So this is the design we have currently opted to run with and working drawings are currently being done. We have had a couple of sessions on materials etc. so far for the house. Currently we are cladding the house in cedar, which everyone seems to recommend.
The majority of the house will sit on a slab so we are currently investigating having polished or exposed concrete flooring with a hydronic under floor heating system connected to an air-water heat pump. While there is a bit of expense for this system a lot of the cost will be offset by not needing wood flooring or carpet (which would block some of the heat).
A stable heat source that heats the whole house with no drafts etc is also quite appealing when compared to the current heat pump setup in our existing home, with drafts and unheated rooms.
Kitchen bench tops are also on our to do list, however finding a combination of: look, an ability to not scratch, mark or stain and also handle heat is providing hard work.
Our current homework has been to give the designers a better understanding of our tastes. houzz.com is perfect for this as you can choose types of rooms (living/bedroom) type of style (contemporary/traditional etc) and well as specific search words and it will display hundreds of photos to inspire. You can then save the photos to your account to access in future.
Mike Columbus is a founder of sortmymortgage.co.nz and director of New Zealand Home Loans Christchurch Central. Mike can be contacted on 03 335 3527 or 021 369908. This advice is of a general nature only and before acting on it please read my disclaimer which can be obtained by emailing me at mike.columbus@nzhomeloans.co.nz