With a growing number of people moving to main city centres, the rise of high density residential living is increasing. The trend means efficient building methods are required to maximise the available space and we are seeing the growth of apartments, terrace homes and infill housing.

To provide extra living space often these buildings are equipped with outdoor balconies. Adding a deck helps maximise outdoor areas and makes the home more 'liveable'.

Vincent Street Apartments was a development that turned an office building into an apartment building. To create a more liveable apartment, waterproof balconies were included in the design. 20mm porcelain tiles were installed on top of Nurajacks over a waterproofing membrane that was falling at 1.5 degrees. The result was a level deck surface that matched the interior floor level.

All membrane decks typically now require a minimum 100mm step from door threshold to the membrane with the membrane typically falling away from the door. Further to this, any building built under E2 of the New Zealand Building Code requires a deck surface to be "raised and removable", so does not allow for the direct adhesion of tiles or the direct laying of timber joists onto exterior membranes.

Nurajacks provide the ultimate decking solution. The Nurajack is designed to support timber decking, tiles or pavers on its self-levelling head, ensuring the membrane is protected from point-loading. The void between the decking and the membrane can be used to accommodate pipes and other services. The floating deck system both protects the membrane and creates a usable outdoor area, and when used in conjunction with a Nuralite membrane, the system has a 20-year warranty.

Considering the need to inspect membrane decking after installation, Nurajacks deliver a high performing, easy to install way to level decks. And with the rise of high density residential living, adding an exterior balcony is an easy option to achieve extra living space.