Recently in the architectural community there was discussion around the need to have a thermal break in the concrete ground floor of a house where the attached garage is within its footprint, but outside of the thermal envelope, and how to achieve this in a buildable and structural manner.

Any design process balances client aspirations against budget constraints. How often have you faced the challenge of aligning a project's cost with its needs and vision?

It seems that finally the problem of summer over-heating of newly built medium-density housing, especially terrace housing, is gaining traction and being noticed by the mainstream media where it is starting to become a subject of public comment and discussion.

In this post I’d like to explore the concept of price. How important is it? What is a fair price? Will high prices come down?

The word ‘waterproof’ is an absolute term. It means ‘impervious to water’. Stating that a building is almost waterproof does not make sense.

You would have heard the sayings 'designed to a budget' and 'built to a price', both of which have negative connotations, but surely being 'cost informed' will lead to better design outcomes.

This month I look at how we can raise our game when designing townhouse facades + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz. 

The term cold roof can be a little misleading. We call them ‘cold’ due only to placement of the insulation being separated from the membrane substate, or more technically; the internal air can circulate underneath the roof.

In mid-July 2024 it was reported that the Building and Construction Minister sought advice for a possible review of the cost increases resulting from the recent implementation of the improved insulation requirements of the 5th Edition of NZBC clause H1 (Energy Efficiency).

This month I look at the acoustic treatment of plumbing and drainage for MDH + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz.