Waitakere City shows the way to a 'greener life' by introducing eco
friendly initiatives throughout the region. You too could help the
environment by building an eco designed house.
The Waitakere City Council leads the way.
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The Waitakere City eco-house.
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Waitakere City, West Auckland, is the first eco-city in New Zealand and
the local council is committed to protecting the environment and
establishing partnerships with the community towards the goal of making
their city not only
productive, but also a 'clean and green' place to live and work.
The council's 'City Greenprint' sets out the directions for development
and initiatives which include conserving water, reducing waste through
re-use, recycling and reduction schemes, establishing a green network to
link natural
areas throughout the city, and encouraging Eco building development.
Why not build an eco friendly house?
Carrying this theme further, the council's latest 'green initiative' has
been to build an eco-house designed to show the public how eco building can
be easy and friendly to the environment whilst not necessarily being
expensive. There are many innovative ideas and energy saving devices which
can be
incorporated into your new or existing home.
A good appearance
From the outside this house looks like any other modern home in the
street. No, it is not made of mud nor does it have a composting toilet
which is how some people imagine a eco-house is built. The outside walls
have been clad in 'hardibacker' sheets and then finished with a breathable
mineral
plaster which is non-toxic and environmentally safe. When used with Masonry
Water repellent, the plaster breathes and allows water vapour to move
through it so no outside water gets into the home.
A warm house
The house is designed to catch the sun and heat. Large windows on the
northern side and concrete flooring and tiling in these areas means heat
is able to be stored. The concrete floor is actually a double slab with
pumice
inserted between the two layers. This means the floor is then able to
provide a thermal mass store for the sun's energy. Together with a heat
pump that can transfer heat from outside - even on a cold day - warmth
from cold air (as low as 10 degrees below zero! outside) can be
transferred indoors and pumped around the indoor areas.
Reduced hot water costs and water rates
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Collecting rain water for use in the garden or for washing the car.
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The house also has a revolutionary hot water system which works through
panels on the roof drawing heat from the atmosphere and pumping it around a
water cylinder. The advantage of this is that it only requires a small
amount of
electricity to run, so power bills are not too high. There is also a
rain water collection system which can be used for garden watering or car
cleaning, or even in the toilets, which saves you money on your water
rates.
A low allergen house
The designers also considered the people with asthma. There are no fitted
carpets in the house and the ledges are reduced in size so that dust
surfaces are reduced. The garden has been planted with natives and other
low allergen
plants i.e. plants that are bee pollinated rather than wind pollinated.
Other extra eco features
Other environmentally friendly features include the use of non toxic
or low toxicity materials, light bulbs which last ten times longer than
normal, wool blend insulation, water based paints and no PVC. A
revolutionary new wiring system called LAW - local area wiring - has been
installed. This system can control all the home's electric related
facilities, including lighting, heating, security system and some
appliances, by way of one single network cable.
This saves energy and money through reduced power bills but it also means
that switches can do a number of things. They can open and close garage
doors, warm spa pools and activate lights and heating. Lights can be set
to come on at different times of the day and you can even set the coffee
maker to start your early morning cuppa brewing!!
Top Green Scheme rating
The good news for Waitakere City Council is that at the end of eighteen months'
research, planning and building the eco-home is not only available for the
public to view but has already become a national winner by being given a
top Green Scheme rating by the Building Regulations Association of New
Zealand. It was awarded 112 points, with 86 points required for a
rating of excellence - a job well done.
Opening hours
The home is open to the public every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday until
November 1 when it will be put to tender.
Further information
The Waitakere City Council is in the process of publishing additional
manuals which relate to Water, Energy, Materials and Design. Topics will
include Design for the Sun, Earth Building, Using Rainwater, Wastewater,
Saving Water Etc. If you would like more information you can phone the
council on 09 836 8000 Ext. 8365 or visit their Web site at:
http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/
