Architects get hands on
I love it when architects are genuinely curious about construction, even more when they get hands on. Auckland architects Sophie Hermann and Julie Chrystall signed up for two days of...
by Rachel Rose
Updated: Jan 2026
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The underlay dilemma: getting it right under your metal roof
When it comes to constructing or renovating a roof with metal cladding in New Zealand, one crucial component often overlooked until problems arise is the underlay. An awesome overview document...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Jan 2026
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Air sealing with sealant and backing rod: yes, you need both
When it comes to keeping our buildings weathertight and preventing unwanted airflow, the humble air seal plays a vital role. The duo of sealant and backing rod are one option to achieving...
by ike saniel
Updated: Jan 2026
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The path to decarbonisation for the aged care sector
EECA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, launched a valuable resource in 2023 to support the aged care and retirement living sector on its decarbonisation journey. The suite of tools and resources,...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Jan 2026
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Understanding Our Energy Use: The RBS as a Foundation
When we talk about how much energy our homes in Australia and New Zealand consume, chances are the data underpinning those discussions comes from the Residential Baseline Study (RBS). As highlighted in...
by ike saniel
Updated: Jan 2026
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Canada tackles the massive task of greening its buildings
We often look to other countries for examples and lessons learned in the push towards sustainable buildings. A recent article in Canada’s National Observer (July 2024) highlights the significant challenge and opportunity...
by ike saniel
Updated: Mar 2026
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Mapping residential heat demand and resulting emissions
This is a new paper by Jack et al looking at how residential space heating and hot water varies across New Zealand regions with a focus on the amounts and carbon emissions....
by ike saniel
Updated: Jan 2026
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Palmerston North’s first Passive House
Heartland city Palmerston North now has its very first certified Passive House project, Hokowhitu Passivhaus....
by Rachel Rose
Updated: Jul 2025
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Electrification is the future (and the future is now)
While electrification will drive up electrical consumption, it will simultaneously lead to a vast decrease in overall energy demand. This is primarily because of the far greater efficiency of electric...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Apr 2025
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Replicable design for energy-efficient homes in India
It’s interesting to see how other nations tackle energy efficiency in buildings. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)’s Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings in India provides...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Apr 2025
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Assessing feasibility of commercial PV generation
EECA recently published guidance for businesses weighing up commercial PV generation. As always, the devil lies in the detail, and understanding the methodology used to assess the viability of solar...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Apr 2025
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Visiting The House, a giant NYC Passive House housing complex
There’s so much to see in New York City, including lots of certified Passive House buildings. Here’s another side trip I did during last year’s family holiday. The House is...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Jan 2025
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Keep designPH up-to-date to avoid Passive House certification hitches
Passive House designers: do you know what version of designPH you are using? It’s important you are using, if not the latest version (2.2.24 at time of writing) then 2.1.15...
by Jessica Eyers
Updated: Jan 2025
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Owl Woods: complex form, superb Passive House performance
This Australian Passive House home is such a stunning departure from a simple rectangle and a great example of how complex forms can still be extremely energy efficient. It goes...
by Rachel Rose
Updated: Dec 2024
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Kara’s last tradies course
It was the end of an era last week, when Kara Rosemeier taught her last CET (certified Passive House tradesperson) in Auckland . Knowing Kara, hers will be a very...
by Jessica Eyers
Updated: Nov 2024
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Passive House buildings still need heating
Here in New Zealand climates, people living in certified Passive House homes need to turn the heater on sometimes. To me as a building scientist and Passive House certifier, this...
by Sara Wareing
Updated: Jan 2025
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H1 insulation requirements are not expensive
How much cost does upgraded insulation required under the revised H1 add to a new build? Much less than anecdotal figures bandied about in the media, according to some solid...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Nov 2024
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Wellington Passive House meet up
The Wellington chapter of PHINZ is hosting a social event on 3 December at the Southern Cross hotel. No presentations or talks, just a relaxed drink with friends and like-minded...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Nov 2024
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