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Architects shape the places where they work. Good Architects are also shaped themselves by their surrounding environment. For Chaney & Norman Architects, responding respectively to the natural environment of Central Otago is fundamental to their work.
Living and working in Wanaka, Beth Chaney is very conscious of being part of a place that most people only visit on holiday. This acknowledgment provides constant motivation for looking after the natural environment.
“Why would we do anything that’s going to have a negative impact on the environment and the climate?”, asks Beth.
You Can’t Just Bolt On Sustainability.
When Beth was first studying to become an Architect, sustainability felt like an add-on. She wonders if the training has changed now. Her own mindset is definitely a contrast to the add-on approach. “A home is really a complete system,” explained Beth. “Everything has to be considered to work well together and it has to be that way from the start.”
Homestar and Passive House
Beth sees a positive alliance between rating tools such as Homestar, and standards like Passive House. She likes the broad nature of Homestar – the fact that it considers water, waste and materials around a strong core of energy efficiency. This can be complementary to the rigorous energy modelling of the Passive House standard. While Chaney & Norman Architects haven’t yet completed a full Passive House project, Beth sees big benefits in incorporating airtightness into their future designs.
Environmental Information
Obtaining environmental ratings for products and materials continues to be a challenge for Homestar designers. Rating tools have helped shift the market by requiring third-party verification of environmental credentials. Homestar and Green Star have encouraged a lot of suppliers to make certifications available to practitioners in order to get their products specified. Suppliers may be improving in this aspect, but Beth thinks there is still some way to.
Design and Build for You
“There are a lot of big houses in Queenstown and Wanaka,” says Beth, and they often don’t get used for part of the year. Chaney & Norman Architects encourage their clients to build for themselves, not what they think the market is demanding. Beth usually tries convincing clients to think smaller. When clients design for themselves, then resale value becomes irrelevant. The home is loved so much, the clients don’t want to sell it!
Chaney & Norman Architects
Beth Chaney is a New Zealand Registered Architect and Homestar Assessor. Chaney & Norman Architects are members of the Superhome Movement and the New Zealand Green Building Council.
Check out the growing portfolio of stunning homes designed by Chaney & Norman Architects. Beth has also written an informative collection of blogs.
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