Category: New Zealand
Categories
The Marsden Park master Plan
[wp_geo_map]
The Marsden Park master Plan.
John wants to see Nelson attract talented people who have a passion for their work and the lifestyle. He is a developer of a large subdivision in Marsden Valley, Nelson, and I have come to get an idea of what he is trying to achieve.
“Nelson’s industries are the four Fs – Farming, Forestry, Fishing, and Foreigners/Tourists” He believes his new subdivision will provide high quality housing to attract and retain the talented workers that are important to help regenerate these industries.
His new subdivision is in sunny Marsden Valley, close to Richmond and Nelson. It is a high quality, higher density development that includes sections for single family homes and sections for multi-unit “comprehensive housing” for seniors.
“People will move to Nelson for work” His development seeks to provide a high quality suburb with rural surrounds. Quantity has been traded for quality, and he has taken pains to develop a utility and roading infrastructure that will be tidy for many years into the future.
“I just had to accept the idea that as a developer I would be seen as money hungry” He has taken a large risk by paying for expense of resource consent, surveying, roading, and utilities. The design had to be carefully considered up front. While a developer might hope for flexibility to change plans midstream to reduce the risk of failure, once a resource consent is obtained, there is little room to move in light of new information or market situations.
And strangely, some ideas generally recognised as good can be received poorly when motives are questioned. Urban design practice generally recommends higher density living, like smaller lot sizes or multi-unit developments. And higher density can be more profitable as well for developers. But for this reason, John feels, plans for higher density living tend to be declined.
John would like to see more testing and advice for developers. “What plants should I have in the swales?” he asks. He wants to do the right thing, but with so many decisions to make, it is impossible to always know what is the best decision.
I thank John for his tour and leave him to lock the gate. He is still waiting for someone to begin to build.
Read More:
Residential sections and land for sale at Marsden Park, in Nelson, New Zealand.
Students from the School of Construction at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) are helping with the rebuilding of Sir Edmund Hillary’s house as part of their entry into this year’s Sustainable Habitat Challenge.
The old homestead is being relocated to Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara, Auckland, where it will be rebuilt and become the home for the Sir Edmund Hillary Leadership Institute. The renovated structure will incorporate a number of eco-friendly and sustainable building systems such as rainwater harvesting, double glazing, insulation and solar heating.
MIT students training in construction, electrical, plumbing and landscaping will work on the project that is expected to be completed by mid-2011.
onemana bach
real client, real project, real world
via onemana bach.
This project deeply implements SHAC principles. Students and young people collaborating and communicating to build a better way.
Innovative features to note:
- Off-site build and use of prefab component
- Kitchen and wet areas are very close to each other, minimising pipe length and keeping complexity in one place.
- Windows are nice but a major source of heat loss, and cost. Good design has given this batch an open and airy feeling with only moderate use of windows.
- Plywood internal lining gives several improvements – better acoustics, some thermal storage, and humidity buffering because of the porous surface
- Careful insulation installation – no gaps! – means good performance. Few wires or pipes are disturbing the outside, insulated walls.
- Good choice of durable, long-lasting appliances and furniture
CPIT is currently completing a scoping exercise to determine the size and shape of CPIT’s entry into the Shac 2011 competition.
A brief has been given to students from CPIT’s School of Architecture to scoop and then present to the CPIT Shac committee.
Current thinking on this project is that two units may be built, one with as many alternative and sustainable options available and the other with more conventional practices so the equivalency can be measured.
Features:
- One bedroom units that is transportable
- Can be placed on a section as a second dwelling
- Is easy to relocate as required
- Accommodation that meets a range of community needs from emergency housing to a Granny flat.
- Services can be connected and disconnected without remedial work required
- As self sufficient as possible within a average budget
- Use of sustainable materials
- Has high energy efficiency
- Has Grey water containment options
A brief history on the Journey so far
Wintec have been building two to three bedroom houses with students for the last 24 years these houses are then on sold into the community as affordable housing.
The houses were standard transportable gable or hip roofed hardie blank weather board homes.
These houses were great to build with the students covering all aspects of their learning criteria. The houses were also a popular item within the community requiring a waiting list for perspective buyers.
However Wintec wanted to create a new design that embraced the latest building technologies and current building design trends.
This project and philosophy was shared with the students who designed and built the new mono pitch design.
This was a very inspiring project that fed Wintecs build environment and carpentry department’s philosophy of constant improvement.
Reflection of design and materials was constantly discussed and shared with the students and improvements were implemented and constructed.
These changes were a reflection of what was happening in industry i.e. insulation improvements, double glazing, product changes etc.
