[The Hodges]

As there's a number on the forum who are interested in this subject, I've just found a website that describes itself as the Authority on Sustainable Building, at www.level.org.nz

It claims that it will help you design and build homes which have less impact on the environment and are healthier, more comfortable, and have lower running costs.

I hope that you find it useful.

[Chiba]

Thanks for posting the link. I'm very interested in building a house using a non-traditional method like straw bale or rammed earth, but there still seems to be very little concrete (sorry - had to :)) advice out there, and so few people who've done it and put their stories online. Being an early adopter for a huge investment like a house is a scary proposition, but it might have to be done!

[Familyofmonkeys]

Thry did a house on 'Grand Designs' in UK using straw bales...worth a look. I remember them saying that it depends alot on climate. Probably too humid in Auckland, but might work in other areas of NZ. Also could be alot more difficult to get home insurance for something that 'un-traditional'.

[hball]

There are many problems to be overcome in order to build 'outside of the square' ie straw bale/rammed earth homes, insurance as said, but also funding (mortgages), compliance issues, cost and actually finding someone who is experienced in working with that type of construction.

[Chiba]

For earth buildings, here are some standards to ponder:

NZS 4297: Engineering Design of Earth Buildings
NZS 4298: Materials and Workmanship for Earth Buildings
NZS 4299: Earth Buildings Not Requiring Specific Design.

Costs about $300 dollars to buy them though!

http://www.standards.co.nz

[Chiba]

Good article here on Waitakere's website (sorry, PDF):

Earth Building (http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/Abtcit/ec/bldsus/pdf/materials/earthbuilding.pdf)

[andrewandjane]

sustainable buildings should be quite easy in terms of RMA as their impact on teh environment is less so potentialy you can build bigger on a smaller section.

theres examples of earth buildings that have passed building control and plenty of straw bale buildings, rammed earth and mud bricks. thers lots of different sustainable buildings here on waiheke and also watakere seems to have loads.

we plan to build either an earthship or a straw bale house when we have the cash and have looked into both in great detail.

[The Hodges]

Just a short note to say that rammed earth buildings are covered by the Building Code. We have a ex-building inspector working for us, and I asked him briefly about this and while some buildings are not covered by the Acceptable Solutions, there is no reason why any type of building could not be constructed, subject to Specific Engineered Design (SED).

I've also found the following links quickly for straw bale construction using google:
http://www.strawbaleconstruction.co.nz
http://www.earthbuilding.org.nz/strawbale.htm
http://www.sustainable-structures.com/

Good luck guys.

[srivett]

Thanks for the link :) With luck it'll come in useful for me within the next couple of years.

[Super_BQ]

Perhaps something better:

http://r2000.chba.ca/

http://www.wisa.ca/r2000.htm

How much research has Branz done or how old is this organisation? If NZ was serious about energy conservation, when will they start building homes in 2 x 6 wall constructions?

[The Hodges]

How much research has Branz done or how old is this organisation? If NZ was serious about energy conservation, when will they start building homes in 2 x 6 wall constructions?

Hi Super_BQ

I'm sure that this is a rhetorical question, but I'll think Branz was started up in 1969 and began operating in 1970. Not sure on the research it's done, but overseas standards seem to be more robust (IMO). And FYI, Branz isn't the only third party accreditation in the NZ market.

And in answer to your other question, when the public demand it. Ask you local Kiwi - and I'll think you'll get NFI mate.

You should have heard the media uproar when they changed the double glazing and insulation levels... IMHO, the government need to tighten up the regulations, but it's not a vote winner now, is it... :rolleyes:

ps sorry about the acronyms.

[dilanium]

Has anyone seen any information about Denim Insulation (http://www.ecoproducts.com/Building/build_insulation/build_cotton_insulation.htm) in NZ?

I know any insulation is still rare, but I was wondering if it was available?

Thanks,