The movement to normalise excellence
Quality architectural design goes hand in hand with energy efficient, environmentally sound Superhomes.
The Superhome Movement strives to normalise building well beyond the current code minimum standards that are 20 years out of date and not fit for purpose.
Instigated by Bob Burnett and Martin Reilly four years ago, the Superhome Movement is a not-for-profit group of leading designers, builders, suppliers and other industry participants who collaborate and share ideas of how to create warm, healthy homes.
The Superhome Movement provides open source sharing of new technologies, innovations, and building techniques that help to deliver superior houses for everyone.
From its origins in Canterbury the movement has gained momentum nationwide and now comprises affiliated contributors from as far as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, BRANZ research shows 98 percent of new homes are built to building code minimum standards, therefore, falling short of the WHO standards.
Bob’s own experiences drove him to be an advocate for healthy homes. During the Christchurch earthquakes, Bob and his wife lost their innovative, energy efficient home in the Port Hills. His family were forced to rent unhealthy homes and, as a direct result, he saw that it seriously affected the health their young children.
“That was kind of an unwanted experiment that really highlighted the issue. My solution was the Superhome Movement – and to spread the message about the health issues caused directly by unhealthy homes,” Bob says. One of the Superhome Movement’s primary modes for initiating behavioural change among the general public and the building industry is to showcase what is possible in energy efficient homes. This is done through the Superhome Tours which opens up a variety of warm, environmentally sound homes to the public. This event has run in Christchurch annually since 2016 with tours in Auckland and Otago in 2018 and more planned nationally for 2020.
With almost all currently available show homes being presented by group-home builders, the Superhome Tours offer the public a rare chance to see homes that exceed the building code which are not normally available to the public.
Consumers, industry and local government can talk directly with Superhome participant builders, suppliers and designers on the tours. They can see and feel what a healthy, sustainable home feels like across a wide array of budgets, designs and neighbourhoods.
Every designer, builder and homeowner going on the tours can see how achievable it is to improve building standards. They also have direct access to the designers, builders and suppliers of these homes to learn how to incorporate these innovations into their own homes.
The tours are followed up with workshops and seminars to promote a culture of continual improvement; foster collaboration though regular opportunities for learning, mentorship, connection, and sharing of innovative ideas; make consumers aware of the importance of building better and become educated in building standards.
Superhome Movement has a wall and panel systems workshop and bus tour over the next months. Visit the events section of the website for details or follow the active Facebook page, www.superhome.co.nz.
Upcoming Superhome events
Superhome Workshop – Superwall and Panel Systems
20th November @ Council Civic Offices, First Floor Function Room, 53 Hereford Street, 4:30pm - 6:30pm (doors open at 4:15pm).
Superhome Bus Tour, December 6
These are very popular full day tours with lunch provided. A unique opportunity
to learn from the expert designers and builders about some of the most innovative high-performance homes being built.
For details visit: www.superhome.co.nz/events.
10 Star Superhome Tour and Seminar
Tour NZ’s first Superhome and the first 10 Homestar built rated house in NZ. Learn about the 30+ innovations not seen in typical homes. Plus, what we do differently now.
Venue: 11 Church Square, Addington, Saturday, December 7, 2pm - 3pm.
Bob Burnett Architecture
11 Church Square Addington Christchurch
0800 002 674
bob@bbrarc.com
www.bbarc.co.nz
