Rata Street Superhome

In a leafy neighbourhood near parks and shopping restaurants, this environmentally responsible home enhances the owner's lifestyle with adaptable comfortable, livable, loveable light filled spaces. The mature, Beech trees of Riccarton Bush are the backdrop for this future-focused, climate-positive home designed to Superhome standards.

The narrow site with a north-south orientation influenced the bold gable form and double-height living space. Dark aluminium and richly stained European Larch create a modern look, while timber screening softens the approach and provides shading. Plywood ceilings draw in the outdoors at the entrance and living space. The layout maximizes space and includes a window nook, hidden screens, and even an alcove for the owner's pinball machine.

The brief was for a high-performance, low-emissions home exceeding building codes. It features insulation, thermal bridging minimization, super-insulated walls, airtightness (1 air change/hr), and a heat recovery ventilation system. In addition, solar panels linked to hot water and underfloor heating help keep power bills low. Timber is prioritised over steel to reduce the carbon footprint, and windows have ultra-efficient glazing. The study on the lower floor is set back to minimize overheating, and additional storage is cleverly integrated below windows. Site restrictions influenced the design, with a gable form and double height living area opening up the northern face for light.

This home received the Commended Award at the 2021 ADNZ Resene awards for a new home between 150m² and 300m².