Judges
ROBERT VALE
Robert Vale is an architect, writer and researcher in the field of sustainable housing. He is currently Professorial Research Fellow at the School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington.
He studied architecture together with Brenda Vale at the University of Cambridge, and in 1975 the Vales published “TheAutonomous House”, a technical guide for developing housing solutions that are self-sufficient, environmentally
friendly, and easy to maintain. The book has been translated into five language sand is widely recognized as a basic text in the field of green building.
Through the 1980s the Vales designed a number of very low energy commercial buildings in England, notably the thick-walled, superinsulated Woodhouse Medical Centre in Sheffield, and wrote “Green Architecture”. In the 1990s the Vales completed the first autonomous house in the United Kingdom, a fourbedroom house for themselves in the historic town of Southwell. Their book “The New Autonomous House” documents the design and construction of this house, which is warmed and powered by the sun, produces its drinking water from rain, composts its effluent,
and is consistent with its historic context. The house is completely off-grid except for the telephone line and a connection to the electrical supply for the exchange of solar electricity. They then designed the Hockerton Housing Project, five one-storey zero-emission terraced houses. This was the first zero-emission development in the UK and the government has recommended that the project be copied by developers throughout the country.
Since emigrating to NZ eleven years ago the Vales have completed two zero-emissions upgrades of existing houses, and also developed the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) for the Australian goverment.
NICK COLLINS
As General Manager for Beacon Pathway Ltd (Beacon), a research consortium focusing on sustainable housing, Nick Collins brings not only twenty years experience in the building and construction industry, but also in-depth knowledge
of the latest building research.
Nick has headed Beacon since 2004, responsible for developing a clear Strategic Plan focused on the key priorities to bring about sustainability in the residential built environment. Major projects underway include: building 100 NOW Homes® in partnership with group builder to drive uptake of sustainable new homes; and the NOW Home® Renovation project focusing on improving New Zealand’s existing housing stock. Nick works with stakeholders from central and local government, industry, infrastructure and consumer groups to facilitate and encourage wider change.
Originally a geographer, with an MA (Hons) from Canterbury University, Nick has worked largely in the building products market, in companies such as Pryda Reid, Auckland Brick and Tile, and Monier Bricks. During this time he was instrumental in the setting up of a National Trade Training Qualification for roof tilers. In the mid 1990’s he returned to the University of Auckland to complete an MBA to develop his financial / commercial skills.
Nick was invited to contribute to Auckland City Council’s Mayoral Sustainability Taskforce in 2006, and oversaw the development of a web-based guide to sustainable building (www.smarterhomes.org.nz) for the Ministry for the Environment.
MAGGIE LAWTON
• Science background with a PhD in Chemistry
• 1995-2006; Science Manager and Operations Manager for Landcare Research gained a wide background in rural and urban development, climate change and sustainable practices.
• In 1998 initiated research into integrated water management in the urban environment, partnering with Waitakere
City Council.
• In 2001 initiated and contributed to the concept and developed design of the Landcare Research building at T amaki. Acted as internal and latterly also external project manager for the construction process giving practical experience in the construction of a sustainable building. It won a Green Ribbon award for sustainable design and an EECA award for energy efficiency. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/about/tamaki/
• In 2006 developed a business involving research and consulting in sustainable development and design.
• Currently involved in research into the residential built environment through Beacon Pathway. Leading their research in domestic water management.
• Developing strategy and policy in water management for Waitakere City Council
• Also holding workshops with councils throughout New Zealand in water demand management.
• Working with industry and local government on sustainable development strategies
• A Natural Step advisor
DAVE CULL
BACKGROUND
Born and raised in Invercargill
Attended Otago University: Degree in Politics
Worked as self-employed contractor and free-lance writer/broadcaster for some 25 years.
MAJOR INTEREST AREAS
• Housing, renovation, building, design
• Wine appreciation and NZ viticultural areas
TV, RADIO & VIDEO PRESENTATION
• Programmes presented Renovators, Open Home, Town and Country, Maggies Garden Show, Home Front, Master Builders House of the Year, Home and Entertaining House of Year, 5 O’Clock with Jude, Placemakers Home Front.
• 3 year stint on DIY talk back radio.
• Writes and presents commentaries for documentaries, and corporate and informational video presentations on wide range of topics.
SEMINAR PRESENTATION
• Numerous seminars at Home & garden XPOs.
• Wrote and presented 5 series of Placemakers Roadshow seminars on changes impacting the building industry.
SPEAKING
• MC at many conferences and seminars
• Dinner speaking engagements
NIGEL ISAACS
Since completion of his engineering degree, Nigel has worked in energy research. His work
experience includes the running of his own research consultancy and research for Members of Parliament. Nigel worked on contract for BRANZ in 1982 undertaking a study of thermal insulation in houses.
Nigel has lectured and presented extensively throughout New Zealand, and internationally. He has appeared on television and presented three building science related radio series on National Radio. He is a Teaching and Research Fellow at the School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington. Nigel has particular research interest in:
· Energy in Buildings - data collection and analysis, experimental investigations, presentations and policy advice on: housing, offices, schools, hotels, hospitals
· Energy Efficient Buildings: Analysis, modelling, design support
· Renewable Energy: Solar water heating, passive solar design, wind and policy issues
· Thermal Insulation - in-situ measurement, calculation
· Building Energy Code - technical support for revision of New Zealand Building Code
· Building Evaluation - work undertaken on hospitals, courts, banks, offices. Assisted in the development of “Building Quality Assessment” sold in New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom Health and Buildings - sick building investigations,
healthy housing research
· History of building technology – as well as lecturing he has a regular series in BRANZ’s BUILD magazine and had an 8 week radio series on Radio NZ National.