Lifestylers demand external gas reticulation for appliances. ‘They’re smart and exciting’ say the architects.
The recent spell of hot summer weather has revealed the extent of a new trend for homes to have piped-in reticulated gas
for outdoor appliances, such as gas fires, installed and plug-in barbecues and natural gas patio heaters.
Gas is the selected fuel of choice for around 75% of new homes built in New Zealand. And, architects, builders and
appliance suppliers are seeing the fast-growing trend for new home-owners asking for permanently piped-in reticulated
gas for outside decks, patios, terraces and gardens.
“Outdoor entertainment is a new and high growth segment of the gas market as New Zealanders use gas appliances to
complement their outdoor lifestyle,” said Gregg Brown from Abergas, a major wholesaler of gas appliances and equipment.
“In the past outdoor appliances were traditionally the area of portable LPG cylinders, but with the move to higher value
homes and more planning going into outdoor entertainment areas, the demand for natural gas solutions is growing,” Gregg
said.
From the designer and architect point of view, Mark Stevens of the Kapiti branch of the Design Network, a group of nine
independently owned companies, says “The Design Network finds that our customers are increasingly looking for all the
options available to enhance and utilise outdoor living areas.
He says, “The flexibility and ability to permanently pipe-in a full range of gas facilities; such as outdoor specific
lighting and heaters and plug in barbecues is seen by our customers as being smart and exciting.”
With new technology and unique features available with the wide use of stainless steel appliances and remote control
systems, the Design Network sees the use for gas for external applications as having a great future.
“It adds real value to properties while adding a significant extension to the owner’s lifestyle with a range of options
for use of their outside areas,” Mark Stevens said.