Nestled lakeside in the beautiful Whareroa Village on the western shores of Lake Taupo sits this stunning family holiday home. The clients have owned the land for some years and it's been the site of many family camping trips.

The challenge for Richard Furze (Richard Furze Design) was to design a family holiday home that would allow his clients the best use of the location in both summer and the vastly different climate of winter. While the sun brings in heat during the warmer months, winter temperatures plummet to below freezing, making it critical to design for efficient heating and cooling of the open-plan areas throughout the year.

The concrete floor and large north facing windows in the living areas help to heat the house during the day, while the double glazing and high-performance GreenStuf insulation ensures that the house retains as much heat as possible on those gloomy winter days and nights. Conversely, in summer the double glazing and GreenStuf insulation help reduce heat gain, so the owners can enjoy the extremes of four seasons outside from one comfortable, temperate environment inside.

Specifying the right insulation is critical in environments such as the one this holiday home endures. Equally important is the correct installation of insulation. Gaps and poor installation techniques can significantly affect the thermal performance of  a home.

GreenStuf insulation is made with no manufacturing waste and consists of 45% post-consumer waste, making it a green alternative for those looking for a sustainable solution. Backed with Declare, Environmental Choice and BRANZ appraisal; GreenStuf is New Zealand's only insulation considered safe for those living respiratory issues by Asthma New Zealand.

Autex worked closely with Richard Furze and the builder to ensure seamless supply and install of the GreenStuf insulation to best practice standards. The overall result is an inviting family holiday home, designed and built to enjoy the bitter winters and the long, hot summers in total comfort.