Caro Lane: MultiGen Marvel

Designed by Bob Burnett Architecture, Caro Lane stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design, catering to the needs of a multi-generational family. This five-bedroom, two-story dwelling located at the foot of the Port hills in the Cashmere Estate subdivision was featured on the 2022 Superhome Bus Tour as an under construction exemplar, and revisited again in 2023 when it was completed. The home seamlessly integrates universal design principles with ergonomic considerations, ensuring comfort and accessibility for occupants of all ages. With a background in the medical field, the clients knew the importance of healthy living, and how a properly designed house has a positive effect on its occupants health and well-being. The clients have been bold enough to do something different, recognising the importance of creating a home that benefits and supports the health and wellbeing of the occupants through varying life stages.

‍Background

‍Before embarking on the construction of Caro Lane, clients Fiona and Trevor had already experienced the comfort of living in a Bob Burnett Architecture home. The unique dwelling, New Zealand’s pioneering 8-star Homestar home, was built back in 2011 at an affordable cost of just $300,000 - originally conceived as a spec project. Measuring 149m², it featured four bedrooms and an attached double garage. This project was the precursor to the first 10 star homes in Church Square.

Fiona and Trevor purchased the home off the plans when the foundation had just been laid, for a total of $415,000 (2011 price), which included the land. Upon settling in, their family was pleasantly surprised by the low operating expenses, totaling less than $600 for an entire year, despite opting to install only half of the initially recommended solar panels. Had the full 4kW solar system been installed as initially planned, their annual power bill would have been completely eliminated. This home served as a compelling testament to the feasibility of constructing an affordable and energy-efficient home.
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As their family grew, and with the desire to have extended family live with them, Fiona and Trevor found themselves in need of a more spacious dwelling. Drawing from their positive experience in their previous home, especially the health benefits of living in an efficient and environmentally friendly space, they naturally turned to Bob Burnett Architecture once again to design their next residence at Caro Lane.
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Design Concept

‍Caro Lane deviates from conventional multi-generational housing solutions by offering generously sized rooms designed to accommodate larger families. Rather than opting for a two-in-one design, the design strategically places two kitchen sinks to enhance usability, emphasising the importance of communal spaces. Upstairs, bedrooms and bathrooms are strategically spaced around a central staircase, while an additional bedroom and bathroom are located on the ground floor, promoting accessibility.
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The residence’s spatial efficiency not only enhances the living experience but also optimises energy efficiency. Its two-story layout maximises thermal efficiency, resulting in a smaller footprint on the site. This efficient design allows for an expansive garden and outdoor living space, ideal for family activities and the cultivation of fruit trees.
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Construction and Insulation 

‍The choice of construction materials and techniques plays a pivotal role in the home’s sustainability and energy efficiency. The fully insulated slab, combined with super-energy-efficient in-slab hydronic underfloor heating, ensures optimal heat retention. The Ecopanel wall system, comprising various layers for insulation, airtightness, and cavity battens, offers superior performance while reducing heat loss through the building envelope.
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To meet recession plane and height limit constraints, a CLT midfloor was chosen. This innovative approach utilises 166mm thick CLT panels, providing a shallower midfloor depth compared to traditional floor joists. Below these panels, a 90mm services cavity accommodates plumbing services and whole-house ventilation ducts. The combination of prefab Ecopanel and CLT panels accelerated construction, with walls and midfloor completed in just three days.
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NK uPVC windows were installed in alignment with the insulation, eliminating thermal bridging and ensuring an airtight seal. These windows were carefully integrated with the internal intello air tightness layer to prevent heat loss through junctions.
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