Features

Each Build offers in-depth insights into two topics of interest to the building and construction industry.

Maintenance2

Feature section: Maintenance

Build 160 , 135 , 124 , 96

The BRANZ House Condition Survey regularly finds that our homes are poorly maintained. All buildings need to be maintained, and the longer this is put off the more it will eventually cost.

lessons from canterbury

Feature section: Lessons from Canterbury

Build 134

The earthquakes have paved the way for rethinking Christchurch's role as a 21st century city and provided many lessons for better seismic design, sustainable development and innovative construction methods through the country.

business of building2

Feature section: Business of building

Build 133

As the industry picks up pace, companies that are smart about the way they operate stand to benefit the most. So what should you be doing?

managing moisture

Feature section: Managing moisture

Build 133

When nearly half of our homes have a problem with dampness, managing internal moisture is a major challenge. Investigations into how homes can be both warm and moisture-free are on-going.

cladding 2

Feature section: Claddings

Build 132 , 109 , 100 , 94

That first impression is all important and the choice of building cladding is a key component. However, claddings have a more serious role to play in keeping water out and allowing any that gets in to drain away and dry out.

fire

Feature section: Fire

Build 132 , 121

The destructive power of fire can destroy buildings in minutes and, worse, take lives in the process. BRANZ and others continue to work on finding the best ways to minimise the risk from fire to buildings and lives.

remediation

Feature section: Remediation

Build 131 , 97

Costly large-scale building failures in recent years, particularly around weathertightness, have put the spotlight on repairs or remediation. Toxic pollution, fires and even leaky pipes all require remediation.

Technology

Feature section: Technology

Build 152 , 137 , 131

Technology is bringing rapid changes to the way we work. Drones, robots and 3D printing are just some of the ways disruptive new technologies are impacting on the industry. In the home, the Internet of Things is automating tasks that were previously laboriously manual.

changing housing demand

Feature section: Changing housing demand

Build 130

Petrol prices, natural disasters, climate changes, style, comfort, costs – the reasons for where we live, how we live and how our houses function are many and constantly evolving.

materials and specification

Feature section: Materials and specifications

Build 130 , 107

New technology continue to increase the range of building materials available. Whether it's an innovative smart new product or a reliable favourite, specifying a suitable product that performs in situ is critical.