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. 

Green Roofs are a complex system that requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including weight, water retention, and the type of vegetation.

The right glass selection can mitigate the effects of solar heat gain while allowing outdoor views and natural light, creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers, while not requiring extra ongoing operational costs. 

Whilst the media-grabbing headlines of our Architect and Builder Sentiment Reports released in August were of falling demand, increased capacity and expected headwinds for the next 12 months, I wanted to move past these top-level soundbites and share five observations that struck me while pouring through the results of these two reports.

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.

As new pipe types emerge in the market, it is crucial to maintain up-to-date testing to address the unique requirements each type presents.

Glass balustrades can elevate building design, but for a safe and compliant installation it is crucial to consider both glass and hardware together.

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).

NZ made solutions provide a premium finish and achieve the level of detail specified for projects such as luxury hotels in Auckland. Elements such as the integration with other systems, performance and the ability to customise are core features when selecting for tile floor shower channels.

Explore the benefits of metal tray substrates compared to traditional plywood substrates in flat roofing applications, focusing on value engineering, efficiency, and long-term performance.