Building Better: Explore The 3 Tiers of Performance & Passive Homes We Build in Wanaka
Building Better: Explore The 3 Tiers of Performance & Passive Homes We Build in Wanaka
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.
Modelling is a crucial step. It’s a fun part of the process and is mandatory for all our tiers.
It ensures that your house performs as it should, before the build commences.
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.
MA Building Performance Tiers
Here's a three-tier description of the different levels of performance homes we offer, each designed to meet varying degrees of energy efficiency and sustainable living:
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.
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.
· Optimized 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 optimized windows that improve both thermal performance and daylighting. It’s perfect for those looking to balance cost with near-complete passive house benefits.
Level 3 - Fully Certified Passive House
The highest tier, meeting the stringent standards required for Passive House certification, which ensures:
· Maximized 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.
Our Tiers In Numbers
Note: modelling is a crucial step. It is mandatory for all our tiers, to ensure that your house performs as it should, before the build commences. If you're curious about modelling and the importance of it, ask us!
Why offer performance tiers?
To make performance building in Wanaka easier than ever.
Each level is designed to offer a sustainable living solution, providing both environmental benefits and enhanced living comfort.
Whether you're looking for basic improvements or aiming for the highest standards in passive housing, these tiers provide clear paths towards achieving your building goals.
These tiers provide clear paths toward achieving your green building goals, whether you’re making initial upgrades or aiming for the highest standards in passive housing. Each level is crafted to enhance living comfort and reduce environmental impact, demonstrating our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable Wanaka.
If you're inspired by sustainable living and considering a performance home, we'd love to help you navigate these options and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Let’s build a better future together, one home at a time.
Email info@mabuilding.co.nz to make a start on your build.