As winter approaches in Wanaka, the cold brought by the El Niño effect, which usually means southerly winds, can be particularly challenging. Passive houses, designed for superior warmth and energy efficiency, stand out as optimal solutions to combat these harsh conditions.

I recently had the chance to flex my acting skills in a video that's close to our hearts here at M A Building. The focus? Tackling site waste in the building industry. We're incredibly passionate about this issue, so being part of this video was an opportunity we couldn't miss.

The video, supported by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, shines a light on the significant issue of construction and demolition waste. It's not just about where the waste ends up; it's also about exploring practical solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.

Working with the Better Building Working Group (BBWG) and other industry professionals, we're determined to make a difference. "This is How We Build" isn't just a phrase; it's a commitment to sustainable building practices, increasing energy efficiency, and addressing the use of toxic chemicals in our industry.

Choosing Windows For Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide. Let’s Talk Through Turning Your Home’s Biggest Weakness Into Your Biggest Asset. Windows are more than just visual portals to the outside world; they are crucial components in the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. In the context of New Zealand's (and more specifically Wanaka’s) varied climate, selecting the right windows is an exercise in balancing aesthetics, performance, sustainability and of course cost.

Stree Free Building In Wanaka - Reflecting on a successful journey always brings joy, especially when it's through the lens of our clients. Today, I want to share something special - a journey that's as much ours as it is our client's. Karen, who recently built a home with us, has been kind enough to share her experience, and I'm truly humbled by her words. Karen's experience, from our initial meeting to the final reveal, was one filled with collaboration and trust. So, how did it all unfold?

Building a passive home is not just a construction project; it's a collaboration of expertise and precision. In this intricate process, our partners play an indispensable role, making them invaluable assets beyond what's typically seen in standard builds. Let me walk you through why our partners are crucial in bringing your dream home to life in Wanaka.

Building in Wanaka in 2024/2025? Why you should build a Passive House. Embracing the Passive House Standard in our building practices is not just a trend; it's a necessity. This is evident in global movements, such as Scotland's mandate for all new homes to meet passive standards by 2024, setting new benchmarks in sustainability​​​​​​. In Wanaka, our unique climate challenges and the rising energy costs make it an even more potent choice.

Why you’ll wish you had a Passive Home in Wanaka this summer | With El Nino predicted to send temperatures soaring, we take a look at how life differs with Passive Home living.

Unveiling the Future of Passive House Construction at PHINZ Hui 2023 | PHINZ Hui 2023 in Christchurch proved to be a transformative experience | This article delves into the topics covered, that could propel the Passive House movement from the periphery to the forefront of New Zealand's construction industry.

Holistic Home Building In Wanaka: Building Beyond The Norm | Read our insights into our whole system construction ethos for building Passive Homes in Wanaka | We build better, reduce construction waste and build you a better home in the process.

Why Passive Homes? The Real Story. This is a question we get asked all the time. So, we want to lift the lid on the real story behind why we chose to build Passive Homes in Wanaka and why we believe it’s the way of the future.

When I look back on the past ten years in the building business, one thing stands out more than anything else: change. In this ever-evolving industry, everything is in constant flux – from the clients we work with and the jobs we take on, to the makeup of our team and the innovations that shape our work. Over the years, I've learned that embracing this constant state of change is the key to staying grounded and successful in the business.

At the heart of Passive Home innovation lies a formidable tool – modelling. This article delves into the critical role that modelling plays in the design and construction of passive homes, shedding light on its applications, especially in Wanaka, New Zealand, where the variable climate demands astute planning. Additionally, we will explore how modelling contributes to understanding the cost dynamics of these ambitious undertakings.

We believe a healthy home and a healthy family is the ultimate form of wealth. It might seem like an investment up front, but the long term benefits are huge.

Future proof your Wanaka build with Passive & Performance Principles. Comfort now. Better Value later. Why building a passive home will future proof the value of your home for the future.

To get started, let’s talk about what Pro Clima products are - and why the team here at M A Building love working with them on high performance and passive homes. Pro Clima is a New Zealand business that has created a range of building systems that achieve airtightness and weather-tightness in a home. These systems create energy efficient, low allergen emitting, comfortable, healthy homes, which as you all know, we are all about too!

Decisions, decisions, decisions, there are so many to make when it comes to making our homes the best they can be. Clean, green homes are what most of us are striving for and who doesn’t want lower electricity bills to join that party? Interestingly, solar energy has been in existence for at least 100 years, mainly used for steam production to drive machinery. An invention of a solar cell by Charles Fritts in 1893 was the beginning of the solar panel we have come to know today. With solar panels becoming an attractive option for homes to generate their own electricity, we decided it would a good idea to gain some clarity around solar energy.

Having lived in Wanaka for five years now, there is a particular time of year when high-performance and passive homes absolutely shine. That time of year is now, in Autumn and again in Spring, when the mornings and evenings are cooler but the days provide clear skies with sunshine. The design of a passive or high-performing home means that the airtightness and insulation reduces the amount of heat loss allowing the home to stay at a comfortable temperature all night long. Meaning the home owner is no longer reaching for that heat pump remote every single night or that condensation towel every single morning and is saving themselves 90% reduction in their heating costs every single year.

When we’re talking with clients who are planning to build a passive home or a high-performing home, one of the key reasons they are looking to build this way is because of the benefits when it comes to condensation. Here in New Zealand, many homes, both old and new, that are built to the standard New Zealand Building Code, will experience ‘crying windows’ or high levels of condensation on their home’s windows.