Green features in the design of this new home have given it a Six Homestar rating

Great outlooks, flowing interiors, the latest finishes and features all these things are very important when selecting your new house. But there's one element in particular that makes a home welcome for everyone built-in warmth.

This 221m² Jack's Point home, maximising the sun to the North and views of Lake Wakatipu to the South, is an excellent case in point.

Designed by architect Mark Gray and built by Evolution, a division of Rilean Construction, this house benefits from all the design features that contribute to an energy-efficient home, says Annabelle Numaguchi, spokesperson for the green-focussed build firm.

"This is seen in the home's high Homestar Six rating. Homestar is the New Zealand Green Building Council independent rating tool that certifies the health, efficiency and sustainability of New Zealand homes," says Numaguchi.

Several factors combine to achieve this green rating, which translates in practical terms to a snug, warm home and very low power bills.

A fully insulated concrete subfloor covered in engineered wood amasses passive solar gain when the sun shines and releases this back into the interior at night. The floor is also warmed through efficient hydronic underfloor heating.

Picture windows facing south on the shady side of the home offer spectacular views of the lake but in an ordinary home could present a potential loss of heat. However, thermally broken aluminium joinery on this Evolution-built home ensures that the warm air inside does not escape, as no actual heat-conducting element runs directly from inside to out. This system also minimises condensation which has its own health implications. At the same time, argon-filled double-glazing keeps the interior warm and dry, making it possible to capitalise on the southern landscape without sacrificing efficiency and warmth.

"Evolution has a name for achieving energy-efficient homes that are architecturally stunning like this one," Numaguchi says. "Our holistic approach to creating a thermal envelope that holds warmth while minimising condensation and air leakage can be adapted to any design."

In fact, the benefits of energy-efficiency are felt not seen. Evolution homes are warmer and drier and, while their looks can vary, this sense of comfort value is their reliable signature.

"The owners rave about how easy it is to keep this home evenly warm through the Otago winter. Essentially, they set the thermostat at 22 degrees and forget about it. They were so pleased with the home's efficiency that they wanted this recognised by having it Homestar rated."

For details, contact Evolution, a division of Rilean Construction, Central Otago, phone (03) 442 3484, or Canterbury, phone (03) 388 3484, or head online: www.evolutionseries.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas