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How sunshine and scenery are the heroes in this warm Rotorua home

Article by Your Home and Garden

Alan and Georgina Judd make the most of both sunshine and scenery in this well-insulated Rotorua home

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British couple Alan and Georgina (George) Judd moved to New Zealand in 2011 and ran a bed and breakfast for seven years before embarking on a new build in Hamurana, Rotorua. It was not only an opportunity for a lower-maintenance house and block of land, but also to create a well-heated and ventilated abode using Klima Series uPVC windows. They were familiar with uPVC windows from the UK and had missed them in their first Kiwi home, which had been particularly cold.

Must-haves

The Judds requested a warm and simple single-storey house with a large living area and polished concrete floors. They ideally wanted the design to maximise indoor-outdoor flow, making use of the sunshine from the north and the view of the lake on the south side of the property. “We initially considered bi-fold doors, but we’re glad we went with sliding doors as they really open up the spaces.”

Benefits

The Judds loved seeing their plans come to fruition, and how the peaceful surroundings seem like part of their home. “It’s spacious, light and bright, and delightfully easy to maintain. Our Klima Series windows have a ventilation setting so most windows are on that all of the time, even when we go away for the weekend. You lock the espagnolette handle down and it’s secure, so you don’t have to worry about leaving windows half-opened, but still get fresh air circulating.” The couple are also enjoying the comprehensive cosiness. “We heat our home with a wood fire in the living area and underfloor heating that’s fuelled by a Marshall wood boiler. Solar heats the water. We get plenty of sun coming in which also heats the floor. The concrete maintains the heat well and the Klima Series windows and doors help retain it.”

On reflection

Alan and George’s new house is a haven. “It’s very peaceful – looking out over the trees to the lake. The only noise you really get is the wind in the trees when the windows and doors are open. Klima Series uPVC is very solid with great heat retention. We’ve always found it very easy to live with and love the way it creates a warm, dry and comfortable home.”