Matthew Cutlet-Welsh of Home Style Green has just interviewed eHaus to have a listen click HERE  This interview came about through a meeting with Elrond Burrell who is an expat Kiwi Architect working in the UK. I met Elrond whilst over there recently and he showed me two PassiveHaus schools that he has been involved with. It was a cold day when we visited with snow still lingering outside Oak Meadow and even though the school was empty as it was half term it was warm inside. It is heated by two domestic boilers which is crazy when you see the size of it. But it works. The exciting thing for me is that they have achieved this building for no more cost. That is why they are very busy now with more schools underway around the UK. Just reminded of this by the cold snap here in NZ……..We will build schools like this here too, its just a matter of when! Click HERE to have a look. If you want to listen to Elrond Burrell he is also on the Homestyle Green Pod Cast series.’

I have just returned from the 17th International Passive House Conference which was held in Frankfurt this year. Dr Paola Leardini of The University of Auckland and I  presented a paper all about the history and rapid growth of Passive House buildings here in NZ. It was well received and sparked interesting conversations from other delegates from around the world. Altogether there were 34 countries represented at the conference so Passive House has truly gone global! I also had the privilege of representing the Passive House Institute NZ at the IPHA affiliates meeting along with the founder Dr Wolfgang Feist, Tomas O’Leary founder of the Passive House Academy in Ireland and America and other stars of the Passive House world. This meeting confirmed to me that the organisation is very much geared for growth as this was the central theme of the discussion.  Another highlight of the conference was tours that had been arranged to view some of the latest PH constructions. There were 8  tours, I would have liked to go on them all, but only one was possible! We saw 4 completely different examples of PH buildings ranging from a newly refurbished 1960,s office complex to an Architects office which was totally modern combined with an accommodation block which was totally historic in style, the next was a 10 minute walk around a whole subdivision of terrace houses which were varied but all to PH standard and the last a building site where construction was half way completed of a 36 apartment block designed by a French Architect to be built in 5 different countries, quite incredible.

As you can imagine I am so glad that eHaus has chosen this path only building to this incredible standard as all through the conference the same theme resounded….. buildings that are comfortable, healthy and save 80% of the energy of a normal building. Want to know more? Please email or give me a call.

We at ecoBuild Developments are very excited to announce  the running of the fifth eHaus one day workshop. This workshop has been specifically designed for those that are thinking of building or renovating. Giving you the opportunity  to learn more about how energy efficiency combines with health and comfort when using the Passive House technology. Although developed in Germany it is proving to be totally brilliant for the New Zealand climate and conditions. We cover a wide range of topics in a relaxed interactive environment  that enables you to get the answers you need for your particular ideas or project.

This is a fully catered event, we will be providing morning and afternoon tea along with lunch. An added bonus is the opportunity to visit an eHaus built on a stunning site  where you can experience first hand the comfort of a home that is built to the Passive House Standard. The workshop is in New Plymouth for the first time and ecoBuild is looking forward to working with our local eHaus builder Kelvin Pearce.

Places are limited so please register your interest by emailing info@ehaus.co.nz or phone Baden now on 027 4859 515. Click HERE to download the flyer.

The eHaus in Wairarapa takes shape under ideal building conditions. The windows have arrived from Germany and are being fitting now. Although the performance of this house will be to the International Passive House Standard the build time is not much different to a standard house. All materials for this build are sourced locally except for the window joinery and ventilation system. D R Borman are the local eHaus licensees and are doing a brilliant job!

Our job is to understand your specific requirements and work this into a design and build process that gives certainty of performance along with function and beauty. As well as training building companies around the country we have been busy establishing a relationship with a team of 5 design companies. This solid foundation will enable the brand of Passive House called eHaus to be a viable choice for all Kiwis that want a healthy home that saves money through energy efficiency.

Having become Passive House certified in 2011 we have been developing our skills further and have become qualified to offer the Air Tightness Testing with the purchase of the first eHaus Minneapolis Blower Door. This was an obvious decision as each house we build has to be tested to ensure that it conforms to the standard. We are also able to offer testing as a stand alone service if you require this.

It was great to spend a day earlier this month honing our skills with the technical engineer from Zehnder who are one of the Passive House certified ventilation providers around the world. There have been challenges to overcome as with anything worth having but the gains once these are met and dealt with are so significant. If you are reading this and want to know more call me on 021 465 112 or email info@ehaus.co.nz

 PassiveHaus events around the world click HERE

We still have some places left in our fourth eHaus workshop coming up on Saturday 10th November. This is a brilliant opportunity to discover why 36 countries are now building to this standard around the world and how it works so well right here in New Zealand.

Now the winter is over and the solar hot water is providing most of the hot water we need the power bills are looking good in the eHaus we are monitoring. We purchase our electricity from powershop and they like others are able to give you a break down of how much power you are using. So it is good news when the Bill says it we are running at $2.15 a day. This is the total energy bill for a family of five! This has dropped from over $3.50 a day  in the winter months mainly due to the solar hot water system supplying what we need and the cost of power is cheaper in the summer with Powershop.

The total heating bill for the winter comes to $209.44 for the wood pellets which we bought by the bag. If we buy in bulk that drops to $130.90 for the year. That is to heat the whole house with even temperatures in every room. We have not need to heat now since September and even with the door open for two hours on Sunday afternoons the indoor temperature is very comfortable.

Last weekend a visitor to the showhome remarked that it was a bit warm but I did point out that the large coat and woolly jumper was probably the reason! eHaus design ensures the temperature and humidity are just right and according to the world health organisation this means a minimum of 18 degrees C and a maximum of 25 degrees C with a relative humidity between 40-60. Whats brilliant is an eHaus can provide this all for less than $3.00 a day!

The date Sunday 11th November has been specially chosen to coincide with the International Passive House Open Days. Over the last 20 years, Passive House has become synonymous with quality, comfort and energy requirements low enough to be feasibly and sustainably covered with renewable. Owners and residents of Passive House buildings will be able to show members of the public just that by opening their homes and offices for this 9th annual International Passive House Days.

This particular residential building is still under construction but it gives you the opportunity to talk with others that share the Passive House passion and find out valuable information on how and why a house can be comfortable with virtually no heating requirement even when it is situated on the foothills of one of New Zealand’s highest mountains!

According to the International Passive House Association………..

“The Passive House Days provides a chance for Passive House enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience Passive Houses in all their variety, along with the comfort they offer first hand and see for themselves why all paths lead to Passive House. Private homes and non-residential buildings designed by a variety of different architects using various construction methods take part annually, opening their doors to the public. This annual event is a wonderful way to raise awareness about and interest in Passive House.”

If you would like to find out more please visit us on Sunday 11th of November from 2.00pm – 4.00pm on site at 61 Maunga Heights off Carrington Road. Or call Kelvin Pearce on 027 4485624

This will be the fourth time that ecoBuild Developments has offered the eHaus one day workshop. Specifically designed for those that are thinking of building or renovating. Giving you the opportunity  to learn more about how energy efficiency combines with health and comfort when using the Passive House technology. Although developed in Germany it is proving to be totally brilliant for the New Zealand climate and conditions. We cover a wide range of topics in a relaxed interactive environment  that enables you to get the answers you need for your particular ideas or project.

This is a fully catered event, we will be providing morning and afternoon tea along with lunch. An added bonus is the opportunity to spend the day at the eHaus showhome where you can experience first hand the comfort of a home that is built to the Passive House principles.

Places are limited so please register your interest by emailing jon@ehaus.co.nz or phone now on 021465112. Click Here to download the flyer.