West Coast Sanctuary

The Vision

Situated on the rugged and beautiful terrain of Ballarat Rise in Awatuna, this project was designed to be a bastion of comfort against the unpredictable West Coast elements. Unlike many coastal properties that look directly out to sea, this site offers a dramatic and unique vantage point facing East, looking up the coastline toward Greymouth. The homeowners wanted a residence that would capture this unique perspective while offering an internal climate that remained untouched by the biting winds and dampness characteristic of the region. The goal was a home that offered total peace of mind through superior building science.

The Design & Build

Simpson Residential brought this vision to life with a modern, intentional design that prioritizes both form and function. A standout feature of this build is the decision to implement a "whole package" Formance solution. This is not just a home with SIP walls; it is a fully encapsulated thermal envelope featuring Formance floor, wall, and roof panels.

The design utilizes an elevated sub-floor system rather than a traditional concrete slab. The structure sits on a network of high-density piles and timber bearers, which support the 165mm Formance SIP floor panels. This architectural choice is particularly effective for the West Coast climate. By elevating the home, the design allows for controlled ventilation beneath the structure to manage ground moisture while providing an incredibly stable and exceptionally warm foundation.

The Formance Advantage

The specification of the complete Formance system allowed the build team to achieve a level of thermal integrity that is simply not possible with traditional timber framing and batts. In a location where the weather can turn in an instant, the Formance envelope provides several defining advantages:

• 165mm Insulated Floor Panels: By using 165mm floor panels, the very base of the home is as well-insulated as the ceiling. In many homes, the floor is a primary source of heat loss, but here it acts as a thermal barrier that keeps the interior warm even when the ground is cold and damp.
• Continuous Thermal Envelope: The walls and roof utilize a combination of 115mm and 165mm panels, creating a continuous layer of high-density EPS insulation. This eliminates the thermal bridging common in studded walls, ensuring the home remains a consistent, comfortable temperature year-round.
• Airtightness for Health and Quiet: The precision-cut Formance panels fit together with such accuracy that they create a highly airtight shell. This shields the occupants from the drafts that often plague coastal properties and provides a quiet, serene interior by dampening the sound of the Tasman Sea.
• Structural Strength: The inherent strength of the SIP system allowed for the large spans and architectural features required to frame those stunning views toward Greymouth, all while providing the seismic resilience necessary for the Westland District.
• Construction Efficiency: The full package arrived on-site ready for assembly, significantly reducing the time the structure was exposed to the elements during the build process.

The Result

The Kereru View project at Ballarat Rise is a triumph of modern building science. The owners now enjoy a home that feels solid and serene, standing as a quiet spectator to the shifting weather of the coast. The energy efficiency of the full Formance package means that maintaining a comfortable temperature is effortless, allowing the occupants to focus on the spectacular scenery outside rather than the thermostat. It is a testament to how the right building system can turn a challenging coastal site into a lifelong sanctuary.