The first Passive House Institute (PHI) Low Energy Refurbishment in New Zealand:  woodfordgrace.com
Channel: Woodford Grace
Date: 2021-12-09

Woodford Grace is completely unique.  It is one of only six Certified Passive House low energy refurbishments in the world and the first constructed in the Southern Hemisphere.  It is also the only retrofit Passive Villa in the world and only the second retrofit to ever be undertaken in timber.  It is currently the largest timber certified retrofit Passive House to be constructed in the world.

Originally built in the 1920’s Woodford Grace suffered damage during the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence and was offered for sale on an ‘as-is where is’ basis in March 2016.  Woodford was purchased and following a competition between three architect/landscape architect teams an architectural concept was presented in late July 2016 which consisted of retaining and upgrading the existing two-level residence along with a large single level extension to the west.  The building and most of the landscaping was completed near the end of 2020.

The separate parts of the physical building are unique in their own way, one respecting the past and the other turning its vision to the future.  Connecting these elements is a strong desire for environmental sustainability, energy efficency and comfortable living - the house combines art (flair and geometrics), respect (environment and heritage), and comfort (technology and materials) into a unique experience.

This project demonstrates that houses in New Zealand can be refurbished, constructed far above the minimum regulatory standard, tested for post-construction performance and that Passive Houses need not be brand new builds or a simple bland box. 

This project also demonstrates that in post-earthquake Christchurch, which has seen so much destruction of older buildings, original craftsmanship can be retained, and new craftsmanship celebrated.  

This exemplar project demonstrates a different approach to long term sustainable living.