Designing and building high-performance homes in New Zealand can feel complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with the methods and materials involved.
When advanced building technologies—such as airtight membranes, moisture control layers, and SIPs panels—were first introduced, they raised questions about cost, complexity, and construction time. Would these methods be prohibitively expensive? Would they require significantly more labour?
“At first, no one knew what the labour would be like, and it did feel expensive. But now, more and more builders are getting on board, and we’ve found that with the right planning, it’s actually not that much extra work. In fact, some of these methods create efficiencies that are better than standard practices.”
This Performance Series, a collaboration between Chaney & Norman Architects and MA Building, aims to simplify these concepts, providing practical insights for architects, builders, and homeowners.
Using our latest project as a case study, we are demonstrating how intelligent design and precise construction methods can create smarter, healthier, and more efficient homes.
Why Ventilation is Non-Negotiable in a High-Performance Home
Airtight homes require well-managed ventilation to maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
While airtightness ensures that heat is retained in winter and cool air is maintained in summer, without proper ventilation, it can also trap moisture, pollutants, and stale air. This is why a mechanical ventilation system is essential rather than optional.
On this project, we have integrated a balanced ventilation system with a heat recovery unit (HRV).
This system provides:
Continuous fresh air without unnecessary heat loss
Effective extraction of moisture and CO₂, improving indoor air quality
Recovery of up to 90% of heat from outgoing air, reducing energy consumption
The result is:
Better air quality
Lower energy bills
A home that breathes efficiently—without unwanted drafts
A well-ventilated, airtight home provides a healthier and more comfortable living environment year-round.
Ventilated Skillion Roof = Maximum Insulation
Skillion-style roofs offer a modern aesthetic, but they present a challenge—achieving adequate ventilation without sacrificing insulation space.
In conventional construction, a 25mm air gap is often left for airflow, which reduces the available space for insulation.
“When we do a ventilated roof space like this, especially a skillion-style roof, it allows us to fully fill the insulation layer up. We don’t have to leave a 25mm air gap—we can fill that whole pocket right up. In this case, we’ve got 310mm of Terralana insulation, right up to the underside of the Pro Climawrap with counter-battens and purlins over, which minimises thermal bridging, manages moisture while allowing the space to breathe.
By using a ventilated skillion roof, we have maximised insulation while ensuring effective moisture control.
This method ensures:
Full utilisation of insulation space—no wasted areas
A drier, healthier home with improved thermal stability
Eliminating cold air gaps within the insulation layer results in greater energy efficiency, better climate control, and enhanced occupant comfort.
Retractable Louvred System for Year-Round Comfort
A high-performance home should work in all seasons, not just the extreme months.
That’s why this project includes a sheltered courtyard area with a retractable louvred roof, making it comfortable and usable year-round.
We’ve specifically specified the Askura operable louvre system by Adlux, which offers:
Shade when it’s needed—keeping the space cool in summer
Solar gain when required—letting in warmth during winter
Weatherproofing—keeping rain out while still allowing ventilation
This space and the louvre system adapts to the climate, ensuring the courtyard remains a functional outdoor space no matter the season.
By integrating this flexible, high-performance shading system, we’re able to create comfortable, adaptable living spaces that enhance energy efficiency and usability.
Airtightness Starts at Framing
Airtightness is not an afterthought—it is integrated into the design from the earliest stages of construction.
On this project, an airtight starter strip was installed between any internal framing or steel structure and the external roof and wall framing.
This approach ensures:
The structure works with the airtight layer, avoiding later modifications
No last-minute sealing or patching is required
The airtightness layer remains continuous, eliminating weak points
Beyond preventing drafts, airtightness plays a critical role in moisture control, energy efficiency, and overall building performance.
When planned correctly, airtight detailing enhances both the durability and efficiency of the home.
Managing Steel & Glass for Thermal Performance
Views, Steel, Glass—and Maintaining Thermal Stability in Wanaka’s Climate
Architectural designs featuring large areas of glazing often incorporate steel for structural support. While steel provides strength, it also acts as a thermal bridge, transferring heat in and out of the home.
To prevent unwanted heat loss and gain, Chaney & Norman Architects worked closely with engineers to keep all steel elements inside the home’s thermal envelope. The surrounding walls are fully insulated, blocking heat transfer and maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
When you’ve got stunning Wanaka views, you want open up to that view as much as possible . The challenge? Large structural openings needstructure, and sometimes steel is the only go-to.
But steel is also a major thermal bridge, meaning it transfers heat in and out like a highway.
Instead of letting that steel be exposed to the cold & hot outside temperatures, we worked with engineers to keep the steel inside the thermal envelope. The walls are fully insulated, blocking heat transfer and keeping the home more stable year-round.
The benefits of this approach include:
Reduced heat gain in summer
Minimized heat loss in winter
A more stable and energy-efficient home
Large windows do not have to compromise thermal performance. With careful detailing, smart structural design, and a focus on airtightness and insulation, a home can enjoy expansive views without excessive energy costs.
Less Timber Framing, Less Thermal Bridging
Reducing the amount of timber in framing can significantly improve a home’s insulation performance.
Traditional framing methods often incorporate large amounts of timber, which acts as a thermal bridge, allowing heat to escape in winter and enter in summer.
Enter simple Mitek Studsavers or the ‘GibFix Framing System’ making it easier for builders to use less timber while maintaining structural integrity.
The advantages of this approach include:
Improved insulation performance by minimizing thermal bridging
More sustainable construction, using fewer raw materials
Smarter, high-performance homes that are more efficient and comfortable
By making small, intentional changes to standard building practices, it is possible to achieve substantial improvements in energy efficiency and overall home comfort.
Final Thoughts For Home Builders
High-performance homebuilding is a collaborative process that requires careful planning and execution.
With the right design strategies, material selections, and construction sequencing, homes can achieve:
Greater energy efficiency
Improved comfort and air quality
Enhanced durability and moisture control
This collaboration between Chaney & Norman, built withMA Building demonstrates how integrating airtightness, ventilation, insulation, and smart material choices can significantly improve home performance.
These are not just theoretical concepts—they are real-world solutions that create better-built homes.
By refining our methods and sharing our insights, we aim to make high-performance homebuilding more accessible and achievable for architects, builders, and homeowners alike.
Beth Chaney-Walker’s Luggate Home Featured in Retreat: Inspired Homes and Ways of Living We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Principal, Beth Chaney-Walker, has
