There are many reasons to believe that the future is bright for the offsite construction sector in New Zealand. 

It's important to consider the wide range of components that are specifically designed to support waterproofing membrane systems and how they create a full solution.

This month we look at 'airtight' vs 'breathable' building. Is it possible to achieve both within the same build? 

The use of energy-efficient glass delivers a more comfortable building interior and helps reduce energy costs across the service life of the building. 

With the growing acceptance that we must be much more clever with our use of the world’s non-renewable resources, we are well past the time when we can rely on long-standing assumptions, short-term thinking, and Green-wash. Objective assessments are urgently needed.

A summary of highlights from the 7th National Pipeline Report which estimates construction in 2019 will reach ~$31B and peak in 2021 at ~$35B.

We are often asked whether waterproofing membranes function as vapour barriers. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as with other waterproofing membranes. 

There are many products in the market each promoting their individual thermal performance, but when incorporated into a building the actual ‘real-life,’ performance becomes dependent upon the interaction of all the materials and products used in the construction.

While in the normal course of events, most newly constructed homes in an urban setting can achieve a 6 Homestar rating, if there is an aspiration for higher ratings, then there is value in looking at where points can be gained at an early stage in the design process. 

A collaborative approach is needed to resolve conflicts between fire protection and seismic movement requirements for service penetrations passing through fire-rated walls.