Behind the Scenes - Technical information & frequently asked Questions 

The top build quality, solar technology, and attention to detail impart a magic quality which makes Wanaka Homestead feel a little special.  Read on for a glimpse of what lurks behind the scenes.

Solar-Hot-Water Technology

Instant mains pressure hot water, cosy warm rooms heated from under the floor and a steaming outside hot tub. The power bills must be massive, right? Not so. 

Eight solar-hot-water roof panels bask in Wanaka's dry sunny climate and the stored energy distributed on demand through a heat exchange system. The domestic hot water, hot tub and radiant underfloor heating systems operate independently, each at their preferred temperature and pressure. LPG supplements the system in winter and provides failsafe backup year round. The energy used over the first six months of operation was the basis of Wanaka Homestead's submission for the National Energywise Awards.

For those considering solar alternatives, we warmly invite you to learn from our experiences. Please contact us for more information or to arrange a site tour, read our advice & lessons-learned, or seek expert advice from the professionals listed on our links page. Our solar tubes were manufactured by apricus.

Wanaka Homestead - Highly Commended - EnergyWise Awards 2004

The yearly EnergyWise awards showcase New Zealand's leading energy-efficient businesses. The awards come at a time when the demand for electricity exceeds the generation capacity of New Zealand's hydro-electric lakes. It seems fossil fuels are likely to meet further increases in supply and electricity prices may escalate. In March 2004, Wanaka Homestead was "Highly Commended" for its initiatives which have reduced the need for "bought-in" power by half. Wanaka Homestead, a business firmly in the "main stream", proudly demonstrates the case for reducing energy demand rather than increasing supply. [On the Right: The Minister for Energy, Hon Pete Hodgson, congratulates Shonagh and Roger North.]

Amazingly, by undertaking these measures guest comfort has been enhanced, rather than compromised - a true "win-win" situation. A holistic approach was taken to energy efficiency, with four simple principles applied: Passive design, high insulation values, minimisation of consumption through low-energy appliances and controllers, and solar-hot-water. The architectural style has benefited too, with timber double-glazed joinery and thick farmhouse-style walls from the Insulform polystyrene block wall system. And even here in the commercial world it has proven cost effective - the savings in energy costs exceeding the finance cost of the "improvements."

Design & Construction

Wanaka Homestead was designed to be a true slice of Wanaka -sensitive to history and local architectural styles, and with great passion for Wanaka's unique environment. The story of construction is told through the behind-the-scenes slideshow.