Choose Your Level of Home Performance
Building Better: Explore The 3 Tiers of Performance & Passive Homes We Build in Wanaka
Our MA Building Performance Tiers
At MA Building, our commitment is clear: we want to build a better Wanaka by making energy-efficient and comfortable homes accessible to everyone. Recognising that high performance doesn’t have to be out of reach, we’ve developed a tiered approach to home building that caters to different needs and budgets, all while enhancing home health and efficiency.
How do you choose your level of performance?
Deciding on the best level of performance home to meet your needs involves a collaborative process with our team and your architect.
Together, we'll evaluate factors such as your sustainability goals, budget, and lifestyle requirements. It's essential to consider how each level of performance can enhance your daily living and align with your long-term aspirations.
We'll guide you through understanding the specific benefits and features of each tier, helping you make an informed decision that balances innovation, efficiency, and comfort.
Why Choose a Performance Tier?
Tailored Solutions for Real Life
No two clients — or sites — are the same. Our 3-tier model gives you flexibility without compromising on the fundamentals of good building. Every tier is a step above code and a step closer to a home that works for you.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Better performance means lower energy bills, less maintenance, and healthier living — now and for the decades to come. The upfront choices you make during design and construction can lock in lifetime benefits, especially in a climate like Central Otago.
Better Building: Explore The 3 Tiers of Performance & Passive Homes We Build in Wanaka
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Level 1 - Low Energy Performance
This entry-level tier achieves approximately 70% more energy efficiency by integrating basic passive house design principles.
Key features include:
· Airtight construction to minimise energy loss.
· Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) to ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean air.
· Reduced thermal bridging through carefully chosen framing materials.
Low Energy Performance Explained
Our entry-level option offers an impressive 70% increase in energy efficiency. By incorporating basic passive house principles like airtight construction, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), and reduced thermal bridging, we provide a substantial upgrade over standard practices. This level is designed for those new to energy-efficient homes, offering significant improvements without the complexity of full certification.
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Level 2 - Low Energy Passive House
This mid-tier option boosts energy efficiency to 80-90% by incorporating multiple passive house principles from the design and modelling stage.
Features include:
· Everything included in Tier 1 plus
· Enhanced insulation to further reduce heating and cooling needs.
· Optimised window placement and glazing for better thermal performance and daylighting.
Low Energy Passive House Explained
Stepping up to this mid-tier, homeowners can experience 80-90% energy efficiency. This option deepens the commitment with enhanced insulation and optimised windows that improve both thermal performance and daylighting. It’s perfect for those looking to balance cost with near-complete passive house benefits.
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Tier 3 - Fully Certified Passive House
The highest tier, meeting the stringent standards required for Passive House certification, which ensures:
· Maximised energy efficiency and minimal ecological footprint.
· Superior indoor air quality and comfort.
· Ultra-low energy building that requires little energy for heating or cooling.
· Passive house certification (be one of around 176 buildings in New Zealand to be certified at the time of writing).
Fully Certified Passive House
For those who demand the pinnacle of home performance, our top tier meets the strictest Passive House standards. Offering more than 90% energy efficiency, superior indoor air quality, and minimal ecological footprint, this home requires very little energy for heating or cooling, setting a benchmark in sustainable living.
