One of the main changes in NZBC H1 is how solid masonry walls are now treated.

Recently I received a panicky phone-call from a friend. 

The use of downlights in ceilings reduces the effectiveness of ceiling insulation and needs to be accounted for when meeting NZBC H1.

Today the DBH published their June quarter Building and Construction Outlook, and its shows residential building activity is on the rise, however this is measured by the continued weakening of the non-residential activity.

The sovereign debt crisis in Southern Europe has continued to bubble on, making foreign investors more cautious about risk than usual.

Recently we were asked to assist with the preparation of a paint specification for a Green Star building and the project team wanted to ensure that we gained the maximum points on offer under IEQ3 and Matt3 in relation to paint and coatings.

With the building code calling for higher R-values, one of the issues faced by designers is the space required for insulation, particularly in skillion roof situations. A few designers have been caught out with this.

With James Hardie's Linea™ Weatherboard you can achieve up to a 90 minute fire resistance rating.

Over the past year or so, the majority of the insulation queries I have received concern the changes to NZBC H1 and how to use the Calculation Method.

Tuesday's proposal to deal to the huge leaky building issue – estimated to involve over 80,000 homes – has huge implications to the building industry.