Energy Efficiency in New House Design: Sustainable Solutions for the Future

When building a new home, prioritising energy-efficient design elements can help you save money and reduce your environmental impact. At Chaplin Crooks Architects we take pride in designing homes that aren’t just beautiful and functional but also focus on sustainability. Every efficient home is a step towards a greener future and better lives for our clients.

Minimising Energy Usage With Innovative Home Design

The first step to minimising energy usage in your new home is to consider efficient home design elements, such as:

Insulation. External walls, roofing and floors should be insulated to a high level. We pay particular attention to floor edges, which can be a source of significant heat loss if there us not continuous insulation extending below the bottom of the walls, particularly with in-slab heating. New construction methods such as warm roofs also allow us to achieve a continuous layer of insulation outside the roof structure, which not only keeps heat in during winter, but can prevent overheating in summer months. PIR insulation can be used to achieve higher insulation levelswhile taking up less thickness than more traditional insulation materials such as batts. Suitable insulation can reduce your home’s heating and cooling needs, saving energy.
High-Quality Windows. Thermally broken aluminium windows are a significant improvement over traditional aluminium windows, though we are increasingly specifying timber or uPVC frames for even better efficiency. Double glazing, or even triple glazing, incorporating low-E glass can further reduce heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer.
Passive Solar Design. Passive solar design can keep your house comfortable without having to rely on HVAC systems. Roof overhangs can shade in the summer and let sunlight in over the winter when the angle of the sun is lower. Unnecessarily large windows can lead to overheating in the summer, as well as heat loss during the colder months. Think about whether you really need floor-to-ceiling windows if you’re only going to be looking down to your driveway – smaller windows could reduce construction cost and improve thermal performance without even losing any of your view.

Reducing Energy Use With Energy Sources And Appliances

Aside from the design of the home itself, also consider the electrical sources and appliances you’ll be using once your house is complete.

Photovoltaic (PV) Panels. Solar electric panels are improving in performance and affordability and are now a common addition to many new homes in Aotearoa. We can discuss your requirements with you to decide whether you are better off installing a battery as part of your system or just connecting it directly to the grid.
Energy Sources For In-Slab Heating Systems And Hot Water Cylinders. Both in-slab heating systems and hot water cylinders can be run off the same external heat pump units. This is an efficient way to heat your home and your hot water. You may also be able to link them to PV panels as a power supply to heat your water and floor during the day.
Ultra-Low Emission Burners (ULEB). Are you interested in having a cosy fireplace in your new home? Then, you will be pleased to hear that new ultra-low emission burners, or ULEBs, are now able to be installed in Christchurch after many years of new wood burners being banned. These are becoming a popular alternative to gas fires and are a wonderful choice for those who love the warmth of fireplaces.
Controlled Ventilation Systems. Controlled ventilation systems use heat from exhaust air to warm up fresh air coming into the home and can provide you with good circulation of fresh air. This can make your in-home air feel more refreshing rather than being stale. Additionally, good ventilation can also improve your in-home air quality, as it can help move airborne particles, allergens and odours out of your house.

Enjoying The Efficiency Of New Technology

Building a beautiful new home is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your quality of life with newer, better appliances and technology.

Consider Your Electric Vehicle. If you have an electric vehicle or plan on getting one in the future, then we can install a power supply that’s ready to connect a faster charger for an EV. When your car is at home during the day, you can use your solar panels to charge its battery.
Home Automation. Home automation is a great way to save energy and is increasingly user-friendly with new Bluetooth controllers that don’t require complicated networking. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, most people can learn how to use these systems quickly. Home automation can save energy by lowering blinds at certain times of the day when temperatures in the room reach a predetermined level, avoiding the need to cool overheating rooms. They can also turn lights on or off automatically, preventing energy waste.
Energy-Efficient Appliances. Many new appliances focus on energy efficiency, helping residents stay efficient and eco-friendly throughout their daily lives. Always look at how efficient an appliance is before you purchase it for your new home.

Designing A New Christchurch Home That’s Beautiful, Functional And Energy-Efficient

At Chaplin Crooks Architects we specialise in creating dream homes that are tailored to the unique needs of our valued clients. Energy efficiency and eco-friendliness are growing concerns for modern New Zealanders, and we’re happy to do what we can to make Christchurch a more sustainable place.

How would you like to reach your sustainability goals with your new house? You can reach our team on 03 384 9602 or use our contact page. We invite you to book a free consultation with our team so that we can discuss your home plans.

Chaplin Crooks Architects: Let us design the perfect dream home for your lifestyle and goals.