You are using an outdated browser version not supported by this website.
Click here to upgrade your browser

Keith Huntington
Keith Huntington
on Maximising Thermal Efficiency
Architectural Consultant

Keith Huntington of EcoRate Ltd is a registered architect involved in passive solar design and the objective analysis of buildings using thermal simulation modelling.

21 February 2022

Are New Zealanders to Become Electricity Paupers?

Over the past few months there have been reports of multinationals and others coming to New Zealand to set themselves up to make use of our precious supply of green electricity. Are we asleep at the wheel?

Read all

26 October 2021

Summer Cooling for Medium Density Housing

With a growing proportion of our new housing being constructed as medium-density dwellings, this former niche market is rapidly expanding to take in purchasers and occupiers whose primary experience is with the standalone residences they grew up in. This new form of living brings with it a need for a significant degree of re-setting of expectations, both desirable and undesirable.

Read all

27 September 2021

IPCC: A Re-Evaluation of Building Methods and Materials is Required

Following on from last month’s general thoughts, I consider that there is an urgent need, as an important part of adapting for the future, for the building industry to go back to basics and revaluate the unquestioned assumptions upon which standard design and construction solutions were originally derived from.

Read all

30 August 2021

IPCC: What Consequences Arise for the Building industry?

While Climate Change is now accepted by most people, the solutions are not as simple as just giving everyone the symbolic electric car or bicycle. As the TV advert advises, “Good Things Take Time”, but also innovative forward planning is essential.

Read all

28 June 2021

NZBC H1 Compliance for Domestic Alterations

Compliance with NZ Building Code clause H1 (Energy Efficiency) is straightforward for new builds, but for alterations to existing homes it is more complicated and can give unexpected results.

Read all

24 May 2021

Planning for Photovoltaic Panel Installations on NZ Homes

For some time now, it has become settled that there is sense in planning for a future where photovoltaic (PV) panels will become a standard feature for new homes and major renovations, even though many owners are not prepared to install them ‘next week’.

Read all

22 March 2021

Considering Thermal Insulation for Concrete Block Walls

Because of their high thermal mass, the thermal insulation of concrete and concrete block walls in dwellings needs to be treated quite differently to those with lightweight framed or panel walls.

Read all

22 February 2021

Hot Water: Gas or Electricity

The recently released Climate Change Commission’s draft report for public consultation speaks of the need to reduce the domestic use of natural gas and LPG. This, and the inevitable depletion of the resource, will need to influence the way we design the water heating systems for our dwellings.

Read all

27 October 2020

The Need for Embodied and Operational Carbon Reduction

With New Zealand’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, the built infrastructure sector of the economy will have a significant part to play if the target is to be met. The Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 illustrates the need for lateral thinking.

Read all

21 September 2020

R-Values and Product Selection

The process of designing and selecting insulation materials for the thermal envelope of a building is not a simple task.

Read all

Get a free weekly digest of essential news

New and updated architectural products, design solutions, inspiration, technical advice and more when you sign up for EBOSS.