DESCRIPTION:

The first house designed using Thermomass precast concrete construction was designed for the Principal of the Practice as an experiment in using alternative materials that provide energy efficient and comfortable environments.

The end result is a house that has a balanced temperature (with the assistance of ducted air conditioning during extreme high and low temperature periods), is low maintenance and fun to live in.

LOCATION:

The house is situated on Te Mata Peak Road in Havelock North and is accessed via a sealed drive to a private flat platform overlooking a reserve. The site is North East facing and the house is designed to capture both the views to the reserve and the day sun.

Protection from the high temperature is provided by verandahs and a structural frame with a fabric mesh insert.

CONSTRUCTION:

The walls facing North West and South West are constructed using Thermomass precast concrete panels. The panels consist of a 150mm thick reinforced concrete inside skin with 50mm of high density polystyrene separating the 65mm concrete exterior skin reinforced with stainless steel fibres.

The panels are cantilevered from the thickened floor slab and the joints between panels sealed. Windows are inserted into rebates in the panels.

Other external walls to the house are lined with Hardies Titan Board while the garage is finished with horizontal corrugated zincalume. The roof is corrugated zincalume.