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Raising the standard for healthier, energy efficient homes
Almost all houses built today are built to the minimum standard allowed by law (equivalent to a Homestar rating of 3). This is well below what is acceptable by other developed countries where minimum standards are around Homestar rating of 6 or above.
The result is that most kiwis will end up living in cold damp houses that are unhealthy and costly to run due to inefficient design, building, and poor quality building materials. Respiratory diseases are directly linked to cold, damp, and mouldy homes. NZ has the highest childhood asthma rate in the world with 30% of our 7 year olds having asthma. Additionally, we have the highest mortality rate from asthma of all high-income countries.
We need better building standards to support the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, now and in the future. The Superhome Movement is dedicated to driving that change. We are a non-profit, industry-led group creating transformative change in the New Zealand building industry through education, supporting good business, and lobbying for change. Our goal is to raise standards so that all new homes are healthier and more energy efficient, while also promoting environmental, economic, and socially sustainable practices.
Key points about creating healthy, energy efficient homes. Coming Soon!
A Superhome design provides you a superior living environment for the life of the home and savings from day one. What makes a superior design and how to avoid faulty design.
SuperFloor... Slab fully insulated edge with no thermal bridging.
Suspended floors fully insulated floor systems, airtight and earthquake resilient.
SuperWall high-performance wall systems and Panels. EcoPanel and Cross Laminated timber (CLT) floors and roofs. Rapid construction, weather-tight, resilient and efficient
Windows are the greatest heat loss. SuperWindow recessed windows provide huge energy and comfort benefit and eliminate condensation causing weeping windows etc.
Super- insulation reduces heat loss (and gain) with higher levels of insulation and airtightness, along with minimising thermal bridging to create a superior thermal envelope.
Airtight construction and building materials to minimise heat loss and eliminate moisture and mold in the wall and roof assembies etc... Proper MHRV ventilation is required in airtight buildings.
Proper ventilation is critical for health, safety, and comfort but also for the durability and longevity and protection of the building from decay.
A whole building integrated design system thinking approach is required.
Energy efficient heating, such as hydronic underfloor that is solar powered and integrated with hot water heating is a super efficient option
All Superhomes have rainwater harvesting. Some also have greywater recycling. Use water efficient taps and fittings and energy recovery drains. Permeable landscape to reduce stormwater runoff
Use renewable energy sources with energy efficient fittings and appliances, and automated smart controls to restrict energy use to times when it is needed
Every two minutes the sun gives the earth more energy than is used annually. Solar works best when integrated into the design to either be used while generated or stored.
Use ethically sourced, natural materials that are environmentally certified. Avoid red-listed and toxic materials. Minimse waste and ensure the home is resilient and future focused
Minimise your carbon footprint by having food producing plants and native landscaping. Permeable paving and appropriate planting to reduce stormwater load
Design orientated for correct solar gain with shading optimised to prevent overheating. Planning and layout for sun and light access. Biophilic design
Homestar rates sustainability. Passive House models predicted thermal performance. Blower door tests verify the build quality airtightness. Monitoring confirms built performance.
Find people who know how to create Superhomes
Find a Superhome designer
Find an architectural designer who is experienced in designing for health, comfort, resilience, and energy efficiency. A good architect will save you thousands of dollars in running costs for your home.
Find a Superhome builder
Find a builder who is experienced in building above the minimum building code with evidence of several homes built to Homestar 6 or better. They should have a genuine interest in energy efficiency including a willingness to learn and make continual improvements.
Find an all in one design and build company
Find companies that can do both design and build. Some will have an in-house architect or draftsman, others will have an external architect or draftsman that they work closely with.
Explore Superhome suppliers
Learn about suppliers that can help you get the most out of your thermal envelope including products to ensure airtightness, fully insulated slabs, heating, uninterrupted insulation in the walls and ceilings, and high performance windows.
Find a consultant with Superhome expertise
Explore consultants with Superhome experise. It is critical to find professionals who are experienced in working with energy efficient designers and builders.
Find developers specialising in super communities
Developers who have a keen eye for sustainable communities and energy efficient homes.
Find realtors and valuers experienced in valuing and marketing Superhomes
Superhomes are as much as 10% more valuable than those that are not energy efficient. The key is in finding realtors and valuers who know how to value and market energy efficient houses.
Find builders experienced in Super renovations
Renovating your existing home with energy efficient options requires a builder who is experienced in the complexities of renovations and how to get the most out of your thermal envelope while retaining the character of your home.
Virtual Tour | See inside NZ's most healthy and energy efficient homes
Setting a new standard
Energy efficiency should not be a niche market in the building industry, it should be a minimum standard of practice for all homes built in New Zealand. The Superhome Movement aims to raise standards so that all new homes are healthier and more energy efficient.
