First Light Studio have been commended for their 'innovative and intensive' universally accessible bathroom pod, designed specifically for multi-unit residential applications.

Will the aspirational global temperature rise targets agreed to at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference have any implications for the future, or will it just be 'business as usual'?

Apartments and terrace buildings are now included in this comprehensive residential sustainability rating scheme which is rapidly being adopted throughout the country. 

Written by Jerome Partington, JASMAX: If we aren't sure about a chemical or product's toxicity or health impacts, we shouldn't use it. 

Thermal Mass is often presented as the magic ingredient to ensure that the passive solar gain within a building is maximised, but the importance and usefulness of Thermal Mass can vary depending on the purpose and location of a space, along with glazing and insulation. 

Why is it that single drop 'Thermal Drapes' are considered to be the solution to retaining heat within a house during winter, when lined curtains of ordinary fabrics have been used in the past?

Before worrying about slab-edge, start with thermal bridging fabric above the ground floor with timber floor insulation and appropriate joinery detail.

Last November I wrote of thoughts I have had for a very long time regarding the possibility of there being negatives in fitting thermal insulation to the exterior face of an un-heated slab-on-ground concrete floor.

Shading is a double-edged sword. The varying aspects of shading as broadly defined need to be considered right from the beginning of the design process, due to the significant positive and negative effects it can have on solar gain throughout the cycle of the four seasons.

Blog post by Jerome Partington, JASMAX: I've written several posts which highlight the big challenges and likely outcomes New Zealand is facing by our current 'unsustainability' – especially issues of growing social inequality and unmanageable climate change.