Otago building company launches sustainable homes

Media Release from Rilean Construction

28 October 2010

Award-winning Central Otago building company launches sustainable homes

Multi award-winning commercial and residential construction company Rilean Construction is launching a range of energy-efficient, healthy and affordable homes.

Committed to building an eco-friendly future, Rilean has developed the Evolution Series of homes, aimed at people looking for an affordable and sustainable home with all the benefits of professional architectural design.

The first three-bedroom, two bathroom home in the series, known as the eS1, will be launched at the Sustainable Practice Expo in Queenstown on November 5. The contemporary, modern design features a formal lounge, dining and kitchen area and even a study – all within a cleverly designed 141m2 footprint.

Each home in the series will feature an optional car port or double garage, and designs for larger homes are well underway. The homes will be sold off the plans for people who have their own sections or are looking to buy one.

People looking to replace an existing home or crib are also encouraged to consider an Evolution home. The costs will start at $259,000.

Rilean Construction shareholder Mick Moffatt said sustainability was a fast-growing area of the company’s business, and the move towards launching the Evolution series had been six months in the planning.

Rilean was established in Queenstown 16 years ago and Mr Moffat said the company’s commercial and residential clients were increasingly asking for eco-friendly and sustainability requirements for buildings and fitouts.

“An awareness of our surroundings and creating a healthier environment is the reason we joined the ranks of the New Zealand Green Building Council, and working on the Evolution Series was a natural progression to give people a sustainable option,” he said.

“The Evolution Series makes it easy for anyone to choose a sustainable home. We’ve lifted the minimum code requirements and, as far as we’re aware, we’re the first local construction company to offer people a home that has been independently tested for energy efficiency.

“All the hard work has been done, with extensive in-house and independent research into the most appropriate building materials and sustainable technology, and in-built architectural and space-saving features.

“The homes are ‘future-proofed’ in anticipation of more stringent environmental building regulations in coming years, and we’ll deliver some very real environmental and cost savings to buyers.”

Mr Moffat said the company’s research showed that living in an Evolution home would slash at least $900 off annual electricity bills and reduce CO2 emissions by 70%, compared to the same house with electric heating and the minimum insulation required.

“Most of us know just how crippling some of those winter bills in particular can be, so I think it’s really important for people to know that these homes are designed in this region for this region, taking into account our really cold winters and hot summers.

“For many, we know that environmental concerns are just as important as cash savings, which is why we’re delivering the homes of today while acknowledging the environmental concerns of the future.”

The homes were thermally modelled by independent green building consultant Paula Hugens of Green Being.

“We used the AccurateNZ software platform to provide a measure of the home’s energy efficiency. We were really pleased with the 7-star rating it received when compared to a 4-star code minimum house,” said Ms Hugens.

She said the good performance was based on a combination of good orientation to the sun, thicker wall studs to allow for more insulation, thermally isolated concrete slab floors and new technology features not commonly seen in New Zealand homes.

Materials and technology used in the Evolution Series is endorsed by organisations including the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS), Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ). All timbers used are from a certified renewable source.

Mr Moffat said Rilean was “hugely excited” about the new project.

“We’re committed to taking all practicable steps to help preserve and, where possible, improve the quality of the environment in which everyone lives and works,” he said.

”Moving toward sustainable construction is a natural progression of our values and it also works in terms of personal and professional development. We’re always looking to improve our knowledge, skills and business practices and our aim is to educate others about sustainable living.

“The Evolution Series is flexible enough in terms of optional features and design variations to enable people to create a unique sustainable home, while helping them to feel good about making positive environmental choices and being part of a sustainable future.”

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