Read the full article over on the MPD website.

Expert Interview: Mark Anderson on Building for the Future

We were stoked to sit down with the team at MPD recently to chat all things Passive House. It was a great chance to share what we’ve learned, how we approach building here in Wanaka, and why performance and sustainability are at the core of everything we do at MA Building.

Here’s a quick summary of what we discussed — or scroll to the end to read the full feature on MPD’s site.

What Is Passive House and Why Does It Matter?

At MA Building, our focus is on building better — and for us, that starts with Passive House principles. That means:

Airtight construction
High levels of insulation
Removing thermal bridges (those hidden weak spots where heat escapes)
Using high-performance windows and doors
Mechanical ventilation systems that bring in fresh air and maintain comfortable indoor conditions year-round

We also thermally model every home before we build it. That gives our clients clarity on how their home will perform across the seasons, not just how it looks on paper.

Why We Made the Switch

Mark’s journey into Passive House started, as many do, with his own home. When building for his family, health and comfort became the priority — and that made him question the way most homes in New Zealand are built.

The reality is, many new homes in Aotearoa still struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures, are expensive to heat and cool, and are far from healthy.

Mark says, “Passive House isn’t just about energy efficiency; it’s about improving quality of life — for us, our families, and the generations to come.”

How Certification Works

For those who don’t know, Passive House is a global building standard that’s rigorous — and for good reason. It ensures your home will:

Use very little energy
Stay at a stable temperature
Deliver excellent air quality
Last the distance

To get certified, you need airtightness testing, detailed documentation, third-party verification, and top-quality components — right down to the flow rates of your ventilation system. It’s not simple, but it’s worth it.

Building for Wanaka’s Wild Weather

We get it all here — frosty winters, hot summers, and sometimes four seasons in one day. Passive House allows us to create homes that keep people comfortable through it all. Airtight construction, high-performance materials, and smart design all come together to create a home that’s steady, efficient, and enjoyable to live in year-round.

It Takes a Team

One of the big takeaways from the interview was the importance of collaboration. Mark highlighted how crucial it is to work closely with architects, engineers, interior designers, and clients — from the early concepts right through to handover.

“We’ve found that when everyone is on the same page, we build not just better homes, but a better process.”

A Real Approach to Sustainability

At MA Building, we know the word "sustainability" gets thrown around a lot. For us, it means building homes that last. We use products like Terra Lana wool insulation because it performs well, is locally made, and safe to handle. But we also ask — how long will it last? Is it fit for purpose? Can it handle Central Otago’s unique conditions?

Timber, cladding, finishes — they all need to stand up to the test of time. There’s no point choosing a ‘green’ material if you have to rip it out in 10 years.

Where We’re Headed

This part of the conversation really captured what we’re about. Mark shared our commitment to never building below our Tier One energy standard again. Every home is modelled. Every home is built with care. And every home is future-ready.

From education and events to supporting the mental health of our trades and apprentices, we’re serious about changing the way our industry thinks and operates.

As Mark puts it, “It’s about setting a higher standard. And doing right by our clients, our team, and the region we love to build in.”

Want To Know More?

We were truly honoured to be interviewed by MPD and share our story.

If you’d like to learn more about how we build Passive and Performance homes in Wanaka, or how we can help bring your next home to life — get in touch. We’re always happy to chat.

📖 Read the full interview on MPD here.

Or reach out to find out more about what we do.
📬 info@mabuilding.co.nz
📞 027 464 1641

Expert Interview with MPD: Mark Anderson on Building for the Future