Energy-Efficient Innovation
Wanaka | May 23

The Wanaka headquarters for Dunlop Builders, aptly named the Dunlop Hub, is the first certified Passive House office building in New Zealand, and one of five in the entire world. A Passive Home certification means that not only is their Hub highly energy efficient, but it also generates a portion of its energy onsite with renewable sources.

This energy efficient build was designed as essentially an ‘architectural shed’, the office and workshop space reflecting Dunlop’s  commitment to mastery, home and community; combining elegant architecture with sustainable design principles. Both function and form were considered, ensuring that it is both beautiful to the eye and a joy to work from, setting a benchmark for future office builds across the country.

The Dunlop Hub features a range of materials and enhancements with sustainability in mind, including timber triple-glazed German-designed windows, solar panels, electric vehicle charging provisions, thermally modified pine timber, and of course, Cork flooring provided by Quantum.

Wise Cork Traces Natural, was specified throughout the Hub for high traffic areas like the kitchen , hall-ways, and main office area. Cork is the perfect material for this build thanks to its sustainable qualities. Cork flooring boasts eco-friendly properties, natural appeal, and a cushiony, warm sensation. Cork tiles are one of the most versatile wood flooring alternatives, fit for using a number of different areas. Our Wise Cork is a carbon negative flooring product that doesn’t use any PVC and is 100% sustainable. Beyond this it also provides thermal insulation, sound insulation, and shock absorption.

• Thermal insulation: Cork products are excellent for thermal insulation, increasing the building’s energy efficiency and reduces heating and cooling costs.

• Sound insulation: Cork also has excellent sound absorption qualities that prevent noise from travelling between rooms or different living units.

• Shock absorption: Cork’s great shock absorbing qualities make it soft and comfortable underfoot. Additionally, cork tiles reduce the impact on the floor when heavy objects are dropped.

Our cork, along with the other elements of this amazing build: from solar panels to Global Greentag Certified paint by Dulux, all help to create excellent comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency in the state-of-the-art office and workspace.