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.

Acoustic comfort in classrooms is paramount. While visual and acoustic performance are key options when treating school walls and ceilings, seismic considerations are just as important.

Here, we present three different solutions from Potter Interior Solutions to help avoid common flooring accidents, while saving time and money on interior design.

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.

If you are wanting to learn more about designing for shade, consider reading Undercover – Guidelines for Shade Planning and Design.

Inadequate site selection decisions can eventuate in a closing-off of later desirable design options for efficient passive thermal design.

Recent changes in Section C (Fire/Surface Finishes) of the NZBC have reduced the options for acoustic absorption in interior spaces.

Liability insurance policies – unlike office contents and house or car policies – expire at the end of each term, so before your existing policy expires, you must reapply for cover for the following year.

After establishing in last month's post that vapour convection is the major contributor to Leaky Building 2.0, we will now explain how to measure installed performance by using a Blower Door.

Metal ceilings have been a hot topic of discussion in recent times and have enjoyed a return in popularity among commercial buildings throughout New Zealand.