| 85 T T Bernadette Cooney Setting new standards The cube-shaped residence designed by Performance Architecture is testament to innovative design and sustainability. Photos: Stephen Goodenough ARCHITECTURE Performance Architecture In the face of shrinking urban land availability, a small yet stylish and efficient passive energy house, nestled on a hillside in Redcliffs, Christchurch, is setting new standards for high-performance urban homes. This warm and dry, cube-shaped residence is testament to innovative design and sustainability. Designed by Performance Architecture and built by experienced energy-efficient home builders Chatterton Builders of Rangiora, this home exemplifies that high-performing design can be achieved on a budget. Augusta Treehouse rises like the trees surrounding the hillside, offering spectacular views across the city and shoreline. Constructed with the thermally efficient Formance SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) building system, the two-bedroom family home has a compact 40 sq. metre footprint. However, the inclusion of a mezzanine floor expands the usable space to 65 sq. metres maximising efficiency without compromising on comfort. Dan McCormick, director of Performance Architecture, emphasises the versatility of SIP panel construction in creating unique, purpose-driven spaces that are thermally efficient. “The client was passionate about small and simple living, leveraging passive house design principles for optimal performance,” says Dan. The result is a robust, thermally efficient home that provides everything needed for comfortable living without any superfluous elements. “It’s sits perfectly within its location, simple and beautiful and warm and efficient to operate. A well-considered design on a challenging section within the city limits.” Augusta Treehouse seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings while being simple, beautiful, and highly energy efficient. This design on a challenging but affordable section within the city limits is becoming increasingly rare, making it a standout example of innovative urban housing. The interior finishes are a key design element, with Performance Architecture’s senior architectural designer Hailey Sinke noting the exposed Formance panels and Xlam cross-laminated timber floors. This approach minimises the need for additional trades and building materials for interior finishing, enhancing the home’s natural aesthetic and helping to keep build costs low. The home’s interior accentuates the notion of spaciousness with open plan living, dining, kitchen and laundry downstairs and two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. “On the mezzanine level we have left out a section of floor, creating a double height volume over the living space which helps give the small footprint a more spacious feel,” says Hailey. Building on a challenging hillside site, Chatterton Builders demonstrated their expertise in handling complex projects, particularly those requiring extensive ground engineering. “Chatterton’s were exceptional on this tricky site. Once the first floor building platform was established, the construction of the building shell was completed swiftly, taking only a few weeks,” says Dan. Augusta Treehouse exemplifies Performance Architecture’s commitment to high-performing passive homes. As certified Homestar designers and supporters of the Superhome movement, the Christchurch and Auckland-based firm is dedicated to raising standards for healthier, energy-efficient low carbon homes that are environmentally friendly. Performance Architecture offers comprehensive residential and commercial architecture services throughout New Zealand. Utilising the latest in building technology and thermal modelling, they carefully analyse the performance of the buildings they design, ensuring each home is not only beautiful but also a model of efficiency and sustainability. www.chattertonhomes.co.nz | info@chattertonhomes.co.nz | 03 313 0103 ENERGY EFFICIENT & PASSIVE HOUSE SPECIALISTS A teamwith extensive expertise and knowledge, helping families into genuinely healthy and energy-efficient homes. ▶ Energy Efficient and Passive House Design & Build ▶ High Performance Plan Range ▶ Energy Modelling (PHPP) ▶ Passive House Certification ▶ Qualified Air Tightness Tester ▶ Structural Insulated Panels
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=