Over the years we have been hearing more and more about energy efficient homes, eco-friendly environments and sustainable living. There are a small number of these builds in the rural market, but could there be a movement into the new subdivisions and urban suburbs? We recently had Bob Burnett, award winning architect, present to our team his new and recently awarded “10 Star” rated concept homes. Bob and his team have developed the very first 10 Star rated home in Australasia, demonstrating careful, thought-through design, utilising new building products that are eco-friendly and create sustainable homes. They build homes that are not only extremely cost effective to run, but will deliver warmer, healthier, sustainable, quake safe and comfortable living with long term savings. In markets overseas, homes are considered and valued based on their design and sustainability with the likes of the star rating. Many of these homes won’t be able to go on the market unless they have a specific rating or may have to be renovate to achieve a higher rating. Also in many cases the building codes support and are adjusted to ensure that new building standards are challenged, to bring into the market these new concepts and improved living qualities. For New Zealand, it makes real sense that we follow these changes to improve our own home living standards in what can be a harsh climate. From a real estate perspective, a well-designed quality home of modest size is a better sales proposition and easier to sell and gain a premium value than a large low spec construction. We are seeing and experiencing the value people put on good insulation, double glazing, solar heating and good building standards, so perhaps we are not too far away from taking up these better more eco-friendly and efficient building systems. To find out more about 10 Star Rated homes go to www.10star.co.nz. It was a real shame to get the sad news last week that the MV Tuhoe had run aground and could not be salvaged. The Tuhoe to Kaiapoi was what the Cathedral was to the city of Christchurch and to see it no longer part of the fabric of the township is, as many have quoted, sad and heart breaking. Living close to Kaiapoi, I have a business and always use the local township as my preferred service centre. Over the years I’ve witnessed first-hand the development of this small proud township, experience the earth quake devastation and then the real progress and redevelopment which has been so uplifting for the whole community and surrounding area. Central to this little river side town is the Cam River and the ever present Tuhoe parked up against the wharf which offered such an interesting feature that is Kaiapoi. The community now faces the difficult task of watching an historic piece of Kaiapoi being deconstructed. David Ayers, Mayor of Kaiapoi, says the council and community are working hard to build a dryland memorial. This is a fitting gesture for those who have worked so hard over the decades at raising money and gave their time to ensure this wonderful piece of history remained part of the history and community of this unique town. |
James Twiss
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Greg Roberts
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Archives
September 2020
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