| 89 T T Kelly Deeks alki A better way of doing things Árbol designs, builds, and fits out energy efficient, environmentally responsible prefabricated homes. Árbol Eco Homes BUILDING Árbol Eco Homes is going above and beyond liveability by setting the standards with its range of high-performance, architecturally designed, prefabricated homes and creating real change within the construction industry with its positive environmental impact. Árbol was established by Marcus Allen after moving to Queenstown in 2020. “We lived in a Fernhill special - a damp, cold, and mouldy home,” Marcus says. “My son was six months old and was developing respiratory problems. We moved on from there into a house that was code-minimum, which cost us about $1000 a month to run during the winter.” Marcus had experienced firsthand how much better things could be while working as a carpenter on Camp Glenorchy, now The Headwaters Eco Lodge. That project was a test-case for building sustainable commercial accommodation and melding Kiwi expertise with international environmentally conscious construction standards, and it aimed to inspire others to follow its lead. Seeing the detrimental impacts of his own poor performing home, and knowing there is a better way of doing things, Marcus had a major motivator to start his business. And so Árbol designs, builds, and fits out energy efficient, environmentally responsible prefabricated homes, all on one site in Cromwell, aiming to maximise liveability and longevity of materials, while minimising waste and disruption. All dwellings are at minimum 40 percent more insulated than New Zealand building code standards and are fitted with uPVC low-e double glazed windows, creating an airtight building envelope with reduced thermal bridging - easier to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. They’re fitted with a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) system to filter fresh air and retain about 90 percent of heating energy. Árbol aims to create real change within the industry with sustainable product selections. That includes external cladding made from recycled Australian power poles and other FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified timbers, plant-based paints and oils, Terra Lana NZ wool insulation and wool carpet. “All of these products have environmental benefits and fewer toxins than other products, making for healthier homes for humans,” Marcus says. “We go on to separate waste at our facility into eight types of recyclable material, allowing for landfill reduction of more than 70 percent better than typical on-site building.” Local suppliers are prioritised where possible, such as Cromwell-based NZSIP which allows for lighting fast construction times of 12-14 weeks with the highest insulation levels and structural integrity. Prefabricating in a controlled environment on the one site means so no down days for bad weather, and minimal disruption means clients get a better product, faster. All Árbol dwellings leave site with a Code of Compliance Certificate, issued by Central Otago District Council and valid nationwide. Árbol also manages the on-site consent process. “Ultimately, we want to make a difference, both locally and in the industry,” Marcus says. “That’s why we’re here, we’re passionate about change and improving standards.” This year Árbol has homes heading everywhere from the coastal Catlins in the far south to Carterton in the central North Island. The team of 12 can complete 16 homes per year and is already expanding, with plans to double that production in the coming years. DECKS TO HOUSES FOR CODEMARK CERTIFIED FOUNDATIONS www.stopdigging.co.nz | archipro.co.nz/professionals/stop-digging M 021 752 145 E Jeremy.cosgrove@stopdigging.co.nz Stopdigging South Island
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=