Features
Each Build offers in-depth insights into two topics of interest to the building and construction industry.
Feature section: CPD and LBPs
Keeping up to date is vital in any profession but especially so across the building industry, with ongoing changes to Building Codes, standards and industry practice. We check out what's happening with the licensed building practitioners scheme as well as the professional development on offer.
Feature section: Fire safety
Changes to the Verification Method for fire safety design introduce new fire ratings, and optional deemed-to-comply surface finishes. Meanwhile, BRANZ fire testing capabilities have been boosted.
Feature section: Water woes
Water views may be great, but water in the wrong place inside the house is another story. Owners of leaky buildings and anyone whose home has been flooded can attest that water where it’s not wanted can be costly, damaging and difficult to deal with.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Health and Safety
Big changes to building and construction industry health and safety regulations are on the way. Company owners would be wise to start preparing now by understanding, planning for and getting ready to implement the changes.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Innovation
The building industry is fronting up with innovative solutions to the challenges being faced. Fresh ideas are bringing changes to the way we do things, with more on the way.
Feature section: Concrete
This most ancient of building materials continues to evolve. For example, as prefabrication gains traction, exciting opportunities for precast concrete panels are emerging, both because of the design elements they offer and their ease of delivery on site.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Uniquely NZ
The mountains, narrow rugged coastline and fast-flowing rivers New Zealand is known for might please tourists, but they’re challenging to our builders and designers. Add to that our reputation as the shaky isles, and the provision of safe, durable and dry homes isn’t easy.
Feature section: Resilient buildings
Violent weather and devastating earthquakes have turned attention to the challenge of making our buildings more resilient. Is it too much to expect buildings to protect life and be reusable shortly after a crisis?
Feature section: Skills
Continuous upgrading of skills is not only desirable, it is a requirement of membership to professional bodies and schemes such as the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme.
Articles in this section
Feature section: Affordability
Much debate centres on the high cost of home ownership, especially in Auckland. The diverse range of opinions on how to improve housing affordability highlight the complexity of the issue but also offer some ideas for solutions.
