Designing for energy saving does not have to curb your style or limit your architect. We work with you and your ideas to build in elements that will enhance efficiency. At Ethos homes we provide you with variable solutions to achieving an energy efficient home. Our continuum begins with our standard Ethos build (well beyond NZS build requirements), advances through to an internationally recognised passive certified home, or take it a step further become self sufficient and ‘off the national grid.’ It’s up to you the level of energy efficiency you want to achieve.
The plan and design phase of your building journey is critical in ensuring the necessary design elements are incorporated into your home to achieve optimum performance.
Within the fundamental areas of your home; flooring, walls, heating and ventilation and windows there are different options you can choose depending on the level of energy efficiency you want to achieve.
We understand the tension between “optimum” and “realistic” and how your project budget needs to be balanced with the resources available at your stage of life. We have detailed the key areas where building the Ethos way will significantly improve your efficiency.
Have a look at the diagram below detailing options for flooring elements. Your planning and detail around the flooring elements can play a big part in your efforts to be energy efficient.
The diagram below gives you a simple snap shot of Ethos standard level and what we do to begin to make energy savings.
Generating heat to keep your home warm can come at a significant cost.
Many homes in New Zealand struggle with getting rid of moisture and dampness. An Ethos home is designed with a mechanical ventilation and heat exchange system to ensure the air in your home is always warm and dry. Minimal energy is required to maintain your homes warmth, while fresh filtered air is circulated.