External areas can make a positive contribution to the available space and liveability of a project. This is evident across a wide variety of scenarios, from a small balcony in high or medium density dwellings to a spacious patio with a pool area in a high-end home or development.

Articles by commentators and professionals (Marriage, 2023) on EBOSS have noted the impressive ability of NZ architects to design external spaces with an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Doing this well allows spaces to be used in a way that fits the kiwi lifestyle and can enhance mental health through increased sunlight, air, view as well as provide leisure and social functions.

Protecting the space itself and the dwelling from the impacts of surface water and external moisture is a key consideration when designing these areas. Surface water and external moisture must be efficiently managed and removed to safeguard people from illness or injury and the property from damage as laid out in the objectives of NZBC E1 and E2.

When considering high-density housing, and medium-density to some degree, balconies would likely play a role in connecting the dwelling to the outside environment. Allproof offer a range of products specifically designed to provide a high performing drainage solution while considering the visual impact in such condensed spaces.

Tile jacks can be set over the waterproofing layer creating a level entry, Allproof’s dome and overflow balcony drains can sit below these, or an Allthrough can be selected allowing the balcony space to be drained through the downpipe penetration. Soffit covers reduce the visual impact of overflow penetrations on the balcony below. The Allproof stainless steel overflow grates include an integrated cowl cover, reducing the chances of the overflow becoming inadvertently activated due to a neighbour washing their balcony or watering their plants as the water can track through the tile spacings into the vertically open overflow outlet.