KOROK Intertenancy System Brings Enhanced Fire Safety and Sound Insulation to Hobsonville Point

The completion of the Walter Merton Road Terraces in 2019 has brought forward a new era in terraced housing, blending modern design with innovative construction techniques. This project, a collaboration between Universal Homes and Construkt Architects, offers a variety of two, three and four bedroom homes and prioritises performance, safety, fire and acoustic.

A focus on innovation

One of the standout features of this development is the incorporation of the KOROK Intertenancy Housing System, which has set a new standard in the construction of terraced houses. Traditional construction methods often fail to maintain fire-resistant barriers due to potential compromises from alterations or damage. The KOROK system addresses this concern head-on with a unique approach that prioritises fire safety and acoustic performance.

The KOROK difference

When acoustic and fire regulations demand a high performance, no-risk solution, KOROK will exceed New Zealand Building Code requirements for internal and external non-load bearing walls simply and cost effectively. Exceptionally strong yet lightweight, the interlocking panels can be easily erected by a small crew, making KOROK much faster to install than conventional wall systems. Construction using KOROK allows a building to be made weather-resistant much earlier in the construction cycle, allowing internal work and finishing to be started sooner.

Enhanced Fire Safety: KOROK's all-in-one system achieves a high Fire Resistance Rating (FRR), offering peace of mind to residents about their safety.
Sound Insulation: It also provides excellent acoustic insulation, creating a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
Durability: The use of lightweight concrete and steel panels ensures the longevity of the intertenancy walls, resistant to weather impacts.
Efficient Construction: The design of the system allows for a faster construction process, benefiting builders and simplifying program continuity.
Flexibility: It accommodates necessary service penetrations without compromising the integrity of the fire barrier, allowing for easy installation of utilities.

A Step Forward

The Hobsonville Point project is a prime example of how thoughtful design and innovative construction methods can converge to produce housing that is safe, durable, and adaptable.

This project marks a significant advancement in addressing the challenges faced in high density living, offering a blueprint for future developments. As we look to the future, the lessons learned and the successes achieved at Hobsonville Point serve as a reminder of the importance of embracing innovation to improve the standards of living and safety in residential construction.

Market Segment: Intertenancy Terraced Housing Systems
Location: Auckland
Year: 2019
Product Used: 78mm KOROK panels
Client: Universal Homes
Architect: Construkt Architects
Builder: Universal Homes

Terraced Housing Intertenancy Wall System

KOROK

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Manufactured from rolled steel and aerated concrete, KOROK fire and acoustic clip-together intertenancy wall systems are high performance and lightweight.

NZ Made

Post-Consumer Recyclable Content

Fire ratings up to 120/120/120
Acoustic ratings up to STC 69

The KOROK 51mm Wall System and KOROK KIT Wall Systems are used to construct fire and acoustically rated walls and partitions within building envelopes.

The KOROK panels are made from aerated concrete encased in profiled galvanised steel sheet formwork and are non-loadbearing, whilst the structural elements of the wall system can be loadbearing.

BRANZ Appraisal 1059 [2019] Scope:

The KOROK 51mm Wall System and KOROK 51mm Wall System and KOROK KIT Wall Systems have been appraised for use as non-loadbearing fire and acoustically rated internally located walls and partitions for all buildings of all importance levels as defined by AS/NZS 1170
The KOROK KIT Wall System panels are installed in vertical orientation. For the intertenancy wall systems the panels are fixed to the timber or steel framing with aluminium brackets at the panel face or joints at maximum 3.5m intervals vertically and 0.6 m intervals horizontally. The total height of the KOROK panels in a single wall must not exceed 14m
For the KOROK 51 mm plain wall panel the maximum unsupported span for the panels between structural supports is 8m. The overall height or length of a KOROK 51mm plain wall will be determined by the structural support. When used as part of a fire rated system, the maximum unsupported span of the KOROK panels is 6m for vertical orientation and 4m for horizontal orientation. Greater spans are subject to specific engineering design and/or fire engineering assessment and are outside the scope of this Appraisal.
The KOROK 51mm Wall System and KOROK KIT Wall Systems have been appraised for use in intertenancy walls when used with the wall framing, wall insulation and wall lining specified in this Appraisal.

The NZBC sets out both the legal minimum sound transmission between tenancies (Clause G6) and minimum levels of fire resistance (Clauses C3 and C6). The KOROK Intertenancy Systems Manual provides guidance on the specification and construction of systems that will both meet and exceed those minimum levels. However, designers should consider the comfort of occupants when selecting a system that will satisfy the occupants’ expectations when using the space rather than the minimum required by law.

NZBC:

Clause B1: Structure — The KOROK Systems meet the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, earthquake, wind, impact and creep and shrinkage
Clause B2: Durability — Under normal conditions of dry internal use KOROK Intertenancy Systems have a serviceable life in excess of 50 years and satisfy the requirements of NZBC B2 Durability
Clause C3: Fire Affecting Areas Beyond the Source — KOROK Intertenancy Systems can be used to provide passive fire protection in accordance with the requirements of Clause C3
Clause C6: Structural Stability — Compliance with (NZBC) Clause C6 ‘ Structural Stability’. In order to satisfy the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (clause 6) relating to Structural Stability designers must ensure that KOROK elements are supported by primary elements that have at least the same fire rating as the KOROK system that is used.
Where the primary elements supporting the KOROK system are outside the fire cell, there is no requirement to apply the same FRR as the KOROK system.
Notwithstanding, post fire stability requirements of the NZBC must also be satisfied
Clause G6: Airborne and Impact Sound — KOROK Intertenancy Systems, both meet and exceed the minimum requirements outlined in NZBC Clause G6. Consideration should be given to both the minimum requirements and the comfort of occupants.

BRANZ Appraised

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