HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION SYSTEM (HRVS)

The Heat Recovery Ventilation System (HRVS) - 'ComfoAir 350' is manufactured by Zehnder (in Germany), imported into New Zealand by Fantech and is distributed by Carters. This is the second house in New Zeland to adopt this system.   

The 'Fantech' HRVS has been considered throughout the detailing for construction as can be seen in photographic record from the pouring of the concrete floor slabs.  The ducting (grey) is woven through the structure to remain concealed, and to service all rooms within the house.  The outlets are recognisable at this stage of the construction process, as large grey bulbs that sit below the ceiling line.  These will be trimmed to accommodate the vents that will be fitted later.

 The 'hub' of the heat recovery ventilation system

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The grey ribbed ducting is fitted into the framed walls and ceilings

The grey bulb terminating at  the end of the ducts will have outlet grilles fitted later in the build process.

The ceilings have been framed, and  linings have been installed allowing for hatches in the ceiling to access the HRVS units for future servicing and maintenance.

Now the house interior has been lined, the duct fittings are installed for use. The duct is located alongside to the left of the light in this following picture, and on the wall above the kitchen cabinetry in the picture after.

INSULATION

R4.0 'Pink Batts' fibreglass wool  insulation is placed between the roof framing throughout the house, with straps stapled to the timber framing to secure the blankets in place.strapped into position. Once this layer of insulation is installed, a layer of 'Intello' is fixed and taped to ensure airtightness.  Another layer of r2.2 Fibreglass Batts is installed to compensate for the steel structure to ensure there is no thermal bridging.

Once the insulation is installed the proclima 'Intello' membrane is continued and taped to create the continuous airtightness layer.

Gib Rondo batten system is a galvanised metal extrusion that is used for fixing between the timber framing (wall and ceiling in this house) and a second layer of R2.2 
insulation is added between the battens.

WINDOWS

Double-glazed windows are being installed.  A presentation was made to a group in which the technology of the window was demonstrated.  More on the fabrication of the windows will be added shortly.  The following photographs show the 'ProtectoWrap' applied to the window openings prior to the installation of the window frames.  Once the window frames have been installed, the opening sashes are fitted. Note that these sashes  opening inwards - not common for New Zealand (historically).   Airtightness around the window frames is managed with the application of an expandable foam between the window frame and the opening, and is air-seal taped connecting the exterior 'Ecoply Barrier' to the window frame.

Inward opening window sash

The inside of a window has its sill sitting on the floor

  

 

Door hinge

Door handle

The windows have been protected by 'TPS' spray application to the exterior surface of the glass; and cardboard guards fitted to the interior exposed reveals of the timber window joinery.  Both are removed later in the project duration

This picture shows the head and jamb of the installed window frame  
- the house interior is to the right.  The picture below is of the jamb and sill.