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InteriorInterior

From First Use to Firm Favourite: J-Frame Delivers Strength and Straightness for Shape Homes

Builder Stephen Hape used J-Frame for the first time on this rural Rotorua home. He’s so impressed with the strength and straightness of the framing, he has it lined up as his go-to for future projects. 

Timber-Look Aluminium Louvres Bring Warmth to New Mental Health Facility

The choice to use aluminium louvres finished in Metwood’s Light Cool Cedar woodgrain finish adds warmth to the building while ensuring long-term low maintenance and durability.

BRANZ
CreditWorks
Forsyth Barr
EBOSS
July 2026 feature

Affordable Housing

How designers and builders can create reasonably priced housing, without compromising on quality.

Maximising Every Millimetre: Rethinking the Laundry Layout

A single sided roller door from Sage Doors enables this compact laundry to have everything it needs, including two lightweight fully removable 35L hampers.

The Hidden Cost of Skipping Roof Ventilation in Multi-Unit Housing

The Hidden Cost of Skipping Roof Ventilation in Multi-Unit Housing

As demand for affordable and social housing continues to grow across New Zealand, there is increasing pressure to deliver projects efficiently and cost effectively. However, recent multi-unit developments are highlighting a critical lesson: while omitting roof space ventilation may reduce upfront build costs, it can lead to significantly higher long-term expenses.

Continuous External ROCKWOOL Insulation Delivers Thermal, Fire and Acoustic Performance

Continuous External ROCKWOOL Insulation Delivers Thermal, Fire and Acoustic Performance

Architectus specified ROCKWOOL insulation behind the brick façade at Community Lane, Avondale, creating a high-performance building envelope that provides improved energy efficiency, acoustic comfort, fire protection and moisture management.

Affordable Housing Fencing Solutions for Tewa Banks, Arrowtown

Affordable Housing Fencing Solutions for Tewa Banks, Arrowtown

Boundaryline’s DuraPanel Titan and SleekWall Horizontal Slat systems support safety, privacy, low maintenance and installation efficiency across Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust’s Tewa Banks development.

Umbra Lux: Achieving Thermal Efficiency and Unobstructed Views in Wanaka

The Nuralite 3PM Warm Roof System was specified to achieve a low roof profile without compromising insulation or performance.

Introducing Aro: A Simpler Way to Specify Recessed Windows and Doors

Designed for use with JSC's VertiClad and RustiClad systems, Aro is a purpose-engineered recessed window and door solution that helps architects achieve clean shadow lines, refined detailing, and a cohesive relationship between joinery and cladding.

Iconic New Stadium One of New Zealand's Biggest Window Contracts

Christchurch City’s glittering new sport and concert venue, One New Zealand Stadium, was a window and glazing project on a grand scale with over 27km of Vantage aluminium extrusion supplied.

APL’s Porta Hardware Range Gains Bold New Addition

APL has launched the ‘Quattro’ handle, a new addition to its Porta family of pull handles. Quattro introduces a square-cornered pull handle, designed to meet demand for more robust, architectural profiles.

Built to Last, Designed to Impress: Plymaster's Perfect Matte Range Refresh

New colours and enhanced durability make the Perfect Matte range a compelling choice for specifiers seeking luxury aesthetics on a mid-tier budget.

Powerglide S‑Series Lift Completes the Premium Design Vision in Award‑Winning Home

A standard model from Powerglide’s curated décor range achieves designer‑level integration and effortless accessibility in this Whitianga Waterways project.

The Advantages of Simulated Thermal Performance of Homes

Each summer we complain that a significant proportion of our homes are over-heating; and each winter express concern at the poor thermal performance of our older housing stock. The simple and quick fix is to install plenty of mechanical cooling, heating and ventilation systems, and appliances — but at what cost to the wallet and environment?

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29 June 2026

Affordable Doesn't Have to Look Affordable

Part of Auckland's wider Tāmaki Regeneration Programme, TRC Eppingdale is helping deliver modern, medium-density housing for a growing community. Developments of this scale require careful consideration of not only construction costs, but also the long-term performance and maintenance requirements of the buildings being delivered. ACMF is proud to have contributed to the project with the FINesse balustrade, perfect for this kind of community project.

Hobsonville Point: Raising the Standard for Affordable Living with KOROK Intertenancy Protection

A smarter approach to intertenancy design is helping shape one of New Zealand’s largest master-planned communities — delivering safer, quieter, and more efficient homes at scale.

Legacy House by Jessica Hardwick Architecture: A Fire That Earns Its Place

Legacy House demonstrates how an Escea wood fireplace can support off-grid living, passive design principles, and architectural intent in one high-performance home.

