By Bruce Sedcole
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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.
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By Greg Burn
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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.
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By David Hindley
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1 February 2022, Build 188
MBIE recently released energy efficiency changes to the Building Code to help make new homes and buildings warmer, drier and healthier. These include increased minimum insulation requirements for roofs, windows and floors.
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By Dr Casimir MacGregor
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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.
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By Stephen McNeil
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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.
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By Jason Quinn, Elrond Burrell
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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.
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By Dr Dave Dowdell, Roman Jaques
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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.
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By Alide Elkink
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1 April 2019, Build 171
With urban densification putting a strain on infrastructure services, some councils now require stormwater to be dealt with in situ, easing the strain on public systems.
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By Stephan Rupp, Cara Askew
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1 February 2017, Build 158, Feature article
BRANZ has been measuring moisture levels in a school’s classrooms. This information is providing a sound basis for understanding the indoor climate and designing moisture-safe long-span roofs in schools.
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By Dr Manfred Plagmann
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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.
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