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

Can Solar Control Glass Be Used to Mitigate the Potential for Over-Heating?

Recent modelling by Jason Quinn of Sustainable Engineering found that improper glass choice and orientation could lead to over 33% increased risk of this specific house design overheating, as evidenced by the graph. What are some options that will reduce the risk of overheating from solar gain?

Read all

25 March 2024
27 June 2022

NZ Building Code: Clause H1 (Energy Efficiency) 5th Edition

June 2022 blogg istockphoto 473816378 612x612

At present MBIE is considering extending the transition period for the implementation of the insulation requirements of the 5th Edition of NZBC clause H1 (Energy Efficiency) so as to allow industry more time to ready the supply chain. Perhaps this time could also be productively used to re-visit the Acceptable Solution minimum construction R-values requirements for the perimeter of roofs to consider if they make sense when the principles of heat transfer are applied.

Read all

27 June 2022

Above Sheathing Ventilation, Part 2: The Blue Planet

Figure 10 copy

A look at the impact of water from the outside, the inside and within our buildings, and how above sheathing ventilation can keep the structure dry using proven building physics.

Read all

27 June 2022

Level Threshold and Dealing with Building Line Details

IMG 8567 copy 2

Meeting the requirements of chapter 7.3.2.1 of E2/AS1 in regard to level threshold is getting easier with the rise of perimeter drains as an off the shelf answer to this detail. The new solution we look for is how you deal with steps in the building line, and how, as an architect, you can detail and select a system that will meet the aesthetic and accessibility requirements of this situation.

Read all

27 June 2022

Encapsulation of Mass Timber Structures with Intumescent Coatings Part 2: Complexity of Smart Fire Solutions

The Role of Coatings in Mass Timber Performance 895x530

In this article we explore the complexities of passive fire safety in hybrid mass timber buildings and how a focus on encapsulating a combustible substrate early on in the build process is crucial to the overall safety.

Read all

27 June 2022

Firestopping and Movement

Screen Shot 2022 06 23 at 3.32.35 PM

In the event of a seismic event, will the specified passive fire treatment need to remain in place ready to work in the event of a fire? Or is the treatment designed to be repaired if it has cracked or moved in the event of a seismic event?

Read all

30 May 2022

Above Sheathing Ventilation Part 1: Rise of the Cavity

Annotation 2022 04 26 101305

An introduction to Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) and some of the issues it helps to resolve. 

Read all

30 May 2022

What is the Missing Middle?

towfiqu barbhuiya oZuBNC 6E2s unsplash

While we are now building individual homes at greater density, we need to go much further. Not just two-storey townhouses, but building a minimum of three storeys, everywhere. This is where the art of the missing middle, multi-storey, multi-unit design comes into play.

Read all

30 May 2022

Encapsulation of Mass Timber Structures with Intumescent Coatings

BrockCommons 01

Comprehending mass timber structures — a foundation to a reliable passive fire solution, Part 1 of 3.

Read all

30 May 2022

Understanding Drainage in Food and Beverage Production Facilities

MC Series Moduilar Channel Drain 3000x1687px

A commercial kitchen, or food production facility's success or failure will often hinge on the layout.

Read all

30 May 2022

What is a Fire Resistance Rating or FRR?

wonderlane al566xggq38 unsplash copy

We have all heard the terms Fire Rated, Fire Resistant and Fire Retardant. But do they all mean the same thing? 

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.