What is an Energy Efficient Home?
The Linear by Hofmans (Light palette)
To make things easy, let's start with a simple analogy. Imagine you have a pot with boiling water, you grab a metal spoon from one end and put the other end in the boiling water. What happens? The whole spoon will heat up and you'll burn.
Now, instead of a metal spoon, you grab a wooden one and do the same exercise. Why doesn't the wooden spoon burn in the end where you're grabbing it?
Every material has a different thermal conductivity that determines its ability to conduct heat and this can be applied to every building material of your house. The less energy we're using to heat, cool or light the house, the more energy-efficient the house is.
Which building materials can improve the energy efficiency of your house?
Following the example of the spoon, the part of the house where most of the heat exchange happens is in the windows. While most people use metal frames, at Modulo, we choose wooden frames from Abodo manufactured by Eurotech Windoors which take thermal performance to a new level with FSC® timbers, they can help create truly beautiful and sustainable homes.
The window glazing plays a huge role and we recommend using Low E double glazing. "Low E is an abbreviation of “Low Emissivity”, which is the ability to radiate absorbed energy. Low E glass has a unique Low Emissivity coating designed to reflect longwave radiation from the glass itself and from inside or outside the house."
(For more information check MetroGlass).
By definition, insulation is a material or substance that is used to stop heat, electricity, or sound from going into or out of something. There are different types of insulation and we think the best option in New Zealand is Terra Lana. Their wool blend insulation is designed for optimal performance, to enrich your comfort & well-being, minimise heating costs and preserve our environment using recycled, renewable and natural resources.
Airtight building materials such as ProClima Intello, which is an intelligent air barrier, provide superior energy and moisture control. It maximises the performance of the thermal insulation, whilst restricting internal moisture entering the building envelope. (Just like wearing a Goretex on top of your down puffer jacket).
Modulo Showhome in progress
Another great way to save energy is by using Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) from Fantech to keep the place warm in winter. It utilises two synchronised units that alternate between exhaust and supply airflow to help maintain healthy indoor air quality and prevent condensation and mould growth.
What are the advantages of building an energy-efficient home?
Better health (Reduced symptoms of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, rheumatism, arthritis and allergies).
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (protecting our planet).
Reducing demand for energy imports.
Lowering our costs on a household.
There are plenty of amazing articles about Energy Efficient Homes out there and we highly recommend starting to educate yourself on this arena.
Although this is a fairly new topic for some people in New Zealand there are organisations such as the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) which is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to transform the built environment, leading to a green, healthy future.
They developed Homestar, which is an independent rating tool for assessing the health, efficiency, and sustainability of homes across Aotearoa and we're proud to be working to rate our homes with this amazing tool.
We hope you find this useful and would love to hear your feedback!