RAINWATER COLLECTION

Rainwater is collected from the roof, via spouting / guttering which discharges into vertical downpipes that are run to storage tanks supplied by 'Marley'.  'Marley' diverters to prevent the ingress of debris that may be collected along the way, are fixed to outlets in the downpipe prior to the water reaching its destination - the green storage tanks.

HOT WATER

Hot water is supplied to the house from an external heat pump, which is strapped to the structure for stability, to meet NZ seismic requirements.   The STIEBEL ELTRON WWK 300A Heat Pump works through utilising the ambient air temperature (thermal energy) and converting this to usable energy to create hot water. A heat pump essentially works in a similar way to a refrigerator, only in reverse. The only primary

energy used in this process to heat water, is to run the compressor and fan. The advantages of this technology is in the benefit of being able to generate up to a 68% hot water energy use saving when compared to an electric storage hot water system.

DRAINAGE

Now that the scaffolding has been removed, machinery can be introduced to the site to dig trenches for service drains around the house. Connections will be made to the local sewer drain, electrical and water provider, and the storm-water will be drained to a collection tank for use on-site. The drain trenches are machine dug where possible, and once the pipework is laid, scoria is placed into the trench around the pipes.

Storm-water cesspit base 

 

The hole at the rear of the house for a storm-water collection tank

WIRING

Wiring for the house is being threaded through walls and ceilings to facilitate the needs for each space / room.  The wires are taped to the surface they protrude through to ensure airtightness is not compromised.

The wiring boxes are set into individual timber frames to prevent thermal bridging.  When using Intello membrane, the wiring boxes would be usually be taped to seal the junction between the box and the membrane - but in this case Rondo metal battens have been installed to enable a secondary layer of insulation and the Intello membrane is sandwiched between the two layers of insulation.   

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.

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY

Although they are not a necessary component for a Passive House, the Owner has chosen to install Photovoltaic energy production for the house.  As seen in the 'Roof' page of this blog,  Photovoltaic panels have been installed on the north face of the low pitched metal roof to provide energy for the house.   
More information on these will follow.