Case Studies
Hawkes Bay - O'Donnell House
Pam and Grant O’Donnell ordered Latitude Natural Wool Insulation for living quarters attached to their processing shed. The O'Donnell's are part of a family owned successful olive oil business – Matapiro Olives located on the banks of the Ngaruroro River, Crownthorpe, Hastings in the sunny Hawkes Bay. Matapiro Olives was planted in 2000 and since its first harvest in 2004, has received numerous gold medals for it’s extra virgin olive oil. Pam and Grant live and work in Palmerston North and to reduce travel they decided to build living facilities at the shed. During harvest and weekends Pam and Grant can stay at Matapiro versus driving home to Palmerston North. Unilog Buildings, (All Terrain Buildings Ltd), was the option the O’Donnell’s decided upon – a ply and batten kitset construction, four bays across, approximately 128m2 living area. Attached to the shed an open plan living area was created and two bays were converted to sleeping areas. A covered deck running the entire length of the north facing building was also added. In 2006 a trip to the Wellington Home Show introduced Pam and Grant to the option of wool insulation. Being ‘a little bit green’ Pam was convinced Latitude Insulation would be suitable to insulate their Unilog residence, built in an area that experiences variability in temperatures. A further requirement was that the insulation would minimize the sound levels between the shed and the living space. Plans were sent to us for a quote/ measurements and the product was made and delivered. The builder installed the installation in the ceiling, the wall adjoining the shed, all internal and external walls in the living area. He was reported to like working with the product and it being ‘kinder to handle’. The O’Donnell’s are now happily commuting to their ‘home away from home’. They have noticed a different ambient air temperature between the accommodation unit and the attached shed that is not insulated and reduced noise levels. Pam states they would certainly be happy to use Latitude Wool Insulation again – “It’s like having mink lining in your raincoat”.
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Wellington - Burgess House
Lance Burgess spent a great deal of time and effort when planning and building his 4 bedroom, 405m2 home in Wellington. He thoroughly researched all aspects of the project including insulation. Lance and his wife first found out about Latitude Insulation at the Wellington Home Show 2006. "We were first impressed by Latitude at the Home Show. We had initially dismissed having wool insulation as we felt it would be too expensive, but on discussion with Graeme we were nicely surprised. The buying process was easy. I just sent the plans noting what level of insulation was required and Kaye estimated quantities and quoted for me very quickly". Lance installed all the insulation himself making a fantastic job. "Installation was easy, you can easily rip the pads in one direction", quoted Lance. A year later, Latitude caught up with Lance again at the Wellington Home Show. The Burgess family was in the process of moving into their completed new family home. A very happy Lance stated the house was "far better than their expectations". They felt that insulation was a critical part of building and were thrilled they had been able to use an eco-friendly product that is affordable. "While it is a little bit more expensive, the benefits of using it, (Latitude Wool Insulation), outweigh the cost!" Lance has recommended Latitude Insulation to friends and family and would be happy to use our product again.
Castle Hill - Alan Thomas
Alan Thomas and Christine Rayward carefully selected the building materials for their dream holiday home. This developing high country holiday location, is situated 90km northwest of Christchurch and is approximately 800m above sea level. It is a fantastic outdoor mecca for those who love the extreme temperatures, being close to the mountains and all the activities related to this. Alan's family holiday home was built by an independent builder - Logan Townsend. Just prior to building, Alan instructed the insulation be changed to Latitude - Natural Wool Insulation. The reason being it's ability to insulate and cope with extreme temperatures of 30 degrees and over in the summer and down to -15 degrees celsius in the winter. The 160m2, two storey home has Latitude - Natural Wool Insulation in the ceiling and acoustic ceiling blocks between the levels. As in every case with building materials must arrive on time to ensure the process is not held up for all involved. Allan was happy to say Latitude - Natural Insulation met this designated time line in both delivery to the site and installation. Additionally 'it was the performance of Latitude - Natural Wool Insulation that sold it' to him. Alan would both use and recommend the product again. The Thomas family now spends many weekends and holiday periods in their Castle Hill home, enjoying this fantastic part of New Zealand.
Nelson - Darling Residence
At the Nelson Home Show August, 2006 Latitude Insulation met Karen and Hamish Darling, who were planning to build a new house in Nelson. They had both heard of wool insulation as they had installed it at Karen's parent's house approximately 2 years earlier, (using the same product previously called Wool Bloc), and were very keen to use it for themselves.
The Darlings wanted to build a family home using as many eco friendly and sustainable products as financially viable, working within a $1100 per square metre budget. They chose to work with Endeavour Homes - a company whose house designs and ability to accommodate modifications appealed to them. The 198 m2 house that is near completion, is north facing with a skillion, monopitch roof and a large glass, double glazed frontage, aimed to capture and draw as much solar energy as possible. The heat is `trapped' in the concrete floor and internal concrete block walls - therefore acting as a thermal mass, storing heat during the day and radiating out during the night.
The Darlings have used energy efficient lighting, environmentally friendly paint and are plumbed for solar heating to be connected in the near future. Karen and Hamish's garden will be watered using 'grey water' ie: water diverted from their spouting, washing machine, bath and showers.
Latitude Insulation was used in the ceiling and walls of the Darling's board and batten home. The benefit of a cooling effect in Nelson's hot summers and warming in the winter, plus the ability to self install were appealing factors to the Darlings. Hamish and Karen completed installation of the wool blocks themselves, with Hamish performing the additional cutting required using a Stanley knife. Although this took two days, the Darlings were extremely satisfied working with a safe, eco friendly and sustainable resource. "It was so easy" stated Karen. Both Karen and Hamish thoroughly recommend using Latitude Natural Wool Insulation. They are now looking forward to moving into their new home with their young family.
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