Expert: Dave Johnson - 11/10/2008

Question
I live in CA but building my dream home in Gisborne, New Zealand, which is a very wet place at the east coast of the North Island.  The climate is similar to the Oregon Coast with lots of rainfall but fair amount of sunny days.

I just started looking at styles of homes, and the type of construction that is best for this rainy climate.  The house will need sufficient insulation (for the cold coastal wind), lots of outdoor space with glass to take advantage of the view, one level spread with lots of land, septic system with solar and wind energy with City system as back up.  Must be Green / Sustainable.  I am open to any architectural style at this point.

Thank you.  Edward

Answer
Hi Edward,
First, let me tell you how envious I am. Thats a great place for a dream home!!

As far as actual style goes, I've found that its either the surrounding architecture or personal preference that dictates.
I personally have been using the ICF building method for some years and am very pleased with results.
(insulated concrete forms)
You could find them on line just google ICF.
I prefer the brand NUDURA as they are very user friendly and are longer (8') and taller (18") and interlock with no adhesives.
These can be used for foundation and living space as well, or are sometimes used on "slab" construction.
I built a small one (28'x32') on a radiant heated slab some years
ago, with 18" of cellulose in the lid and the icf's have an r-36.
The owner is using about 120 gallons of heating oil/year for heat AND domestic hot water.
I realize I haven't been very helpful as to style, but an open interior is a good way to have an efficient use of heat.
Please mail me again if I can be of more help...
Best of luck,
Dave