By Stephan Rupp
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1 December 2021, Build 187
BRANZ research has provided reassuring results for those wanting to add passive ventilation in roof cavities to counter condensation. Corrosion of metal fixings inside the roof space remains low, even in extreme marine environments.
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By Alide Elkink
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1 December 2021, Build 187
Noisy heat pump outdoor units can rattle the neighbours, especially for those living in higher-density housing. There are, however, some straightforward steps to minimise unwelcome sounds.
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By Bruce Duggan
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1 October 2021, Build 186
This fourth part of a series on the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme looks at some of the changes implemented in the building industry and the impacts these had.
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By Anna Walsh, David Carradine
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1 October 2021, Build 186, Feature article
Building systems that include higher levels of prefabrication and off-site manufacture are potential solutions to New Zealand’s urgent housing need. Current research will give a better overall understanding of the performance of sips in New Zealand.
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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 Roman Jaques, Stephen McNeil, Gleb Speranski
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1 August 2021, Build 185, Feature article
Recently, BRANZ responded to MBIE’s consultation document Building Code update 2021. This article provides an overview of the BRANZ response to Proposal 1 Energy efficiency for housing and small buildings.
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By David Hindley
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1 August 2021, Build 185
The King Kong of building standards is having some serious work done. Updates coming to NZS 3604 will include widening coverage to medium-density housing and helping steer our homes towards the net-zero carbon world of 2050 and beyond.
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By Martin Connell
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1 August 2021, Build 185
Brick gable-ended roofs should be diagonally braced to prevent out-of-plane movement in an earthquake. It could make the difference between a home that remains liveable and one that does not.
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By Martin Connell
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1 June 2021, Build 184
When builders are on site to carry out home renovations or repairs, it is a good time to suggest strengthening the property’s earthquake resistance with actions ranging from removing chimneys to securing the foundations.
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By Ann Galloway
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1 April 2021, Build 183
On-site stormwater management for new developments is now a requirement in many jurisdictions. This is what you need to know about options such as detention and retention tanks, soak pits and pervious paving.
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