Architectural Design

Design and Energy Efficiency

At kiwicad® architectural design, we firmly believe energy efficient buildings just have to be better for you and the environment.

Here is a quick checklist of green principles.  Feel free to use any or all of these ideas. We try and incorporate these design elements into our designs where possible:

1. Design - 1. decent R rating insulation in walls and ceilings, (this need not be expensive as most people think)

                   2. double glazing,  3. passive solar heating (site orientation and house design),

                   4. thermal mass to collect and hold the suns heat, 5. roof/house design for shading in summer, sun in winter

2. Energy -  6. efficient lighting (downlights only if we have to),  solar hot water, heatpump hot water cylinders,

                   7. on grid/ off grid solar and pelton wheel, wind generator systems (we are keen on these) 

3. Water -   8. minimising water usage - in and out - (cisterns, low flow taps, low water use appliances etc),

                   9. rainwater collection (this is going to get common),  10. greywater recycling?

4. Siting -   11. landscaping around the house (to eliminate drafts, stop hot afternoon sun),  12. neighbourhood amenities,

                    13. local climate effects

5. Materials - 14. VOC paints, sustainable timbers for decks and claddings,   

                     15. lifecycle costing - how much to buy, howlong does it last, how much to dispose of and replace?