Palmerston North House — Arkhē Architecture

Completed — final photos coming soon.

This project draws from the rural vernacular and nods to the traditional farmhouses that populate our public imaginary: the surrounding verandah, the tectonics of post and beam and their expressed connections, robust materials and finishes but ultimately, deference to its context - sitting respectfully on the land.

Passive and active design strategies will work together to promote thermal comfort all year round: the generous verandah protecting the living spaces from excessive solar heating during the hot months; large and strategic openings on the North-south axis promoting cross-ventilation; a low-emission wood burner will provide up to 8kW of heat during the cold months; and finally, the positive northern orientation will make the most of the 10kW photovoltaic array - more than enough for the couple's daily needs.