You are using an outdated browser version not supported by this website.
Click here to upgrade your browser

Design Advice

The Take-Up of AAC Intertenancy Walls in Aotearoa

This month I look at using aerated autoclaved concrete for intertenancy walls + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz. 

Read all

22 April 2024
27 February 2023

Ewan Brown on Collaboration, Climate Change and Counting Carbon

Pa Reo Render Exterior 05 from Nga Purapura

Ewan Brown of Tennent Brown talks to us about the challenges the industry is facing as we step towards including carbon data in all projects.

Read all

27 February 2023

The Importance of Balconies in Medium Density Design

roberto nickson oQ56kobbYLM unsplash1

Balconies give life not only to the occupants but to the building facade as well.

Read all

27 February 2023

Dealing with Climate Change Rain

james x iKjU9yHTEg0 unsplash

I have full sympathy for the households and businesses affected by the recent floods in the upper and eastern North Island. I wish them well for the difficult and long task of recovery which must not be left to them alone. It is up to, and has been so for many decades, the Politicians and Built Environment Professionals to take our heads out of the sand and diligently look to a different long-term.

Read all

21 November 2022

Should We Be Designing Intermediate Floors to Inter-Tenancy Standards?

steven ungermann xsWOJGv 2eI unsplash copy

This month I discuss floor design for townhouses + we're giving you another chance to WIN with the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz!

Read all

21 November 2022

Do Politicians and Advisors Know What They are Trying to Achieve?

koon chakhatrakan ohBA1Uofuxc unsplash copy

This month, November 2022, COP27 is being held in Egypt and yet again countries are admitting that their targets have not been met. Presumably this is because it is more important for the politician, and their advisors, to secure current short-term positions rather than look out beyond to consider the inevitable lesser world this inaction will bring. This narrow-view approach often results in unintended consequences which can negate the initial intention.

Read all

21 November 2022

Time to Get Ready for New Product Disclosure Requirements

sigmund TlFw WoI8 w unsplash copy

With new product information regulations being implemented at the end of 2023, suppliers should now be conducting an initial audit of the information they provide to support compliance of their products. 

Read all

25 October 2022

Underlay, Underlay! Considering External Façade Wall Build-Ups in MDH

isaac quesada s34TlUTPIf4 unsplash

This month I discuss external façade walls + to celebrate the launch of mediumdensity.nz, we're giving you the chance to WIN with the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz! 

Read all

27 September 2022

Smart Incorporation of Services for Apartments and Townhouses

apartments

Successful medium density housing (MDH) relies not just on great architecture, clever design and seamless engineering, but one other aspect as well: hidden services.

Read all

27 September 2022

Climate Change is for Real

sunflowers

Decades ago I became convinced of the certainty of Global Warming, and the dangers it poses for the future if action was not taken. Recently I spend six weeks in France coming face to face with the reality of that future if all societies do not begin to work together immediately.

Read all

29 August 2022

How Do We Create Medium Density Housing That Exceeds Expectations?

aman kumar WV2fFEOCMMM unsplash copy

The word 'slum' comes up far too often in conversations about medium density housing, but the aspect of over-crowding is very much within our control.

Read all

Get a free weekly digest of essential news

New and updated architectural products, design solutions, inspiration, technical advice and more when you sign up for EBOSS.