Architects propose eco home in city

BY RYAN EVANS

An award-winning New Plymouth architecture firm wants the New Plymouth District Council's help building an eco-friendly "show home" in the city.

Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Team Architecture wants council to provide them with a piece of land to build the house using sustainable building principles and contribute $60,000 seed money towards the project.

In a submission to the council's draft 2009-19 Community Plan yesterday, Murali Bhaskar said the project would help establish New Plymouth as an environmental leader.

"The proposal will significantly effect community awareness on sustainability.

"It will de-mystify what people will consider an environmentally sustainable home."

The proposal is to build the home at close to cost, using a collaboration of local partners.

Once finished, the house would be on display for two years before being sold and the money being used to pay debts and the remainder redistributed among the partners.

Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar would take care of construction design and initial project management (funded by the council's contribution and assisted by council officers), develop construction documentation and provide ongoing project management at cost price.

Features of the house could include, reduced water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, natural heating and cooling, efficient floor planning and using materials that improve air quality and use less energy for production. At the same time the house would remain livable and comfortable and be cost efficient to run.

Terry Boon said he thought the house could be built for between $500,000 and $600,000.

"We think there's the opportunity to show good design doesn't have to be expensive design," he said.

A council officers report into the firm's submission recommends making a lot on the corner of Devon St West and Lorna St and $60,000 available for the project.

THE OTHERS

There were plenty of other things on New Plymouth peoples' wishlists presented yesterday.

Submissions to the New Plymouth District Council's draft 2009-19 Community Plan included:

The Taranaki Branch of the Institute of Surveyors wants to erect a statue of a New Plymouth founding father, Frederic Carrington, in the Robe St park beside the courthouse. They have asked council to make land available in the park for the estimated 2.8m high, $60,000 statue and, if possible, help fund the project.

Frederic Carrington was employed by the Plymouth Company as its chief surveyor to come to New Zealand and select a site for a company settlement, Institute of Surveyors member Phil Dickey told councillors. In 1841, assisted by Dicky Barrett, Frederic Carrington selected the site for New Plymouth and did the initial surveying work in the city.

The New Plymouth Pony Club asked council to extend their lease at the Pukekura Raceway from three years to at least 25 years so they can build an all weather outdoor arena to hold events there. They also asked for council to allow for bridle paths in new subdivisions and to consider committing land and help study the possibility of a high class equine centre for the Taranaki riding community.

The Bell Block Swimming Club and the Bell Block Community Pool Society asked for $50,000 additional funding to pay for a development manager at the Bell Block swimming pool to help them plan for expected future growth.

Marianne Konlechner said she wanted more attention drawn to the significance of the Tupari Scenic Reserve on the Huatoki Walkway including information boards and taking into account its special character when planning developments.

Andrew Woolaston asked council to put a stop to construction of stables at Pukekura Raceway, saying they create noise, dust, flies, and smell, are unsightly and should not be allowed in the middle of a city.

Donald Holyoake asked that improvements be made to the Mangorei Rd State Highway 3 intersection.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand asked council to invest more money in providing shade in public areas.

 The council will hear further submissions on its draft plan today and tomorrow. On Monday it will deliberate and finalise the 2009-19 Community Plan.

- © Fairfax NZ News