What is a Hybrid Home?
Hybrid Homes & Living offer dual solutions for power, water and general living:
- Using Natural Resources: Natural, renewable resources are at our finger tips. Your house will generate power, collect rain water and recycle greywater in conjunction with the mains. There are automatic changeover systems in place to make sure the process is seamless and requires little management/maintenance.
- Design: Unlike any other company offering you sustainable living, we offer a comprehensive package where everything from house position for passive solar design to using recycled/eco building materials, has been thought of.
- Getting the Balance: We undertake a series of calculations based on the size of your family/home to work out the right balance between energy required and energy produced. We look at heating/cooling, insulation, lights and appliances.
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This table compares just some of our building standards with the current government NZ Building Code:
| Design Feature | Hybrid Homes | Govt Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Passive Solar Design | Included | No Standard |
| Thermally Broken Construction | Included | No Standard |
| Floor/Slab Insulation | R4 | R1.3 |
| Ceiling Insulation | R5.8 | R3.3 |
| Exterior Wall Insulation | R3.6 | R2.0 |
| Interior Wall Insulation | R2.5 | No Standard |
| Exterior Wall Thickness | 150mm | 90mm |
| Timber Framing Materials | Naturally Durable | Chemically Treated |
| Energy Efficiency | Included | No Standard |
| Water Efficiency | Included | No Standard |
| Non-Toxic Building Materials | Included | No Standard |
| Australasian Made Materials | Included | No Standard |
Certification:
- HERs Energy Rating: An assessment gets carried out on each of our properties to establish a star energy rating.
- Net-zero Energy Rating: We have employed an independent energy rating specialist to confirm a net-zero energy rating. This means that our properties produce the same amount of energy as they use.
- Other Certifications: Our suppliers are providing us with certificates confirming eco friendly materials used to build our properties, so that you know exactly what is behind the walls.
Our Suppliers/Partners:
Our project would not have been possible without some valuable partnerships. When we choose a supplier, we make sure they are aware of our policy and share the same beliefs. Many of our suppliers are also exhibiting at the centre. Click here to view their profiles.