The Mecca Collection Evolves with New 3-Piece Sets

The Mecca Collection Evolves with New 3-Piece Sets

New 3-piece configurations expand the Mecca Collection, enhancing its architectural versatility while maintaining the soft geometry and timeless elegance that define the range.

Carpet Tested to Withstand 5 Million Steps Specified for Busy Interislander Ferry Terminal

Carpet Tested to Withstand 5 Million Steps Specified for Busy Interislander Ferry Terminal

Kinetex a high‑performance flooring solution for a demanding transport environment.

Balancing Cost, Durability and Long-Term Performance with Polyflor

Balancing Cost, Durability and Long-Term Performance with Polyflor

Explore how Polyflor's resilient vinyl flooring can help affordable housing projects balance cost, durability, acoustic performance and long-term maintenance efficiency.

2 Devonport Road: Raising the Standard for Multi-Storey Construction with Integrated Steel Solutions

2 Devonport Road: Raising the Standard for Multi-Storey Construction with Integrated Steel Solutions

Behind Tauranga’s 7,000sqm waterfront development, Steel & Tube’s integrated ComFlor and reinforcing solutions formed part of a high-performance structural system designed for efficiency, buildability, and long-term functionality.

Cosentino Surfaces Support Durable, Low-Maintenance Housing Design

Cosentino Surfaces Support Durable, Low-Maintenance Housing Design

How durable, low-maintenance surface solutions can support efficient and long-lasting affordable housing design across New Zealand.

Cyprus Bathroom Heater Engineered to Perform Across a Range of Conditions

Cyprus Bathroom Heater Engineered to Perform Across a Range of Conditions

When it comes to bathroom heating, comfort is only half the equation. In a space where moisture, heat and electricity coexist, safety is critical — and getting it right requires more than bog-standard testing.

That's why Vynco took an unconventional approach when designing its Cyprus wall-mounted bathroom heater, hiring a 10ft coolstore container to push it to its limits.

Restoring the Past: The Evolution and Engineering of Helical Ties

Restoring the Past: The Evolution and Engineering of Helical Ties

For decades, the stabilisation of ageing masonry was a destructive process. When brick veneers began to bow or structural cracks appeared, the standard remedy often involved heavy expansion bolts or costly tear-downs.

Designing for Durability: Efficient Drainage Solutions for Affordable and Social Housing

Designing for Durability: Efficient Drainage Solutions for Affordable and Social Housing

Wet areas remain one of the highest-risk zones in residential construction. By reducing the likelihood of replacement or maintenance call-backs, Jesani systems can help lower whole-of-life costs for housing providers.

Efficient, Scalable Flooring with Bremworth Origin Carpet

Efficient, Scalable Flooring with Bremworth Origin Carpet

Bremworth’s Origin carpet collection is a solution dyed nylon (SDN) cut pile range, available in four weights to suit a variety of applications, enabling performance and cost to be aligned across different areas within stand-alone homes, townhouses, and multi-unit developments.

Designing with Natural Light: A Transparent Roofing Solution for New Builds and Retrofit Projects

Designing with Natural Light: A Transparent Roofing Solution for New Builds and Retrofit Projects

Natural light and weather protection don't have to be competing priorities. Transparent roofing systems can help achieve both across new build and retrofit projects.

Introducing FormaColoured, A New Colour Concrete Collection Inspired by Aotearoa

Introducing FormaColoured, A New Colour Concrete Collection Inspired by Aotearoa

Allied Concrete is proud to introduce FormaColoured, a refreshed coloured concrete range inspired by the landscapes, waterways, wildlife and natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Fewer Fans, Better Outcomes in Affordable and Social Housing

Fewer Fans, Better Outcomes in Affordable and Social Housing

By consolidating wet-area extraction into one system, MultiVent supports simpler installation and long-term moisture management in affordable and social housing projects.

Charge Smarter with Schneider

Charge Smarter with Schneider

Weatherproof and robust, the Schneider Charge can be installed outside or in a garage and lets the user charge an electric vehicle faster, more reliably and with greater safety than with a domestic socket outlet.

A Seamless Streetscape: Automated Gates and Fencing for a Modern Tauranga Home

A Seamless Streetscape: Automated Gates and Fencing for a Modern Tauranga Home

A Tauranga home gets a fully automated entry system that performs as well as it looks, thanks to the right products and a trusted installer who knows how to use them.

Supporting Affordable Housing Outcomes with Replacement-Ready Water Heating Systems

Supporting Affordable Housing Outcomes with Replacement-Ready Water Heating Systems

Water heating selection can influence installation complexity, long-term maintenance, and overall project cost, particularly in retrofit-focused affordable housing programmes.

The Secret to Comfortable Carparks is Right Above Your Head

The Secret to Comfortable Carparks is Right Above Your Head

For apartment dwellers living above carparks, effective insulation is critical to maintaining thermal comfort. Without adequate separation, uninsulated structures can amplify temperature extremes for both upstairs and downstairs neighbours.

