How do I get my design to meet expectations of comfort?

When designing buildings for thermal performance, which criteria should dominate when it comes to the selection of building materials?

Fashions have changed and paint technology has improved; flat/matt sheen level paints are now being confidently used throughout homes, including in bathrooms and kitchens.

Getting layering right in New Zealand buildings for summer and winter.

The perceptions of project managers, quantity surveyors and passive fire installers when it comes to planning for fire stopping.

Should we be reviewing the natural ventilation aspects of the standard form of windows commonly used in our modern houses?

A dwelling should be considered as an integrated set of systems rather than a set of separate components.

One of the more significant developments in low slope commercial roofing in the New Zealand market in recent years has been the rise of ‘cool roofs’. Relatively new in our country, the choice to adopt lighter coloured roofing membranes is becoming more popular.

We recently had occasion to be drawn into the realm of structural engineering with regard to concrete floor slab penetrations. The issue is all too common: no provision made for power or data cables (and other services) to pass through concrete floor slabs. 

It is important to consider NZ's unique environment and high UV levels when specifying modern single ply thermoplastic membranes such as PVC and TPO.