We spent many hours determining our requirements and critically reviewing each potential site.

A site will often impact on:

• Construction costs and, in some cases, the construction materials,
• The layout of the house,
• Passive solar features that can be included in the design,
• The ability to utilise natural ventilation,
• Permeability between internal and external spaces,
• The character of the house, and
• The general ambience of the house and the occupant's well-being and happiness.

Its north-facing aspect allowed us to design-in passive solar features.

We spent many hours determining our requirements and critically reviewing each potential site. The site we chose was selected because it is conveniently located for access to amenities, work, the city, friends, and local cycle & public transport networks. It was easy to build on because it is flat and its north-facing aspect allowed us to design-in passive solar features.

Whilst the location of the house on the site has been largely determined by the Auckland City Council's District Plan requirements we have tried to maximise the garden size to the North and East. This provides us with a reasonably-sized sunny garden that will be good for growing fruit and vegetables and has facilitated indoor spaces that link to outside, allowing interaction with the street as well as providing the desired level of privacy.

From the first storey there are pleasant views over Western Springs park and even a glimpse of the water from north facing windows.