Peak Performance: A New Standard in Sustainable Living with Oiled Timber Floors

As the world confronts the challenges of climate change, the principles of energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly attractive. Lower household energy bills and a reduction in carbon emissions are clear benefits of high-performance homes. In the coastal suburb of Sumner, ōtautahi, a new residence sets a new benchmark for sustainable living without compromising on style or comfort. This is the story of the "Peak Performance" home, designed by Aaron Jones, director at Urbanfunction.

Vision and Execution

Aaron had a clear vision for this project: create a nearly passive house that also serves as a warm, inviting family home. This was personal for Aaron, as the clients are his sister and brother-in-law. Having designed their previous home, he was determined to exceed expectations with this new build. The result is a meticulously crafted 300sqm residence that integrates durable, natural materials and cutting-edge energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of this home is its naturally oiled European oak timber floor, supplied by Vienna Woods Timber Flooring and crafted by Admonter in Austria. This high-quality engineered oak flooring is not only visually striking but also significantly contributes to the home's sustainability and indoor air quality.

The Importance of Oiled Timber Floors

An oiled timber floor is essential in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of this home. The choice of a naturally oiled finish over traditional lacquers aligns perfectly with the project’s emphasis on health, sustainability, and durability.

Oiled timber floors offer several benefits:

• Natural Look and Feel:?The oil penetrates the wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture, giving each plank a unique, organic appearance.
• Durability:?The oil finish provides a robust protective layer that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy family home while being easy to maintain and repair.
• Indoor Air Quality:?Unlike some finishes that can off-gas harmful chemicals, natural oils are non-toxic, supporting the home’s goal of low to no off-gassing.
• Sustainability:?The oil used in finishing the floors is derived from natural sources, aligning with the home’s overall eco-friendly ethos.

These benefits were particularly important for the homeowners, who desired an airtight home with low to no off-gassing. The natural oiled finish of the Vienna Woods European oak flooring ensured that the indoor environment remained healthy and sustainable.

Collaborative Excellence

The success of the project was the result of a collaborative effort involving several skilled professionals. Aaron Jones and the team at Urbanfunction worked closely with suppliers and craftsmen to ensure every detail met the high standards required for a super high-performance home.

• Architect:?Aaron Jones, Urbanfunction
• Cabinetry:?Podocarp Cabinetry, responsible for the custom-made kitchen cabinetry and American oak joinery, which complemented the natural aesthetic of the oiled timber floors.
• Photography:?Stephen Entwisle of Right Angles Photography, capturing the beauty and functionality of the home with stunning visuals.

The Peak Performance home also features contributions from Elrick & Co, who provided expert surveying and consenting services, ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements despite the challenges posed by its location in a flood zone.

Sustainable Design Features

In addition to the oiled timber flooring, the home incorporates several innovative features aimed at maximising energy efficiency and sustainability:

• Twin-Skinned Timber Framing:?Thicker than standard building code requirements, providing superior insulation.
• Cross-Laminated Panel Flooring System:?Enhances the structural integrity and thermal performance of the home.
• Triple-Glazed Windows:?Imported from Lithuania, these windows optimize natural light and solar gain while minimizing heat loss.
• Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR):?Ensures optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency by continuously exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

The Peak Performance home in Sumner stands as a beacon of what’s possible in sustainable residential design. With its naturally oiled European oak timber floors from Vienna Woods, it exemplifies the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. As more homeowners seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the principles and practices demonstrated in this project will undoubtedly lead the way, showcasing the immense potential of super high-performance house design.

For more information about the benefits of oiled timber flooring and to explore the extensive range of woods and colours available, visit?Vienna Woods.

By integrating the latest in sustainable building technology with timeless design elements, the Peak Performance home offers a glimpse into the future of residential living – one where comfort, style, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Vienna Woods is a specialty timber flooring supplier based in New Zealand.

www.viennawoods.co.nz // [email protected] // 0800 843 662