Built by Drinkrow Homes and designed by a local architect, this four-bedroom new home in Te Awa, Napier was constructed with energy efficiency and passive house principles at its core. The high-performance build features a super-insulated floor slab, high levels of insulation throughout, thermally broken windows, and a premium ventilation system — all contributing to exceptional comfort and sustainability. Finished to an impeccable standard, the living area showcases polished concrete flooring and a warm plywood ceiling that continues seamlessly to the exterior soffits. Feature wallpaper in the bedrooms and office adds individuality and character, completing an architectural home that reflects Drinkrow Homes’ precision, craftsmanship, and quality construction across Hawke’s Bay.
This energy-efficient new home in Te Awa, Napier presented several unique challenges. Built during a period of industry-wide GIB shortages, the project required careful scheduling and forward planning to avoid delays. Achieving the correct installation and detailing of high-performance, energy-efficient components demanded precision and coordination between trades. Close collaboration with the architect was essential to ensure the home’s passive-house-inspired features were executed exactly as designed, maintaining both performance and aesthetic standards.
To maintain progress and uphold the home’s high-performance standards, Drinkrow Homes took a proactive, well-organised approach. All critical materials were ordered well in advance to mitigate delays caused by supply shortages, and our team maintained clear communication with both the architect and clients throughout the build. Regular site meetings ensured every detail of the energy-efficiency design was executed correctly, while ongoing team upskilling supported precise installation of specialised systems and materials. This collaborative, disciplined approach enabled the Te Awa new build to achieve its performance goals and finish to the highest standard.
The completed Te Awa new build in Napier stands as a benchmark for energy-efficient, high-performance homes in Hawke’s Bay. Every element — from the super-insulated floor slab and thermally broken windows to the polished concrete floors and plywood detailing — reflects Drinkrow Homes’ dedication to quality craftsmanship and precision. The result is a home that not only meets passive house principles but also delivers exceptional comfort, style, and sustainability. Built through collaboration, planning, and technical excellence, this project perfectly demonstrates Drinkrow Homes’ capability in delivering architectural design-and-build projects of the highest standard.
