Author: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
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Summer Projects – Outdoor Laundry Line
Well it’s been far too long, but I have been busy while I’ve been away from the computer. Most recently I enjoyed a great Christmas & summer break. My Dad was also here and we got some great projects done around that house, many of which will help improve the overall sustainability of our home.…
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Housing is a Health Issue
Poor quality housing is housing that doesn’t do it’s job well. So what’s the job of a house? I think it’s to keep us warm, dry and healthy. These are the basics. Above that it’s a place for us to live; grow, entertain, learn, rest and share happy times with friends and family. Perhaps sometimes…
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Small Homes are the Next Big Thing
Just heard a recent interview with ‘Urbanist’ Tommy Honey talking on Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon. The topic was micro units. You can listen to the interview here: As Tommy Honey points out, microacrchitecture is not a new concept and there have been some other recent developments here in New Zealand. The bright young…
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New Energy Efficiency Standards for Lighting
How do you know how efficient a light bulb is? Well soon we’ll be able to use the a similar system that’s available for comparing fridges, dishwashers, heat pumps and various other appliances. It’s called Minimum Energy Performance Standards, or MEPS for short. You can find out more about MEPS on the EECA website. From…
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What is the best form of home heating?
I was fortunate to be part of the Auckland Home Show last weekend. Yes, for me this was fortunate because I like that sort of stuff – getting to see what’s happening in the industry and also talking with people about what their concerns are about their homes. I got the chance to talk to…
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16 That’s Not Rubbish!
I have a thing about ‘rubbish’. I guess I have a thing about a lot of things that don’t really makes sense in our modern lives, but let’s not get started on all that. A presenter at the recent Auckland Home Show summed it up well when she said that no organic material should ever…
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15 Who do you call for free eco design advice?
Eion Scott is an Eco Design Advisor with the Auckland Council. Eco Design Advisors around the country offer free, in home, independent advice on how to improve the warmth, health and comfort of your home. For more information go to the Eco Design Advisor website.
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Episode 14: What’s an architectural designer and do you need one?
An architectural designer sits somewhere between a draughter and an architect. Bob Burnett is an experienced architectural designer in Christchurch and he explained to me some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to consult with a designer if you’re planning a new build or a renovation. Bob is also an experienced energy modeller…
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13: Do you need a home ventilation system?
About 10% of New Zealand homes invest in some form of retrofitted home ventilation system. But do you really need one, and if so, what for? In this cast I talk about how to tell if your house is leaky or air-tight depending on it’s age, two basic types of home ventilation systems and…
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Episode 12: Wrap up of the NZGBC Master Classes
LED Lighting, ventilation, construction waste management (and how to save a bucket load instantly on construction costs) and thermal modeling using 3D simulation software, are just some of the topics covered in day 2 of the NZGBC event held in June 2012. This is the second and final part of my Skype conversation with Verney…