Affordable, uplifting, high-performance homes is Arthur Lee’s mission and as Sustainability and Design Manager at Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust he’s making it happen. An architectural designer, passive housing expert, Homestar assessor and LCA carbon modeller, Arthur is spearheading positive change in his part of Aotearoa.
How did your story with architecture begin?
Growing up I played Lego a lot and enjoyed engaging in craft and DIY projects. With my parents both being scientists I naturally picked up a logical and analytical way of thinking. At high school I went through a detailed personality and career analysis which pointed me towards architecture - a good mix of art and science. It felt natural so I went for it and consistently progressed. Now, ten years into my career, I’m grateful for the opportunity to create better spaces that enhance people's lives and I’m still energised by the projects I’m working on.
You’ve lived in Taiwan and Denmark – how has this shaped your approach to high-density neighbourhoods and social housing?
High-density housing works great for most people in these countries. It's not better or worse than other types of housing just different and definitely not a compromise. High-density living usually means lower operational costs and more convenience. Having lived in high-density housing myself I have a pretty clear idea of what's essential versus what's just nice to have. When it comes to social housing, creating a healthier living environment and keeping operational costs down are some of my top priorities.
‘Smarter, simpler, smaller’ is a slogan of yours – please tell us more?
Smarter design for people: housing is all about making life better for people. Designing smarter circulation, storage, adaptable layouts, natural light and passive solar benefits often doesn’t cost extra but help create homes where people thrive.
Simpler design for construction: construction is usually the largest portion of the development cost, so keeping the design simple is the key. Simple forms are easier, faster and cheaper to build. Modest but robust materials come with lower life-cycle costs.
Smaller design for resource efficiency: Smaller homes are also a win because they use less materials to build, cost less to maintain, consume less energy, take less time to clean. So small isn't a compromise, it's part of a smart, balanced design.
Where does energy-modelling fit in the push for sustainable, affordable homes? Energy modelling is super important but hasn't really caught on as a standard practice in Aotearoa yet. It's like the perfect combo of art and science, blending performance with aesthetics to create awesome buildings. At the conceptual stage, energy models help figure out shading, window positions and sizes - which are crucial for comfort and energy efficiency in summer and winter. Later on energy models guide the best choices from floors, walls, roofs to glazing, ventilation, airtightness, heating and hot water systems. If these decisions are important to you - you should start energy modelling as early as possible in a project.
How is Aotearoa doing in the innovative residential building practices space?
Although it will never be enough, there are lots of innovations to celebrate and I’ll name a few.
1. Increasing numbers of non-for-profit community housing providers are offering alternative housing models – enabling secure housing for households with diverse needs and financial situations.
2. Most major banks now offer preferential financing to encourage developers and consumers to invest in energy efficient buildings which typically yield positive investment returns.
3. On the individual building level, Homestar is providing pathways for people to achieve good, better, best building performance outcomes.
The scarcity of affordable, liveable housing in Queenstown and Wānaka is a hot issue. Do you see a solution?
Inclusionary zoning is a great mechanism with a proven record in the Queenstown Lakes District for over 20 years which ensures that growth benefits the whole community. This planning tool aims to capture around 5 percent of the value uplift created when land is upzoned and subdivided from rural to residential activity. The captured value is held in community ownership in perpetuity (via QLCHT) under a range of housing programmes for low-moderate income residents in our district.
As part of the solution and at the building design level, I advocate for designing smarter, simpler and smaller homes. Great things happen when everyone involved in any project makes it better by a few percent.
What is the biggest buzz of your mahi with the Trust?
The creation of our first Sustainability Strategy and its ongoing implementation through energy modelling of all new projects and managing better designs that balance affordability, people and the environment.
Your favourite green building in Aotearoa or anywhere in the world? It’s a tough one but I’ll say the Toiora Cohousing Development in Ōtepoti Dunedin (Aotearoa’s first certified passive house co-housing development comprising 21 homes). It’s a project with an ordinary budget but they managed to achieve an awesome outcome through exceptional design, prioritisation and project management.