The passive solar Huia eco-house is designed to bring the outside inside, with views from every room of mature native forest and the outer Manukau Harbour, framed by a striking mountain ridge.
Achitectural design by Solarei orientates the house to the sun, so inside stays comfortable in all seasons with very little heating and cooling, benefiting from extensive wool insulation. Solar panels and a large rainwater tank help to keep utility bills low. Thermal mass walls absorb and re-radiate the heat from the sun, keeping the house warm in winter, while a convective flow through the windows is designed to use the sea breeze to cool the house in the summer. The three bedroom main house has an additional independent studio, with its own kitchenette, ensuite bathroom, and a beautiful view. The studio is ideal for AirBnB, for visiting friends, or as independent space for a teenage or an older relative.
The one acre garden has been planted for privacy, shelter, and low maintenance, with plants that provide food for birdlife. Half of the garden is lawns maintained by a robot mower, which is ideal for children playing. The remaining garden is wildlife friendly, attracting abundant bird life, including pheasants, tuis, and fantails. There is also a rainwater-fed pond, which is essential for wildlife-friendly gardens. The location is very close to the trails in the Waitakere Ranges Park. Access to the Upper Huia dam, on a beautiful 7 km trail, is within easy walking distance of the house. The extensive trails and wild beaches of the Waitakere Ranges Park are literally on the doorstep of the Huia house. It's an ideal place for the outdoor enthusiast.
Not least, there is a spectacular chefs kitchen, with a beautiful view, travertine counters, high-end appliances, a well designed pantry, and an elegant built in wine rack. The house is served by fibre optic internet, wired to every room, providing excellent connectivity for a home-based business or remote working. So whether your focus is indoors or outdoors, or both, this high-tech eco-house offers it all, just 20 minutes from the funky suburb of Titirangi and 50 minutes from downtown Auckland.
