About OpenStudio & EnergyPlus
OpenStudio is an open-source, cross-platform software development kit (SDK) for building energy modeling (BEM). Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), OpenStudio provides a comprehensive platform for creating and analyzing whole-building energy models.
EnergyPlus is DOE's state-of-the-art whole-building energy simulation engine that powers OpenStudio. It calculates heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other energy flows in buildings, providing detailed insights into building performance.
Our Simplicity projects use these industry-leading tools to optimize building design for energy efficiency while maintaining comfort and functionality.
Download Model Files
3D Building Model
Interactive 3D visualization of the building model geometry, thermal zones, and surface properties.
Energy Performance Comparison
We benchmark a typical Simplicity build against traditional methodologies in terms of energy consumption and cost. Lake Road, Northcote is used as the example Simplicity Building, compared against a code-minimum baseline, an enhanced standard (better insulation and windows), and a CLT building.
Methodology Comparison — Energy Consumption
Methodology Comparison — Cost vs Performance
Key Finding: The Simplicity build system demonstrates the most cost-effective and energy-efficient balance when considering both initial construction and operational performance. Our in-situ concrete approach provides superior thermal mass benefits while minimizing construction complexity.
Simplicity Projects Compared
The same comparison repeated across our four projects — Reiputa, Waiatarua, Lake Road and Morningside Drive — showing how each successive design improves on the last. Results come from the OpenStudio energy simulations of the actual projects (entered via the Admin page).
Project Comparison — Energy Consumption
Project Comparison — Cost vs Performance
Detailed Energy Simulation Report
Complete Nezo OpenStudio energy analysis reports for each project, including annual energy consumption breakdown, monthly profiles, and HVAC system performance metrics. Select a project to view its report.