The University of Auckland (2014)
Undergraduate Project

The design brief focused on creating an environmentally efficient home shaped like a cube. The building features two stories and a basement level to accommodate systems for water, ventilation, and geothermal heating. Assigned to Climate Zone 3, our design prioritized heating. We used high R-values and triple glazing to minimize heat loss through the large north-facing windows and insulated Porotherm LR42 bricks for structural walls. The basement and roof were also insulated to maintain a continuous thermal envelope.

Oriented for maximum solar gain, the east façade includes the entrance, a car park, and one large floor-to-ceiling window (1.5x3m) on the ground floor, with a few smaller windows. The north façade has eight large fixed windows (1.5x3m), allowing solar radiation to heat the concrete floors in the living room and upstairs bedrooms. The west façade, which offers lake views, includes doors and windows for fresh air and terrace access.

Vegetation in front protects against wind, while the south façade has no windows to prevent heat loss. In summary, the north and south façades are closed, while the west and east façades can be opened for cross ventilation. The basement includes a heat recovery ventilation system and a geothermal heat pump, enhancing air quality and retaining heat.