| 93 T T Kelly Deeks Energy-efficiency put to the Ice Box test The Nelson company specialises in high-end custom residential builds. Basham Building BUILDING Nelson builder Lenny Basham is preparing to put high-performance construction under the spotlight, with Basham Building leading New Zealand’s first largescale Ice Box Challenge in early 2026. The initiative, widely used overseas to demonstrate the real-world value of energy-efficient design, will see two identical small buildings constructed in Nelson – one built to standard New Zealand construction methods, the other using high-performance systems. Each will hold a block of ice, and the rate of melt will show how insulation, airtightness, and glazing choices affect indoor comfort and energy use. For Lenny, who has spent more than a decade advocating for smarter, healthier homes, the challenge is an opportunity to cut through scepticism and provide something homeowners can see for themselves. “There are a lot of people who still don’t understand how much difference good insulation, shading, and airtightness can make,” he says. “You can talk about energy modelling all day, but when you open both buildings and one block of ice is almost gone, the message is pretty clear.” The project follows a busy period for the Nelson company, which specialises in high-end custom residential builds and has delivered four passive-standard homes, one certified and three not. Lenny says the experience gained on these projects gives his team an edge when clients are aiming for high performance without going through formal certification. “When you’re not certifying, there’s a bit of guesswork involved, and that’s where experience matters,” he says. “We’ve seen clients who decided against shading because of budget, and now the house overheats. We try to guide people early so they can avoid those regrets.” Despite industry-wide consenting and engineering delays, Basham Building has remained busy, completing a major two-year project and expanding its team. Lenny credits strong client relationships and open communication, particularly when it comes to managing budgets. “We often see champagne tastes and lemonade budgets,” he says. “Designers can be nervous about sharing the real budget with builders, but working as a team gives everyone better outcomes. Our goal is to get the design to fit the client’s budget, so they’re not stretched and can still enjoy their home.” The company maintains links across the Tasman-Marlborough passive house community, hosting and attending knowledge-sharing events and collaborating with like-minded builders and designers. Lenny says exposure to different techniques is invaluable. “There’s no single right way to build a high-performing home. The more we share the better outcomes we all get.” The Ice Box Challenge will bring that message to a wider audience, with support from the New Zealand Green Building Council, NZIA members, and suppliers, including Metro Glass and Mitre 10. With electricity costs rising, Lenny hopes the demonstration will encourage homeowners to prioritise performance. “I’m not expecting direct business from it, but if it shifts public thinking – even a little – it’ll be worth it,” he says. “It was customers who drove the shift away from plastic bags. If they start demanding better-performing homes, the industry will follow.” Construction of the two test buildings began in January, and the finished structures are expected to travel to Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown after the Nelson demonstration. “There are a lot of people who still don’t understand how much difference good insulation, shading, and airtightness can make. You can talk about energy modelling all day, but when you open both buildings and one block of ice is almost gone, the message is pretty clear.” We are proud to be &OLPDWH &DUH &HUWLĆHG One of only three pool building companies in New Zealand! 12 Timandra Place, Blenheim 03 578 5928 | www.aquanort.co.nz ELECTRICAL Quality Electrical Services � New builds � Renovations � Solar � Heat pumps 027 337 4528 phil@keepingcurrent.co.nz Quality. Efficiency. Reliability.
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