Keeping it green

The idea of an escape from the city takes on a whole new meaning for the subdivision shown on these pages. Situated amid rolling green hills, nature reserves and wetlands, the new 15ha Ferndale subdivision in Waikanae is green from the ground up.

The subdivision, developed by Ferndale Trust, not only provides generously sized building sites in a picturesque rural setting, it also promotes eco-friendly architecture.

John O'Sullivan, principal of Ferndale Trust, says the trust has established a design guide that provides a framework for sustainable, high-quality house designs that respond to the environmental context of the location.

"Ferndale has always had a local identity as a piece of rural land perched on the urban fringe of Waikanae," he says. "The long-running use of the site as an equestrian centre typifies this identity. The rolling hills, the rustic timber shelter beside the pond and the mix of native and exotic vegetation all contribute to the pastoral feel of the site. There is a sense of seclusion and enclosure at Ferndale that is reinforced by the subdivision design."

O'Sullivan says Ferndale has been planned to set the benchmark for sustainable community development in New Zealand.

"This is the first development in the country where every house is required to achieve a minimum Green Home Scheme rating of Very Good, and a minimum Home Energy Rating (HERS)of six stars."

O'Sullivan says houses in Ferndale are being built to energy-efficiency standards that are substantially above the regulatory minimum.

"The houses are achieving, on average, a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to basic regulatory standards," he says. "Houses have to be designed in a way that protects and enhances existing native ecosystems and biodiversity. And we are promoting the use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials, wherever possible."

Water-efficiency measures are targeted to achieve a 40% reduction in water use from the town water supply. Each house is required to have a rainwater attenuation water tank with a minimum capacity of 20,000 litres.

"Greywater systems, while not mandatory, are encouraged, and the reuse of this water to irrigate lawns and gardens will be a key feature of most homes in the development," says O'Sullivan. "In addition, we are actively encouraging waste management procedures and practices that will facilitate recycling and assist in reducing the amount of waste that ends up going to landfill."

O'Sullivan says owners and designers are encouraged to engage Right House for advice and implementation of sustainable products and solutions for their home.

"We also recommend the services of another company, Watersmart, which can assist with the design, product supply and installation of water and greywater systems that comply with the Ferndale requirements."

Ferndale Trust has opened a show home on Lot 1. Designed by Space Architecture, the house epitomises the sustainable design strategy. As well as being designed to maximise the warmth of the sun, the house features solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, greywater management and energy-efficient appliances.

For more details or to visit the show home, contact Ferndale Trust, 148 Ngarara Rd, Waikanae, Wellington 5036, phone 0800 Ferndale (337 6325). Website: www.ferndaletrust.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas