Achieving HomeStar on The Block

Homestar is an independent rating tool administered by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), that certifies the health, efficiency and sustainability of New Zealand homes.

The Block houses’ HomeStar ratings were boosted to 7 stars due to clever design by architects Context, who looked for every opportunity to work to this year’s eco focus.

In addition to the HomeStar points earned for double glazing, high spec insulation and solar PV systems, points were also earnt through the use of Abodo’s eco cladding.

Abodo worked with Context to apply for a special “Innovation Credit” for Abodo’s Vulcan Cladding and after a thorough review process the NZ Green Building Council awarded the Abodo cladding one point.

Abodo’s Vulcan is a locally grown thermally modified timber cladding, from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified plantation forests. The use of thermal modification means durability requirements can be met without the use of preservative – diverting treated timber waste from landfill. Treated timber waste is recognised by the Ministry of Environment as a high priority waste stream to be reduced.

In addition to the Innovation Credit, Abodo’s Vulcan Cladding earned points for being FSC® certified and Declare certified, increasing the total haul to 2.25 points under the HomeStar tool.

The NZ Green Building Council have announced that the next 99 HomeStar houses built with Vulcan Cladding will also achieve an “Innovation Credit”.