Moving forward
It became apparent – and some thing as a school we were very interested in – embracing was the growth and awareness of sustainability and energy consumption within the construction industry.
This interest grew and from that interest two projects evolved within Wintec; The Eco Village and our first entry into the SHAC challenge 09.
SHAC house 09 was a one of design designed within the Built environment school by Trevor Wyatt and built environment students. The project journey was shared within the Shac competition website, students, industry and the community.
Eco Village
The Eco village is another sustainable initiative taking place at Wintec and one we are very excited about. Wintec would like to further develop the eco village house design as our entry into the Shac Challenge 2010.
Further reflecting on the Eco Village house design, as a base model, and making ongoing design, material selection and energy consumption improvements will be part of our continuous improvement philosophy.
Goals
With our involvement in the shac project we would like to showcase some of the exciting developments we have made in regards to imbedding sustainable practices in the construction of the eco village and eco houses. We would also like to:
- Make improvements to these developments, (current Eco house design), with student, industry and shac team input. Reflect on the developments made, what was good what was not so good.
- Form closer relationships within the trade departments by sharing an overall goal of sustainable design and practices and imbedding this within are current teaching curriculum.
- Constantly reviewing materials and product use and investigating more sustainable options.
- Creating regenerative communities by;
- Demonstrating new residential house technologies re energy consumption.
- Contributing an improved house design to the student village community. With emphasis on improved material selection bathroom, WC and laundry layout and better use of internal layout where possible.
- Monitoring the Energy consumption of the improved house design and sharing this information for the benefit of the wider community and Shac teams.
- Creating a delightful building with emphasis on its surroundings, colours function and creative use of space.
- Work with industry and community in achieving our goals.
Vision of regenerative neighbourhood
A regenerative community is a sustainably aware community. The power of education and knowledge is the energy source that will regenerate and power communities for a better future.
Creating a student village as a base model for sustainability, energy consumption research, discussion and debate will ultimately promote the awareness and knowledge required to educate communities and the work force of tomorrow.
Creating an ongoing educational process that promotes the benefits and skills required in the regenerative use of energy, waste, water, fuels, construction materials and techniques are all an integral part of building these communities
Site
The construction of the house will be by Wintec pre trade carpentry plumbing and electrical students at the Avalon campus.
The house will be constructed under cover and transportable. Once completed the house will be relocated to the Eco village site to provide student accommodation and to be monitored for its energy consumption
The site has good orientation to the north with the length of the house located on a east to west axis. The ground profile is soft with a high water table requiring a driven pile foundation.
Building Design
The building design is a 100m2 transportable residential home constructed from building materials readily available and common to the current building market.
Emphasis will be on a multipurpose floor plan a design that can; comfortably accommodate a family of four, be used for shared accommodation purposes’, holiday homes, or be adaptable for class room or community type buildings.
One of the key ingredients in the construction of the house will be the services and facilities we will fit the house out with. This is an area essential to energy consumption and an area we would like to research and monitor.
The building design will be true to its roots with its main objective been to ensure we keep with the fundamentals of our current teaching curriculum in light timber frame construction.
The skills and ability required for the construction of the house are to be associated with the student profile and community type labour resource.
Housing Demand
The ultimate goal is to create a building that is affordable energy efficient and have the ability for multipurpose use.The construction process and material selection will be simple to construct .This will allow small rural community; groups with a small amount of skilled labour and collaborative community know how the ability to; be able to afford and construct houses for families, class rooms for schools, and small community buildings.
Another essential ingredient will be the information and educational resources created by reflecting on the journey travelled in creating the house and student village.
This reflection will continue the philosophy of self improvement and will help advice communities on the what, how and why of creating regenerative communities.
Funding the house build
The estimated cost of the house dependent of foundation design is $1.500 – $1.800 per m2
The majority of the construction labour is to be done by students.
Partial sponsorship by eco village industry partners ECCA and WEL energy.
Supplier sponsorship, (currently) Rinnai hot water systems.
Design support from Rod Yeoman, Ros Epsom, Tina Booth .
Design & Build time lines for short term goals
Working drawings Started 26th July and completed by 13th August. Please note any amendments to design may re start the 20 day consent process and delay stamped approval.
Consented drawings completed by 6th September.
Drawings and construction time schedule to suppliers, sub contractors &, associated tutors 6th September.
16th September start ordering house material for a 4th October construction start.
Design & Build time lines for long term goals
Wintec has a long term goal to continue reflecting on current designs and to further improve current eco house designs and shac 2010 entry.
- Concept drawings and collaborative design process completed 08.Sept.2010.
