTHERM walls provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer to create year-round living comfort. C hris and Robyn MacPherson are pas- sionate not only about great architec- tural design but also about using the right materials to create truly sustainable and healthy energy efficient homes. The Cambridge-based couple’s practice, MacPherson Architecture Ltd, is an experi - enced specialist in all areas of design including architecture, interiors and landscape archi- tecture. With 25 years’ experience in home design, Chris has a trusted reputation and a passion for working closely with clients to achieve stunning results. He and Robyn have long been concerned at the overall poor standard of housing in New Zealand that condemns many people to living in homes that are cold and damp in winter and sweltering in summer, in conditions that are simply unhealthy. Their search for something better led them all the way to Europe where they found clay construction was being routinely used to create homes and buildings that performed exceptionally well – functional, strong, quiet, safe, and comfortably warm in winter and cool in summer. “We felt there was a real gap here in the quality and durability of building materials available,” explains Robyn. “This led to us forming partnerships with leading European brands such as Wienerberger, the world’s number one producer of clay construction materials.” Chris and Robyn are now sharing their pas- sion for high performance building products through their sister company, Stellaria NZ and are excited to be offering the POROTHERM clay construction block to the New Zealand design and build market. T T Kim Newth “It ticks every box for what you need in a house for indoor air climate, indoor air quality, acoustics, fire and seismic safety, and durability. It’s also 100% natural – you could crush it up and put it in your garden or soak pit. We like to say ‘one wall does it all’. Thermal mass in POROTHERM walls provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer to create year- round living comfort with near zero energy or maintenance requirements.” Stellaria NZ’s mission as a company is ‘to provide the best homes for New Zealanders’. Other high quality European products offered, selected to complement the clay block enve- lope and ensure outstanding performance, include triple-glazed joinery (INTERNORM), timber floors (BOEN) and natural travertine stone and marble (MST). As well as using clay block construction in their practice, Chris and Robyn are working with other architects wanting to design with it by assisting them with specs and connecting them with builders who have the right skills for clay block construction. “We’re definitely seeing growth in demand and interest in this type of construction.” There are many positive testimonials online from clients who are over the moon about their POROTHERM clay block homes. For example, Putaruru couple Deb and Stu Ranger are glowing about their lodge-feel POROTHERM house: “It’s always fresh – it just feels like it’s breathing. It’s amazing!” East Tamaki couple Josh & Amy McLaren are equally impressed. “We totally love living in our POROTHERM house. As well as knowing that the house is healthy, it’s also warm all year round. We love the natural materials that won’t rot or emit toxic chemicals, and know it is a great healthy environment for our children.” Proudly associated with MacPherson Architecture Plumbing & Gasfitting Specialists 27 Cook Street, Cambridge, Waikato Email: office@cominsplumbing.co.nz Phone: 07 823 7263 PH: 07 888 4324 or 0800 399 649 E: sales@ezymix.co.nz W: www.ezymix.co.nz Our Key Benefits: Lime Plasters are natural and breathable Non toxic Less moisture inside the home Reduced condensation Reduced mould, fungus & mildew Vibrant finishes