The huge 8000m² extension to Auckland Airport's departures and arrivals terminal proved not a problem, thanks to the rigid air barrier qualities of James Hardie's RAB Board.

Although it is in a high wind zone and the client was on a strict schedule, the building process went ahead without delay, says site supervisor Satish Prema of construction company Live Firm.

"For this project, the major benefit of RAB Board was that it gave speed efficiencies during the build," says Satish. "Once it's installed on the structural steel and the windows are in, you can start working inside, so you can get ahead with internal works straight away. That opened up quite a few opportunities for us."

The three-step score, snap and nail installation process is easy explains Satish; "Score about half of the way and it simply snaps. Then you just apply it to the structure."

Live Firm's General Manager Jacky Wong says that although the RAB proved cost-effective in comparison to competitive products, it's not just about the cost; "It's the service James Hardie offers which is key to the success of the project."

Satish was in contact with James Hardie's technical manager Singh Kamboj throughout the installation for reassurance that he had installed the product according to specifications. "The first time I called was for a site observation to ensure that installation was correct. Then there was a query about inter-storey junctions. He gave his recommendation solution which we followed."

"He was most definitely helpful. I could call him tomorrow and he would be out there in a jiffy."