Abstract

Napier City Council has over 300
pensioner homes in nine villages
spread across the city. Most were
designed and built between the late
1950s and the 1980s. The original quality of
construction was high and the houses have
been well maintained, but they were built for a
time when fuel was cheaper and expectations
of comfort were more modest than today.
Accessibility demands have also increased with
the increasing age of the population and desire
for independence.

The pensioner homes average about 40 m2 in floor
area and, with the exception of a few adaptations
and alterations, remain much the same as they
were when built up to 50 years ago. Realising
the housing needed to adapt for future changes,
the City Council commissioned a feasibility study
to review the sustainability of these house types
in the long-term. This was partially funded by
Housing New Zealand Corporation.
The study, undertaken by Pacific
Environments Ltd, focussed on energy,
accessibility and maintenance. These areas
covered the provision of affordable warmth,
future fuels, access both within the home and
to the wider community and also a maintenance
regime so the properties remain robust for the
next century.