Contact

Menu

Kiwi Newton

Articles

Design-build is a modern project delivery method where a single entity—the design-builder—is responsible for both the design and construction phases of a project.

Discuss Your Project With Us

Filter

Net-Zero

Limiting Thermal Breaks for Efficiency

With high insulating value, special care is taken to limit thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when an exterior element is directly connected to an interior element without any thermal breaks. A prime example is when a balcony is simply a cantilevered extension of the floor slab. With this building detail, the cold concrete balcony is a bridge for your heating energy to leave your building.

Kiwi Newton employs thermally broken balconies and facade mounting to eliminate thermal bridges. Instead of a cantilevered balcony, a precast slab is supported on the exterior of the building via columns or ‘wing walls,’ which are thermally broken and structurally separate from the main building walls.

Read More
September 27, 2024
Energy Efficiency

Using Thermal Activation for Energy Efficiency

The Kiwi Precast System is built for energy efficiency, with insulation placed on the exterior of the precast concrete walls. This design allows the concrete to act as a thermal reservoir, using its mass to regulate indoor temperatures.

The concrete absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, helping maintain stable temperatures inside the building regardless of outdoor conditions. Embedded water lines further enhance this process, circulating heated or cooled water through the structure to provide consistent temperature control. This approach reduces energy consumption and operational costs while creating a comfortable, eco-friendly environment.

Read More
September 27, 2024
Net-Zero

Prefabrication for Passive House

Kiwi Newton specializes in constructing buildings that meet the principles of Passive House design:

Superinsulated envelopes to reduce heat loss
Airtight construction to prevent energy leaks
High-performance glazing for thermal efficiency
Thermal-bridge-free detailing to stop energy loss
Heat recovery ventilation for fresh air without heat loss

The international Passive House (Passivhaus) standard requires strict energy performance metrics:

Space heat demand: max 15 kWh/m² annually or 10 W/m² heating load
Airtightness: pressurization test result of 0.6 ACH at 50 Pa
Primary Energy Demand: max 120 kWh/m² annually

These demanding standards ensure minimal heating and cooling energy usage.

Read More
September 27, 2024
Net-Zero

Building Envelope Details for Net-Zero Construction

Kiwi Newton prioritizes energy efficiency through advanced building envelope design. Our system features continuous exterior insulation, preventing thermal bridging and ensuring optimal temperature regulation. Precast concrete panels serve as both a moisture and vapor barrier, maintaining durability and energy performance. Connections between panels are carefully sealed to create an airtight structure, reducing energy loss.

Windows are embedded within the insulation to prevent heat transfer, while thermally broken façade clips and window systems further enhance thermal efficiency. These design elements combine to meet the highest standards for Net-Zero and Passive House buildings, ensuring long-term energy savings and environmental sustainability.

Read More
September 27, 2024
Load More
Table of Contents

Contact Us

Inquiries

More information will be requested in the next step.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by the company.

Search our Site