106 | Airtight Homes BUILDING ʴ ˕˘˧˧˘˥ ˪˔ˬ ˧ˢ ˕˨˜˟˗ʡ ʷʸˆʼʺˁ ʞ ʵˈʼʿʷ ˯ ˊ͒ˁʴʾʴ ˔˜˥˧˜˚˛˧˛ˢˠ˘˦ʡ˖ˢʡˡ˭ ˇ˛ˢ˨˚˛˧˙˨˟ ˗˘˦˜˚ˡʡ ʵ˘˧˧˘˥ ˣ˘˥˙ˢ˥ˠ˔ˡ˖˘ʡ ˆ˛ˢ˪ ˛ˢˠ˘ ˢˣ˘ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˁˢ˩˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʩ T T Virginia Wright Holistic approach to energy efficiency Thermal modelling and performance analysis are integrated into the Airtight Homes design-and- build process. After 20 years as a builder, including running his own business, Drew Ison and his partner Chelsea Tobey have started a new company together, Airtight Homes. Their design-and-build company offers higher-performing homes through a practical, cost-conscious approach to design and construction. Rather than sitting at either end of the market, Airtight Homes offers a tailored design-and-build service with a commonsense approach to building performance. As the name suggests, Airtight Homes focuses on proven performance metrics such as airtightness, but it is just one part of a broader, holistic approach to building healthy, energy-efficient homes. Thermal modelling and performance analysis are integrated into the Airtight Homes design-and- build process, allowing performance decisions to be considered alongside design and budget from the outset. After years of building and observing which systems work and which don’t, Airtight Homes selects from what’s available to suit the client and their budget. “Some things might make sense for one person but not another,” says Chelsea. “Our specialty and where we add value is bringing together the things that work and creating a package that is well suited to the person who’s going to be living in the home.” Central to those systems is, of course, airtightness, as well as ventilation and insulation, but Airtight Homes goes further by considering its core goal of cost-effective performance throughout the build. “So, for example, we really focus on where the timber framing goes and only put it where it’s needed, so you have as much insulation as possible and as little thermal bridging as possible, which reduces unwanted heat transfer,” says Drew. Living in Wanaka themselves, Drew and Chelsea know how important it is to have a warm, healthy home that is still economical to run. Airtight Homes includes mechanical heat-recovery ventilation as a standard part of its approach, providing filtered fresh air while recovering heat and helping manage indoor humidity. Airtight Homes focuses on areas where a commonsense upgrade that won’t add unduly to the overall build price can make a real difference to a home’s performance. One example is upgrading the internal door between the garage and the house to an insulated, airtight door, reducing air and heat transfer between the garage and the home. It’s all part of the conversation when clients get in touch with Airtight Homes to discuss designing and building their new home. “We offer a one-stop-shop, taking the client through the whole process from design and consenting through construction to handover, including thermal modelling, performance analysis and the systems integrated into the particular project,” says Chelsea. For Drew and Chelsea, the goal is thoughtful investment in the parts of a home that genuinely improve comfort, efficiency and long-term quality. They are passionate about working with clients looking to live in a beautifully built, energy-efficient home that fits their budget and combines comfort with cost-effectiveness in a way that can only make a positive contribution to the standard of Wanaka’s housing stock. “We offer a one-stop-shop, taking the client through the whole process from design and consenting through construction to handover...” 0800 BESPOKE bespokearchitecture.co.nz 2026 Best Design Awards Finalist - Residential Architecture Multiresidential - Warren Residences, Wanaka 2026 ADNZ Awards Regional Award Winner Warren Residences, Wanaka RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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