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Building a resilient future: passive house builders in Christchurch

1 September 2023

In response to the rapidly changing climate and escalating energy costs, the demand for environmental and energy efficient housing solutions has never been more critical. One concept that has been gaining considerable attention in recent years is that of the passive house. Christchurch, a city that has endured more than its fair share of challenges, is emerging as a beacon of innovation and resilience with its commitment to rebuilding smarter for sustainable living.


What is a passive house?

Developed from research by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, passive houses are energy-smart buildings created to rigorous energy efficient designs to maintain an almost constant temperature. Expertly custom constructed, insulated and ventilated they require very little additional heating or cooling.


The passive house concept is structured around 5 fundamental principles:


1.     High quality insulation: An envelope of thick and continuous insulation delivers thermal separation between the heated or cooled inside environment and the outdoors giving improved thermal comfort and reduced risk of condensation.


2.     Thermal bridge free construction: When materials with superior heat conductivity form a 'bridge' between the interior and exterior surfaces of a structure, it’s called a thermal bridge. They are weak points in the building envelope and can account for as much as 30% of total heat loss.


3.     Heat control and high-performance windows: Enables solar radiation to warm up the insides of the property in winter, while minimising radiation in the hotter months.


4.     Airtight construction: Extremely low air leakage performance delivers a comfortable indoor environment as there are no gaps for warm or cold air to escape.


5.     Mechanical heat recovery ventilation: The process of improving indoor air quality and regulating humidity without the need to open windows or doors. Heat recovery filters capture and reuse heat while circulating fresh air.



Interior of a passive house from Shaun Bradley Builders Christchurch

The Passive House advantage: sustainable comfortable living


·      A passive house where energy efficiency is redefined

One of the greatest pulls of a passive house design is the exceptional energy efficiency. Passive houses use between 75% and 90% less energy than regular homes. They are incredibly eco-friendly being proactively designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the home. The hugely reduced energy bills more than offset any initial investment in passive house construction providing long-term savings which, coupled with the resulting increase in property value, make a passive home build a wise investment.


·      Resilience in the face of challenges

The benefits of passive houses extend far beyond green credentials and financial savings. They are built with durability and resilience in mind, engineered to withstand the unpredictable. An experienced passive house builder team utilising only high-quality materials and construction methods enable the homeowners to enjoy an enhanced sense of security and stability.


·      A sustainable passive house for optimised health

These homes provide a consistently comfortable living environment year-round. The ingenious design elements maintain stable indoor temperatures but also ensure excellent indoor air quality. The high-quality ventilation systems reduce allergens, pollutants and remove the risk of mould growth, fostering a healthier and safer living environment for the occupants.


It’s crucial you choose a certified Passive House builder to complete your project. The success of a passive build is reliant on high quality materials being used in conjunction with passive house specialist knowledge and best practices. Shaun of Shaun Bradley Builders qualified as a Passive House Tradesman in 2022. With energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility at the core of his business, as passive house builders in Christchurch they are paving the way for a new era in architectural innovation.


If you would like to learn more about passive houses and how the principles can be applied to your project, contact us today. Call 027 284 5363 or click here. 

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.

Rethink the space in your home: Renovations for modern living

23 October 2023
If you have the growing realisation your current home no longer fulfils your needs, yet you have no desire to relocate, it’s time to reconsider your property’s space and how you use it. The unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic acted as a catalyst to highlight inadequacies in people's living environments which, coupled with the surge in housing costs, means there is an increased demand for builders Christchurch renovations . People typically think building up and out delivers the biggest transformation, yet high impact transfigurations are achieved by the clever reworking of existing areas within the property’s footprint. Renovating a property does not always mean extensive works and extravagant budgets. Repurposing a room, removing a wall, or reorientating a layout has the potential to deliver great gains, both in terms of practicalities and aesthetics. Space is no longer the lone prerequisite, modern living places fresh demands on house designs to create a greater sense of flow and altruistic cohesion in the home. Multifunctional spaces In our experience as high-end builders, Shaun Bradley Builders are used to challenging the traditional boundaries of space, but it is the emergence of dynamic multi-functional spaces that have a huge impact on the modern living experience. Think of a room that transitions from a quiet daytime workspace into to a vibrant social space for weekends or a dining room that transforms into a media room. Multifunctional spaces are not about cramming more into a confined area, rather they have the capacity and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the householders in a way that today’s fast-paced life demands. Sustainable renovation options A sustainable renovation embraces the use of locally sourced, eco-conscious materials to replace existing ones during the renovation process, while also implementing intentional modifications to enhance your home’s overall environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Homeowners are now more tuned into the impact of their homes on the environment. Shaun Bradley Builders are leading passive house builders in Christchurch and help climate-conscious clients add the green to their renovations: Superior insulation Natural ventilation Strategic shading High performance materials 
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