Waitakere NOW Home® - at a glance
In This Section
- The layout and design of the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Energy efficiency of the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Healthy living indoors in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Water conservation in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Waste management in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- The Waitakere neighbourhood
- The benefits of living in the Waitakere NOW Home®
The statistics
- The Waitakere NOW Home® is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, single storey dwelling, with attached garage.
- It has a total floor area of 146 m2 (24m2 of this is garage). Almost half of the total floor area is living and dining space.
- There are two living areas: the main open living area including the lounge, dining area and kitchen; and a second living area off which the bedrooms open. The second living area is versatile.
- It was built at a cost of $218,000 + GST, excluding landscaping and soft furnishings (2005 prices).
Photo: Craig Robertson Photography
Simple principles of good building
By using simple, proven designs and technologies in combination, the Waitakere NOW Home® addresses the whole house – from energy efficiency to water to the indoor environment, and even to waste.
Its simple features include:
- A design which faces the north with lots of windows on the northern side
- Wide eaves to let the winter sun in but keep the summer sun out
- A concrete floor which absorbs heat from the sun and releases it when the air is cold
- High levels of ceiling, wall and floor insulation, much higher than in the Building Code
- Double glazed windows to keep the heat in and the noise out
- Solar water heating
- Water efficient taps, toilet and appliances
- A rainwater tank to collect and reuse rain
- Ventilation of moisture in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Passive ventilation to keep down moisture and avoid overheating
- Good natural light in all rooms combined with efficient light fittings and bulbs
Continued Reading
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What is the HomeSmart Home project?
What is the Waitakere NOW Home® project?
Building the Waitakere NOW Home® - a history
Waitakere NOW Home® - at a glance
- The layout and design of the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Energy efficiency of the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Healthy living indoors in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Water conservation in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- Waste management in the Waitakere NOW Home®
- The Waitakere neighbourhood
- The benefits of living in the Waitakere NOW Home®
Waitakere NOW Home®