Like with any external building product that contains timber or absorbent materials, SIPS can be sensitive to moisture.

In light of the recent surge in intense rain events, which were once considered rare but are now becoming more frequent, it has become imperative to address the design considerations for below-ground structures.

With the recent unfortunate events in Wellington, it brings back into focus the elements involved in multi-storey buildings regarding fire safety, whether they are active or passive fire protection (PFP) systems within the building envelope. The building's systems need to work hand in hand and function appropriately in the event of a fire related emergency.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a high level of hygiene in commercial spaces has become a paramount concern. Among the various surfaces within these spaces, ceiling tiles often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in overall hygiene.

H1 provides for the efficient use of energy and sets physical conditions for energy performance. Are the recent changes to the H1 clause just a small step along the road to adopting the International Passive House standards across New Zealand, like other members of the OECD experienced? Robert Whitehouse believes they are.

Consideration should be taken to futureproofing new developments to ensure surface water drainage is efficient and will prevent unnecessary flood damage to property. Our cities are becoming increasingly less permeable with a higher coverage of hard surfaces as they intensify.

Using mineral fibre ceiling tiles with a Group 1 fire rating can help ensure compliance and provide greater protection for building occupants in the event of a fire.

‘Compostable’ means material that can be similarly broken down but — critically — into species that are useful and beneficial to compost.

Understanding details around specifying passive fire protection for drainage penetrations through balconies.

Could multiple applications of less durable wood stains outperform a more durable paint system in terms of carbon footprint?