It seems that finally the problem of summer over-heating of newly built medium-density housing, especially terrace housing, is gaining traction and being noticed by the mainstream media where it is starting to become a subject of public comment and discussion.

In this post I’d like to explore the concept of price. How important is it? What is a fair price? Will high prices come down?

The word ‘waterproof’ is an absolute term. It means ‘impervious to water’. Stating that a building is almost waterproof does not make sense.

You would have heard the sayings 'designed to a budget' and 'built to a price', both of which have negative connotations, but surely being 'cost informed' will lead to better design outcomes.

This month I look at how we can raise our game when designing townhouse facades + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz. 

The term cold roof can be a little misleading. We call them ‘cold’ due only to placement of the insulation being separated from the membrane substate, or more technically; the internal air can circulate underneath the roof.

In mid-July 2024 it was reported that the Building and Construction Minister sought advice for a possible review of the cost increases resulting from the recent implementation of the improved insulation requirements of the 5th Edition of NZBC clause H1 (Energy Efficiency).

This month I look at the acoustic treatment of plumbing and drainage for MDH + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz. 

A tanking membrane is designed to be a continuous protection against hydrostatic pressure at all times i.e. to be waterproof.

Are we driving blindly forward with our eyes firmly focussed on the view in the rear vision mirror? Our energy future is not going to be as it has been in the past.