Concrete has fairly low carbon emissions per kilo, but because we use so much of it, its total emissions are high. We investigated how much low-carbon concrete will cost you, and what to watch out for. 

Jon Davies looks at a confusing geographical disconnect when describing vapour control, moisture control, vapour control layers and vapour barriers. Did you know that in North American documents, the term vapour barrier might mean our vapour control layer? And if they do use ‘vapour control layer’ they could easily be talking about a vapour barrier?

How is it that there is growing public media coverage of new dwellings overheating, especially medium-density multi-unit housing, when climate change is reported to be raising the globe’s average temperatures by only small parts of a degree per decade?   

A practical perspective from Warren Jennings of the Specialized team on building envelope system selection, compliance, detailing and project delivery.

Greg McGrannachan of Dulux looks at how greater complexity in projects — from refurbishments and buildings that need to remain operational during works, to those with strict construction programmes — is causing a shift in what architects need to consider when specifying coating systems.

The biggest specification mistake is considering protection only after the timber has been selected, says Rob Farmer, Technical & Training Manager, Woodcare at Dulux New Zealand. Species, orientation, exposure, maintenance access and the desired appearance must be evaluated together.

Surface water drainage is a classic situation of requiring both form and function.

AI can help us be more efficient, but can it do what we do without us?

A new self-certification scheme for plumbing and drainlaying has implications for the building consent process. Designers need to understand what work is eligible and how it should be documented in consent applications.

Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) who supervise building work are responsible for its quality and compliance. This article explains supervision requirements, accountability, and how to provide effective oversight.