Regional Team Q&A with eHaus Taranaki

We’ve launched a new segment that shines a light on our regional teams who bring our high-performance homes to life. Every eHaus is project-managed by a local team who guides each build from the very first client conversations through to handover day, taking care of every part of the design and build process along the way. Across the country, each team brings its own expertise, personality and passion for building better homes. Regional Team Q&A is our way of sharing their stories with you.

Through the series, you’ll get a glimpse into what drives them, the projects they’re most proud of, their views on energy efficiency, the misconceptions they wish homeowners better understood, and the moments on site that remind them why high-performance building matters.

For our very first segment, we spoke with Steve and Susie from eHaus Taranaki and here's what they had to say.

Regional Team Q&A with eHaus Taranaki

What do you love most about being part of the eHaus team?

"Steve and I enjoy being part of the eHaus group, everyone is passionate and like-minded. Everyone is genuinely committed to making a positive impact through high-performance building. The collaborative spirit and shared vision for healthier, more sustainable homes is a why we became involved with eHaus."

What’s your favourite eHaus project to date, and why?

"Our favourite project is the Oakura Cedar Sensation, this is a 360sqm home that combines luxury with top performance. Built to the eHaus Euro standard and Certified Passive Home, it uses the best Passive House design tools and smart construction. This home won the Master Builders House of the Year Regional Supreme Award, as well as Gold, Category Winner ($1–1.5 million), Craftsmanship, Lifestyle Kitchen, and Sustainable awards. I’m especially proud of this project because it shows what’s possible when great design and high standards come together. Handing over to our clients a home that will perform for generations is incredibly satisfying."

What’s the most common question clients ask you about eHaus – and how do you answer it?

"Clients often ask, “What makes an eHaus different from a standard home?”. We explain that eHaus homes are designed and built using smart and measured building principles, which means they’re healthier, more comfortable, and far more energy-efficient than conventional builds. The difference is noticeable in the air quality, temperature stability, and low running costs."

How do you see building performance evolving over the next 5–10 years?

"We believe building performance will become even more central to how we design and construct homes. With growing awareness of climate change and energy costs, there will be a stronger focus on airtightness, insulation, and renewable energy integration." 

What’s the best part of your job?

"The best part of our job is seeing the positive impact our work has on people’s lives. Handing over a home that exceeds expectations and knowing it will provide comfort, health, and savings for years to come is incredibly rewarding."

How would you describe the difference between an eHaus and a standard build?

"An eHaus is meticulously energy-modelled and designed for performance, comfort, and efficiency. Unlike standard builds, every detail is considered from insulation and airtightness to ventilation.  The result is a home that maintains a consistent, comfortable temperature year-round with minimal energy use."

What’s one feature you think every home should have (that isn’t the norm)?

"We think every home should have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR). It’s not yet standard in most homes, but it makes a huge difference in air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency."