Custom Design
Taiapa Valley Road, Muriwai
The Muriwai house sits atop a hill in a stunning location with rural and sea views north to the Kaipara Harbour and south west to a lonely rocky gap in the western coast. The exposure to the elements leant good reason for choosing solid block construction using Hebel block.
The Hebel walls are plastered to the exterior and on the south-western elevation the walls are clashed with horizontal cedar battens.
There are large double glazed panes to three sides of the living area, tracking the view from the north east to the south west. Despite its large footprint this house is very energy efficient, passive solar principles are well adhered to by architect Johann Bernhardt There are cedar shading devices around the sunny sides and polished concrete floors to soak up warmth from the winter sun.
This remote house uses its own collected rain water, treats its own waste water and generates its own solar hot water with the solar collectors angled for equinox sun.