By Bruce Sedcole
–
1 August 2022, Build 191
The BRANZ helpline has received many calls asking how to approach designing new houses that are compliant with the higher thermal requirements of New Zealand Building Code clause H1 Energy efficiency 5th edition. The first step is to look further than just the schedule method.
Read more
By Greg Burn
–
1 June 2022, Build 190
BRANZ modelling identified six areas for designers to focus on to reduce the carbon footprint of a new build. In the first of this series, we look at the practical considerations for designers using rule of thumb 1 Increase construction R-values.
Read more
By Dr Casimir MacGregor
–
1 February 2022, Build 188, Feature article
BRANZ’s Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme will continue forging partnerships in 2022 to advance knowledge and help deliver the low-carbon buildings that climate change demands.
Read more
By Stephen McNeil
–
1 August 2021, Build 185, Feature article
As we push for higher performance from our houses, expectations for airtightness and ventilation are changing rapidly. Some changes will be needed in design to improve airtightness, and mechanical ventilation is likely to soon be the norm.
Read more
By Jason Quinn, Elrond Burrell
–
1 February 2021, Build 182
A handbook of high thermal performance construction details due for release by mid-2021 will be indispensable to New Zealand architects and designers as well as builders, suppliers and consenting officials.
Read more
By Dr Dave Dowdell, Roman Jaques
–
1 June 2019, Build 172, Feature article
It is widely accepted that the built environment makes a significant contribution to climate change and this impact needs to be minimised, but how? BRANZ’s LCAQuick is one tool that helps design better buildings.
Read more
By Dr Manfred Plagmann
–
1 December 2016, Build 157, Feature article
BRANZ physicists have developed a useful calculation for designers to work out the minimum number and area of vents required in roof spaces.
Read more
By Ian Page
–
1 April 2016, Build 153, Feature article
BRANZ has done a lot of work on the costs and benefits of mitigating common natural hazards in housing. While some options are cost-effective, others hardly justify the expenditure.
Read more
By Trevor Pringle
–
1 April 2015, Build 147, Feature article
Cost considerations often drive choices when building a property, but thinking more broadly from project design to material specification can be worth its weight in gold.
Read more
By Nick Helm
–
1 April 2014, Build 141, Feature article
The global weather forecast is daunting, and earthquakes are a regular event. With insurance costs already climbing, we badly need buildings that can stand up to the forces of nature.
Read more