- Working drawings completed 08.Oct.2010, sent to council.
- Working drawings approved 08.Nov.2010
- Working drawings priced, time scheduled and material deliveries programmed by 06.12.2010.
Core Team Members
Tom Malpass – Team coordinator,
E-mail thomas.malpass@wintec.co.nz Ph 07 8348800 ext 8594
Peter Orchard – Construction coordinator, advisor, quality control
E-mail peter.orchard@wintec.ac.nz Ph 07 8348800 ext 8594
Nathan Collins – Design coordinator.
Werner Eisenhower – Plumber & plumbing waste water system coordinator
Tina Booth – Team Architectural Draughts person
Ros Epsom – Team Architect,
Annette Vincent – Team Quantity surveyor embedding sustainability into current curriculum
Rob Sweet – Student village spokesman
Lukas Maree – Team electrician & electrical coordinator
Ian Mayes –Eco house advisor and Hamilton council representative
Students
E-mail thomas.malpass@wintec.co.nz Ph 07 8348800 ext 8594
Peter Orchard – Construction coordinator, advisor, quality control
E-mail peter.orchard@wintec.ac.nz Ph 07 8348800 ext 8594
Nathan Collins – Design coordinator.
Werner Eisenhower – Plumber & plumbing waste water system coordinator
Tina Booth – Team Architectural Draughts person
Ros Epsom – Team Architect,
Annette Vincent – Team Quantity surveyor embedding sustainability into current curriculum
Rob Sweet – Student village spokesman
Lukas Maree – Team electrician & electrical coordinator
Ian Mayes –Eco house advisor and Hamilton council representative
Students
The Proposal
It is proposed to build a Southland Sustainability Learning Centre – EcoDen.
Vision
The Southland Sustainability Learning Centre – EcoDen is a facility that promotes, motivates and encourages all sectors of the community to be environmentally sustainable, emphasising resource stewardship, energy efficiency and waste minimisation.
Goals
- Demonstrate sustainable design and building practices
- Demonstrate sustainable living practices in its activities, but also within its features such as displays and demonstration areas.
- Demonstrate waste reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery of resources
- An educational facility that caters for all ages from preschool to adults i.e. Field trip location, sustainable living classes, training facility for teachers and staff, natural building workshops etc.
The suggested location for the EcoDen is on vacant land at the Invercargill Waste Transfer Station, owned by the Invercargill City Council. It is proposed that the facility be owned by an established charitable trust to aid in securing public funding and operated by WasteNet Southland.
Background
In 2008 a series of Sustainable Living workshops took place, set up by Invercargill City Council, Environment Southland and Southland Education. Topics included No Weeds in the Vege Patch, Solar Energy, Recycling and Alternative Fuels.
The popularity of theses indicated that the timing was right to run further workshops. A barrier to running these courses were the limited practical examples located in the one facility or venue. To overcome this barrier, an idea evolved to develop a demonstration garden with an eco-classroom to cater for all weather conditions – hence EcoDen.
The idea has further been developed into one facility that caters for all sectors of the community from preschool to adult education.
There is also a need to raise public awareness of sustainable building, and to stimulate the professionals and trades involved in the building industry to make continuous improvements in this area. Particularly as Southland prepares for continued economic growth and population growth, new buildings are expected to be built, and as a region we need these to be sustainable, and as energy efficient as possible.
The EcoDen project leads itself as an opportunity for highlighting champions (developers, designers, retailers, builders and other trades). The EcoDen could include a commercial display space for different products, which could generate income for the facility to cover operational costs, as well as showcasing the products and design aspects used in the building itself.
Project Team
The following key project team roles have been identified:
| Role | Name / Organisation |
| Team coordinator | Donna Peterson, Invercargill City Council and WasteNet Southland |
| Designers | Craig Haywood, Design Base Phil Orr, ArchDraught |
| Project Manager (for the build) | Mike Grumball SIT |
| Communication | To be confirmed |
| Funding coordinator | To be confirmed |
Partners
The following outlines some of the potential partners in this project and indicates their potential involvement.
