Features
Each Build offers in-depth insights into two topics of interest to the building and construction industry.
Feature section: Changing face of building
The New Zealand building industry is transforming as prefabrication, medium-density housing and new building technologies overtake old systems and techniques.
Feature section: Tech matters
As with pretty much every aspect of our lives, technology is changing the construction industry for the better. It’s providing opportunities to make our cities smarter and our workers safer and transforming the methods and materials used.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Climate change
The changing climate will have a big impact on the built environment in terms of where we build and how we build. What can we do to mitigate the impacts and prepare for the changes?
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Feature section: Modern construction methods
Advances in technology and automation have created new methods of construction that the industry is embracing. With the increase in substantial parts of buildings coming from overseas, issues around fitness for use and compliance are causing some headaches.
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Feature section: Commercial buildings
As big-ticket items, commercial buildings lead the way in innovation. That’s translating to an emphasis on building performance, consideration of upgrading rather than demolishing and an increased focus on occupant health and wellbeing.
Feature section: Skilling the workforce
It’s a challenging time for construction work training and skills. The government is changing the way it delivers vocational education and training, and there’s an ongoing problem with getting enough skilled workers to service the building boom.
Feature section: Canterbury today
Canterbury and particularly Christchurch look very different today with innovative low-rise buildings incorporating the latest in seismic technology, dominating the freshly arisen city.
Feature section: Exceeding the minimum
The message is getting out. Designing homes above the minimum requirements of the Building Code makes them better to live in, often for little extra cost. Designers and builders have a role to play helping their clients understand this.
Feature section: Building information modelling
As a major BIM conference is held in New Zealand, it is time to increase BIM’s uptake as we move into a digitally enabled future.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Passive fire protection
Passive fire protection is in the spotlight after questions have been raised about Building Code compliance in existing buildings. Work at various levels aims to bring changes and improve quality.
