So here we are some 5 weeks after building handover from QBuild. The last weeks, were as in any build, somewhat chaotic, especially so as we were away with friends around the country for much of the month beforehand. It was pleasing that the good weather continued allowing Mike and Stu to substantially complete the deck. We had all our curtains and blinds up the day before moving in, and fortunately our move from storage into the house was not as traumatic as 3 months before- although one case is still missing!
The QBuild office team did a good job of getting most of the final bits and pieces together to achieve Code of Compliance with 7 mins to spare, but we are not at all happy about the guttering and downpipes and still see that as falling way below the expectations for a well designed and installed system. Response by the subbies has been nothing short of abysmal!
We are still trying to come to terms with some of the complexities of a modern software controlled lighting system for the main area- the cost of being on the boundary of fast developing semi commercial systems ! Maureen will rejoice when she can control her kitchen lights without going to an app on her phone !
The balancing up of the Zehnder and the ventilation system is progressing. The system has a lot of bells and whistles which we are trying out. It performed very well the day it turned to an icy 6.7 deg C outside, generating a cosy 21 deg C internally with no additional heat. When the heat gets up past 26deg C outside on a warm Autumn day however some additional "purging" of the heat has been necessary to keep energy use conserved. This is a key aspect of design that needs more consideration at the early stages of a project. It is great getting up in the morning and feeling so warm, let us hope this continues throughout the winter- if we get one !
Being of a somewhat engineering bent Robin has been trying to see what information systems he can implement to get a total control of the household energy use- it appears that NZ is somewhat behind many other countries in energy management information systems- suggestions welcome ! Certainly the first month's electricity bill has been well within expectations which is a good sign.
We are now in our 60 day defect period so our next report will detail the sorts of things we found, and how the builder has dealt with them.
If you are in the area and want to come and see what "passive living" is all about you are most welcome.
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| Ponga Downs from across Lake Ngarara |
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| Stu admires the view as deck progresses |
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| Deck towards Kapiti Island |
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| Dining area |
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| Lounge area |
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| Street view |