| Potential Partners | Involvement (in bold if confirmed) |
| Invercargill City Council | Landowner Education programmes Arrange lease for building owner |
| Wastenet Southland | Lodge SHAC Entry MOU for partners Potential funding? Education programmes |
| Venture Southland | Assistance with preparing funding applications Assist with seeking VS Charitable Trust approval for ownership Communications – promoting sustainable practices within building industry |
| Southern Institute of Technology – Mike Grumball Mike.grumball@sit.ac.nz Graham.blue@sit.ac.nz Tony.lemin@sit.ac.nz |
Construction Renewable energy design Assistance with communications (film students, journalism students) |
| SHAC Challenge – Tim Bishop | Guidance and technical support from SHAC sponsors |
| Community Trust Of Southland | Potential funder (EOI September) |
| ILT Foundation | Potential funder |
| Lotteries Environment | Potential funder |
| HEHA | Potential funder (gardens) |
| South Coast Environment Centre | Assistance with garden design? |
| Environment Southland | Education programmes |
| Southland Education | Education programmes |
| Southland Natural Building Co-ordinator | Potential education programmes |
| Photography Society | Document process |
| SIT Film students | Document process |
| Southland Museum | Display documentation of process |
| Design Base – Craig Haywood craigh@designbase.co.nz 03 218 2429 |
Design |
| ArchDraught – Phill Orr archdraught@orcon.net.nz |
Design |
| Caulder Stewart – Mike Toa | Supply of photovoltaic roofing? |
| EIS | ? |
| Stonewood Homes – Brent Mettrick Brent@stonewood.co.nz |
? |
| Resene | ? |
| Placemakers – Derelle | ? |
| Cunningham Builders – Kevin | ? |
| Transition Towns | ? |
| Thermocell | Supply of solar water heating? |
| Other commercial partners | TBC |
Draft Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
| 2 August 2010 | Submit SHAC entry for EcoDen |
| 27 August 2010 | Confirm Project Team Members, clarify vision and goals (using the Integrated Design Process). |
| 1 September 2010 | Deadline for EOI for Funding (Community Trust of Southland) |
| 27 September 2010 | Proposed design(s) completed and budget confirmed |
| 1 October 2010 | Regional Workshop |
| 28 October 2010 | Design finalised, vision/goals and budget revised as necessary |
| 31 October | Grant Application for CTOS |
| 20 November 2010 | Develop detailed plans |
| 28 November 2010 | Project Development and Documentation submitted to SHAC |
| February 2011 | Presentation to CTOS |
| March 2011 | Funding confirmed |
| March 2011 | Apply for resource/building consents as appropriate |
| April 2011 | Construction begins |
| September 2011 | Construction complete |
| October 2011 | National Conference |
Funding
A variety of funders will be approached to support the project (see Partners). It is proposed to seek funding for project as soon as the vision and goals have been clarified.
We are starting the design process to retrofit one of our small, transportable office buildings. As it is nearly house-sized, the aim of the retrofit is to showcase a range upgrades possible for Dunedin homeowners to adapt their house to be warmer, more efficient, and to support a range of behaviours.
I work at the Otago Polytechnic, and am interested in discovering the good life. I want to live a delightful, more connected life, enjoying the company of my friends and family. For me living the good life means not feeling the drag of a long term mortgage, or knowing that I will always need to commute far distances in a car, or paying to heat an entire large empty house when I can’t have people over for a party. It means having the time and energy to help others and contribute to my community. Big ups to my friends who are spending heaps of personal energy running for city council or being a leader at their church or community board. The more we see people contributing in those ways, the more we are prosperous as a community.
The building is known as “B-Block” – for the large B on the wall. We will show a few good ideas, and display boards will explain other good options. It will integrate with the Otago Polytechnic Living Campus that shows food production, good transport options, and efficient water use.
Specifically, we want to show good use of sun and renewable energy for heating, good use of durable materials, low energy use in the building, support local food production, and promote water conservation. It will also promote lower overall resource with good design practices. Most importantly, we have to provide a good working space for the Campus Services people who work in the building.
Key to the design process is collaboration and communication. I’ve been advocating collaboration for awhile, but now I hope to practice it a bit more successfully.
“B-block” is the hub on campus for staff, housing the mail room and the
- Demonstrate best-practice sustainable design for Dunedin homeowners and builders
- Show good systems
- Extend OP Living Campus – An outdoor exhibit exploring more sustainable living
So far we have approached a few people on campus, but we don’t have your input yet! If you make a comment below, we will be sure to invite you to our next design review and include your ideas into the mix.
A local Architect graduate, Maria Callau of Puca Designs, has been working with us to help visualise some options for the upgrade.
Based on our initial ideas, she came up with some sketches.
Our current topics for the display boards will focus on these areas:
- Financing
- Consenting – What needs a consent and what doesn’t
- Alternative / Acceptable / Determination
- Preparing documents for the council
- Value – intrinsic, health, re-sale.
- Heating and Warmth
- Windows
- Insulation
- Appliances
- Water
- Waste
- Transport
- Beauty
- Ownership
What else do we need?