Kāinga Ora is the New Zealand Government's urban developer and public housing landlord. They are charged with providing housing for people and families in need while delivering the support required to help them live well in their homes.

In a housing project in Auckland, New Zealand, a new standard of sustainable homes is being developed. According to Kāinga Ora, these new-build apartments are projected to only cost residents around $1 per day to heat — representing a cost saving of approximately 85%.

Using smart design, high-performance construction materials and a ventilation system with heat recovery, these homes are able to maintain a steady temperature and reduce moisture in the indoor environment, leading to drier and healthier homes.

Kingspan is working with Peddlethorp, the lead architects on the project, who have specified Kingspan’s Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard as a key component of the building project.

The K17 product was selected due to its energy efficiency, ability to minimise condensation risks by eliminating thermal bridging, and ease of use in construction.

One of the key drivers of the specification is to achieve the Passive House standard — which is recognised internationally as the best practice for low energy use and health performance — especially in social housing. Kooltherm K17 helps to achieve these standards through its 3-in-1 usability for insulation, dry-lining and vapour control.

Niall Horgan, Kingspan Insulation New Zealand Managing Director, says “This is Australasia’s first Passive House social housing project funded by central Government, and it could set the standard for low energy-consuming, environmentally friendly, housing construction for years to come."