Building Sustainability: A Homestar Success Story
In an article by the New Zealand Green Building Council (October 2022), Beth shared her journey of designing a sustainable family home in Luggate.
NZGBC explain that with a passion for reducing our carbon footprint through sustainable architecture, Beth’s own residence became a testament to her beliefs.
Project Overview
Owners: Beth Chaney-Walker and Marc Walker
Type: Domestic dwelling; 110 square meters; three bedrooms, office nook, and one bathroom
Location: Luggate, Central Otago
Occupancy: Two people and a young child
Homestar Rating: 8 Homestar built rating (July 2022); 8 Homestar design rating (June 2020)
Sustainable Design Highlights
The article shares how Beth’s home stands as a model of sustainable design, achieving an 8 Homestar rating through meticulous planning and execution.
They cover the features which include high-level thermal performance, airtight construction, and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. The house incorporates smart green technology while embracing the couple’s love for the outdoors, resembling the characteristics of a backcountry hut.
The Journey to Sustainability
From the outset, Beth aimed to showcase high-performance outcomes on a modest budget, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices. Through strategic design choices and careful material selection, the house exemplifies the holistic vision of sustainability promoted by Homestar. The article also recognises how Beth’s role as both homeowner and architect allowed her to experiment with design ideas while staying true to sustainability goals.
A Comfortable, Energy-Efficient Home
The NZGBC explain how the home maintains a comfortable year-round temperature, even during Central Otago’s extreme weather conditions. With optimal orientation, high insulation levels, and efficient ventilation, the house requires minimal energy input for heating and cooling.
Celebrating Success
Beth’s sustainable family home stands as a testament to the power of sustainable design in reducing environmental impact while enhancing quality of life.
Through thoughtful planning, innovation, and collaboration, they explain how Beth has created a living space that not only prioritises sustainability but also celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings.
Read the full article here.
Explore Beth’s Luggate Rise House in Our Projects.
