Barefoot Architecture is a new build design business that began in 2019. It was born from within Reveal Building Consultants. Reveal provides a wide range of construction consultancy, focusing on the existing built environment. Much of Reveal’s work is, unfortunately, treating the consequences rather than the cause – reclad design, construction defects, leaky buildings, insurance damage investigations, resolving unconsented works, etc.
Barefoot Architecture was born of a passion for doing good and a frustration of dealing with not good enough.
Just ask Nick Gaites, Director of Barefoot and Reveal. He’s been dealing with failed buildings for many years, “It’s very disappointing to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff all the time because of poor quality construction.”
At first, it was thought that buildings must breathe; why would you make it airtight? Vapour permeability is not the same as a building having draughts. So, he learned more and discovered a better way.
The discovery of a different building method led Nick to retrain and learn about Passive Houses. He continued the journey by building his very own Certified Passive House – and that’s how Barefoot Architecture operates: learn, do, and learn again. They are passionate about construction, and Nick has been a builder himself. He first learned to do it the New Zealand way, then how to fix leaky houses, retrained as a building surveyor, and again as a certified passive house consultant.
Barefoot Architecture’s philosophy has always been a commitment to continual learning and hands-on experience, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. Their holistic approach delivers environmentally conscious buildings and ensures superior comfort, health, and well-being for occupants.
The initial reason people usually investigate a Passive House was performance-based, but now it’s climate reaction. Everyone deserves a warm, comfortable home that doesn’t damage the environment. There are many more reasons to add: you sleep better at night in a ventilated house, they are low-carbon and low-operational-energy users, not to mention the recyclable building materials.
“Building the building is a one-off carbon hit, but the minimal heating energy required for its life has an ongoing impact, a good one.”
Barefoot Architecture is committed to spreading the word about Certified Passive Houses, and their journey is ongoing as they learn more about homes that are good for people and the planet. We want to design more high-performance buildings for people, from minor dwellings to complex residential construction.
To speak with someone from the Barefoot Architecture team, email [email protected] or phone 09 281 9398.
To have a minimal negative impact on the environment. To be better rather than perfect.
To act with integrity protecting our clients best interests at all times.
To act with kindness to each other, our clients and the planet. Do the right thing, do good, leave the place better than we found it.
To provide homes that create a health positive living environment where families can thrive.
To uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in a low key and familiar manner. Continuous improvement through learning.
To provide beautiful yet functional designs assisting our clients to express themselves in the built environment.
Passionate about creating homes that support living environments for people and the planet, Barefoot is made up of a friendly and dedicated team of disciplined designers and architects.
To find out more about Barefoot, please download a copy of our brochure.
