- solar passive design
- permaculture
- waste management
- energy efficiency
Sustainable principles and technology aspects of our community...
One of the goals of the residents of Pinakarri is environmental responsibility. Residents worked side by side with architects, builders, local council and the Ministry of Housing to build innovative passive solar designs for the housing co-operative.
Passive solar design is one of the key features of the development with each home orientated on an east-west axis to maximise passive solar heat gain. All north-facing living areas have windows and glass doors opening on to sunny courtyards whilst there are few windows on the western and southern sides of the buildings.
Many of the homes have terracotta or ceramic tiles in living areas to capture and store as much sun as possible. Louvre windows high on eastern and western gable ends permit hot air to escape while allowing the sea breezes to cool the homes.
Another feature of Pinakarri is the maximization of space - eight rental and four privately owned dwellings sit on only 3,000 square metres in Hamilton Hill, redeveloped as part of the Better Cities Programme.
Car parking areas have been designated to the perimeter of the housing co-op so that interior spaces are maximised for children's play areas, permaculture garden beds and social interaction.
All residents have a high awareness of energy efficiency. Most members have chosen to subscribe to Western Power's new renewable energy scheme, Natural Power. Sharing of equipment has a high priority amongst residents - transport, electrical appliances and a washing machine which maximises interaction with each other. Food scraps end up in compost or worm farms, household items such as cans, paper etc are recycled and communal food preparation through communal dinners three times a week saves time and energy. Future planning includes the introduction of solar hot water systems and rain tanks for water conservation.
The planning and design of the community was developed by Richard Hammond.
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(click on a topic to learn more) As well, Pinakarri also has a purpose-built house for a severely intellectually and physically disabled resident who has a live-in night carer and a team of day carers. |
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Participatory Process:Residents organize and participate in the planning and design - often to the extent that they act as the developer. Intentional Neighbourhood Design:The design can take a variety of forms, depending on the wishes of the group, however the homes are always self-contained, have access to shared facilities and the overall intention is to create opportunities for interaction among neighbours. Extensive Common Facilities:The Common House supplements the individual dwellings. It is the heart of the community and an essential part of daily community life. Complete Resident Management:Residents manage the development and manage their community after completion.
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