The Kai 2015

House Notes – The Kai

This custom design, like all of our designs, is designed with passive design principles inherently. Nestled at the foot of Earl Hill, in Bluewater Estate, The Kai is based on a standard design and adapted for use as a display home with a difference.

At Kenick, whilst we are passionate about building great homes specifically designed for the tropics, we are also not afraid to take risks with design and use of materials to deliver a product which no-one has seen in Cairns before.

A contemporary and interesting exterior invites you in to the spacious open plan high- ceilinged main living space which opens seamlessly onto the large entertaining areas and water features which the home wraps around. Cool and comforting sounds of trickling water from the water feature linking the Trex deck to the home assists in not only a calming atmosphere, but also serves the purpose of cooling the air as the wind passes over the water.

The secondary bedrooms and bathroom have their own wing of the house, which is separated by a sound insulated wall and additional feature door from the living area.

A gourmet kitchen with separate pantry and laundry area is meticulously executed. Whilst tucked away at the quiet end of the home is the master bedroom which opens out onto the ambiently lit Trex deck, huge walk in robe and sumptuously decadent en-suite featuring floor to ceiling black porcelain tiles, spa bath, huge double shower which opens into the garden with large bi-fold doors.

Custom made awnings shade the rear elevation from the afternoon sun, and the home captures the natural breezes all year round by ample use of louvres, sliding glass doors and open plan interior. Grey glass and A25 film to living area contribute to the 9 star energy rating and the high level of comfort within the home. In addition, this stunning tropical home incorporates wide exterior eaves, light colours, cross-ventilation in all rooms and internal doors to promote airflow and cooling without resorting to air-conditioning.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2015
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Efficient lighting
      Draught proofing
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring

    • Energy efficiency:
    • Solar Roof Vent
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans
    • Water heating:
    • Solar hot water (flat panel)
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • The Trex decking is 95% recycled wood and plastic and the Eco+ Carpet is made from 37% renewable material derived from corn sugar. This carpet has 63% less green house gas emissions than a typical nylon carpet. We have also installed Earthwool insulation, which is made using recycled materials (ECOSE Technology), made from rapidly renewable organic materials, formaldehyde-free binding process, no added dyes with up to 70% less embodied energy than your typical insulation product or material.
    • Sustainable materials:
    • Godfrey Hirst Eco + carpet, Earthwool insulation and timber from FSC sources
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Timber
      Insulation

INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Ceiling
      Internal and external walls

    • Ceiling Type:
    • Plasterboard Bulk Insulation
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • 3.5
    • Other Insulation Methods:
    • Roof Insulation Foil Lined Batts R-Value 1.8
    • Internal / External Walls Type:
    • External Walls Foil Lined & Batts
    • Internal / External Walls Rating:
    • R-Value 2
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • Energy star rating:
    • 9 Stars
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • This figure is hard to determine specifically as it is all so integral to the whole house. I would suggest a figure of around $25,000 to cover timber frame extra cost, louvres, window film, solar PV (1.5kW) and solar hot water.
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • As this home is currently a display home, it is difficult to quantify in a meaningful way. However, we have ALL the lights on 7 days a week, plus all the office systems and two TV’s running quite a lot, so on balance we use the same as an average household (according to the last bill). Last bill $533.50
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 233.42
    • Window and Door Types
    • Low-e, films
      Louvre windows
      Clerestory windows

    • Window and Door Types
    • Grey Glass everywhere
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 4
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Native plants
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • We have installed cabinetry products which are safe to breath (no formaldehyde), Earthwool insulation (not bleached, no formaldehyde, natural ecose binders), No VOC Mythic paint in the display home internally, Epoxy floor also has no formaldehyde (won 2010 HIA Greensmart product of the year).
Location
Trinity Beach QLD 4879
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
      Display
    • Builder
    • Kenick Constructions

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