Europe
Building
a
high-performance
timber
eco-home
with
INTELLO®
PLUS
With pro clima’s INTELLO® PLUS internal airtightness and moisture management system, Wellington-based Modern Homes achieved an impressive airtightness level of 0.6 changes per hour (0.6ACHn50).
With over 15 years of experience, Modern Homes is dedicated to constructing eco-friendly, architecturally designed residences. In 2018, they took on the challenge of building this high-performance home, designed by Denis Chin of Three Line Studio, situated on a steep, demanding site in Wellington’s western suburbs.
Meeting the Thermal Performance Brief
The project brief required the house to efficiently maintain a consistent indoor temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. This was achieved by enhancing the thermal performance, including a measured airtightness target for the building envelope to avoid needing a significant heating or cooling system.
Rob Pavan, Director of Modern Homes, stated:
"A critical part of trying to achieve this performance would be limiting the air changes in the house to less than one change per hour (1ACH50)."
Collaborative Installation of INTELLO® PLUS
To reach this goal, Modern Homes collaborated with Pro Clima to ensure the correct installation of the specified INTELLO® PLUS air barrier system. This partnership involved on-site training and demonstration sessions, with follow-up support including liaising over specific technical details to ensure the integrity of the envelope.
The home is quite architectural with extensive glazing on the northwestern elevation.
"Air leakage can occur through window and door joinery, especially items such as sliding doors, Rob explained."
Additionally, the house was built over multiple levels with several complex construction junctions that required precise sealing.
Validating Results With the Blower Door Test
Once the air barrier was installed, the system was tested using a WINCON fan on loan from Pro Clima. This allowed the contractor to depressurise the building to inspect and detect any airflow, indicating areas requiring improvement.
This quality assurance process was followed by a formal Blower Door test utilising a Minneapolis blower door kit to quantify and document the envelope airtightness. The final test exceeded expectations, achieving an impressive air change rate of 0.6 changes per hour (0.6ACHn50).
A Result Built on Precision
Rob reflected on the success:
It was a real achievement and testament to a great team whose interest in a new product, attention to detail, and patience during the installation process enabled this result.
"With the project nearing completion, the home has already demonstrated its performance, maintaining a notably more comfortable internal temperature even during colder weather."
Rob concluded:
"We’re confident the principles and quality of this type of building are the way forward for more energy-efficient and healthier homes."
Leading the Way Toward Healthier Homes
At Pro Clima, we believe that every New Zealander deserves a home that supports their health rather than compromising it. Collaborating with partners like Modern Homes and Three Line Studio is a breath of fresh air - literally. Their dedication to precision and performance perfectly mirrors our own mission to eliminate the "cold and damp" legacy of Kiwi housing.
This project isn't just a one-off success; it’s a tangible blueprint for the future. It proves that when we prioritise the building envelope and choose intelligent systems, we create a legacy of comfort and durability that will protect the next generation of New Zealanders.
