A short guide to designing an external surface water drainage system that protects dwellings from moisture while maintaining visual consistency and high performance.

The Ministry of Education's updated guidelines on Weathertightness Design Requirements for New School Buildings outline new changes in the design philosophy of school roofs set well above NZBC Acceptable Solutions. 

A look at how charred timber aesthetics have been created over time. 

Edge cover and edge clearance should be considered at the initial design stage to ensure glazing is installed as per the New Zealand Glazing Code. 

This month I look at considerations for inspecting structural glass and crack patterns.

Common problems with tanking basements that will have no drainage (hydrostatic) once the building is complete can be mitigated by implementing well-planned dewatering techniques during construction. 

Compatible sealant, fixing and hardware are important for ensuring the safety and performance of structural glass. 

Understanding the rules of glass selection for each application is key for achieving safe breakage and avoiding sudden collapse. 

Scott Base, New Zealand’s only Antarctic research station, constructed in the 1980s was found to have increasing points of failure in its passive fire protection.

The new 2020 Suspended Ceilings – Design and Installation Standard has been published. Potter Interior Systems discussed the changes with Matt Bishop, Founder and Managing Director of BVT Engineering.