We recently conducted a simple experiment comparing the temperature of different coloured membranes in the Auckland sun. 

Because of their high thermal mass, the thermal insulation of concrete and concrete block walls in dwellings needs to be treated quite differently to those with lightweight framed or panel walls.

When creating product documentation, it is useful for product suppliers to think not only about getting the product specified, but also helping the design team in achieving building consent. 

It can be difficult to give coating advice on new products arriving into NZ's climate — here's a look at how strandwoven bamboo decking is made and some of the challenges of the coating process. 

After thoroughly investigating the challenges of upgrading fire-separating elements we want to finish this series off by demonstrating how a tested and endorsed intumescent coating system embedded in an integrated approach is able to deliver a compliant, cost-effective, minimal waste solution.

A short guide to designing an external surface water drainage system that protects dwellings from moisture while maintaining visual consistency and high performance.

The recently released Climate Change Commission’s draft report for public consultation speaks of the need to reduce the domestic use of natural gas and LPG. This, and the inevitable depletion of the resource, will need to influence the way we design the water heating systems for our dwellings.

Recently, flat roof systems and product technology have grown more complex, with options such as reinforced modified bitumen and TPO membranes providing different performance benefits. 

The public enquiry into the Grenfell Fire should become a key education resource for the industry, reminding us that recognising and managing project risk is a role we all share. 

The Ministry of Education's updated guidelines on Weathertightness Design Requirements for New School Buildings outline new changes in the design philosophy of school roofs set well above NZBC Acceptable Solutions.