Questions

Coolhouse modular plans remove the need to begin the architectural design process from scratch thus saving time and money. The plans have been designed so they can be affixed together or stacked to achieve the desired size home and number of rooms to suit your brief and site. This is underpinned with the assurance of working with an experienced team of award winning Architects.

At a client's request COOLHOUSE is specified and built passive. Depending on the project it may have a premium in excess of 20% determined by the increased insulation, HRV systems and airtightness. Passive is a performance based technology not a Building Code requirement. The ongoing energy costs of a passive house are significantly lower.

Low energy homes take the principles of Passive homes with increased insulation, air tightness, to create a home that is warmer, drier and with less dust. Coolhouses use increased insulation, higher standard specification joinery but to complete a Passive house requires sign off from the Passive House association.

OSB can include elements of the build such as panellisation, through to prefabrication of the entire house off site. OSB is possible for Coolhouse designs however this is assessed early in the consultation process taking into consideration design modifications, site access, location and timing. While this may seem ideal often the reality is somewhat more complex and sites and designs are better suited to an onsite build.

Yes materials can be swapped out. Our team has extensive knowledge of the alternatives that are appropriate for varying locations, aesthetics and budgets.

Part of the appeal of using a Coolhouse plan is to reduce the design time and complexity as opposed to commencing the process from scratch. The build time is assessed once all factors are taken into consideration including location and design.

With Coolhouse you are assured of a quality build that has materials selected to stand the test of time in the environment of which they are being specified for. New Zealand has a spectrum of environmental factors from beachfront salt water to snowy highlands hence the importance to appropriate and correct material selection.

The design to build system is managed by an experienced team at Coolhouse for the entire process from design, interiors, construction through to landscaping and pools as required.

Coolhouse is set up to be off-grid ready for remote locations having solutions for power, water and grey water disposal.