Viking Dec-K-ing Helps Deliver Durable Apartment Walkways and Decks

Viking Dec-K-ing Helps Deliver Durable Apartment Walkways and Decks

At both the Scanlan Street apartments in Grey Lynn and the Citti Apartments on Princess Road, Dec-K-ing was specified as a fully trafficable waterproofing membrane, allowing the deck surface and waterproofing layer to be resolved as a single system.

New Quieter Rangehoods and Bathroom Fans

New Quieter Rangehoods and Bathroom Fans

Amore has expanded its range with new rangehoods and bathroom fans, with products built around the two things most ventilation systems get wrong in higher-spec residential projects: noise and design.

Designed for Specification, Appreciated by Installers

Designed for Specification, Appreciated by Installers

For installers, Floc offers something increasingly uncommon within the interiors sector — a natural material that performs to commercial standards, while still feeling tactile, workable and considered on site.

A Sleek All-in-One Drinking Water System Designed to Meet High-Demand Office Use

A Sleek All-in-One Drinking Water System Designed to Meet High-Demand Office Use

Zenith HydroTap offers versatile design options to suit different aesthetics, capacity requirements, and preferences for boiling, chilled and sparkling water, with the Zenith Water team on hand to assist with the right selection, sizing and placement for your projects.

Creative and Colourful Acoustic Solutions for Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library

Creative and Colourful Acoustic Solutions for Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library

On a canvas of acoustic treatment, the Wellington Library restoration expresses connection to the natural world.

SRP’s Wall and Ceiling Systems Made from 100% Recyclable Steel Now Have a Declare Label

SRP’s Wall and Ceiling Systems Made from 100% Recyclable Steel Now Have a Declare Label

The Declare label confirms Steel Rollformed Products’ wall and ceiling systems are Red List Free, and highlights the company’s commitment to making it easier for designers to specify safe, sustainable products. 

A Complete Decking Solution for a Complex Coastal Build

A Complete Decking Solution for a Complex Coastal Build

BiForm composite decking paired with the TreadTech aluminium subframe by UNEX Systems delivers a premium solution for this Kapiti Coast project.

Stria Cladding Fine Texture Brings a Clean, Contemporary Look for New Builds and Renovations

Stria Cladding Fine Texture Brings a Clean, Contemporary Look for New Builds and Renovations

An extension of James Hardie's popular Stria Cladding range. This new 325mm profile features a sharp v‑groove combined with an embedded fine texture for a robust look and feel.

Beyond the Composite Era: Why New Zealand Architects Are Returning to Hardwood Solutions

Beyond the Composite Era: Why New Zealand Architects Are Returning to Hardwood Solutions

As New Zealand architects transition away from high-maintenance synthetics, Australian hardwood is emerging as a smart specification for projects that demand structural longevity, aesthetic warmth, and true circular sustainability.

A Gerard Roof for a Builder's Own Home

A Gerard Roof for a Builder's Own Home

When Matt from Matt Smith Construction was designing his own home, only a Gerard roof would do. Find out how Gerard's CF Shingle brought his vision to life.

Bespoke Curved Timber Feature Wall Contributes to Calm and Welcoming Campus Atmosphere

Bespoke Curved Timber Feature Wall Contributes to Calm and Welcoming Campus Atmosphere

Nacci Clip-In Timber Battens were used for a full feature entrance for Victoria University’s School of Health nursing and midwifery teaching floor. With curved walls and unique external corners, it is an eye-catching focal point while also providing acoustic control. 

WingLine L: A Proven System, Refined for Modern Living

WingLine L: A Proven System, Refined for Modern Living

A proven bifolding door system, refined for smoother performance, greater flexibility and modern interior design.

Building System-Based Design into Social Housing

Building System-Based Design into Social Housing

Using solutions that are proven and also interact with the other elements of the install are crucial to ensure that the timelines in regard to supply, install and sign-off are efficient and the finished result will perform as expected. 

A Refined Solution for High-Performing Interior Openings: The 5200 Series Sliding System

A Refined Solution for High-Performing Interior Openings: The 5200 Series Sliding System

The 5200 Series bottom rolling system delivers reliable performance, flexible configuration, and improved spatial efficiency for wardrobe and entrance applications.

A Grand Design for a New Residential Build in Martinborough

A Grand Design for a New Residential Build in Martinborough

The masterwork of Designgroup Stapleton Elliot (DGSE) and MJ Blown Builders, the ambitious Martinborough House project has gained nationwide acclaim after starring in a recent episode of Grand Designs New Zealand.

Durable Interior Surfaces for Affordable Housing

Durable Interior Surfaces for Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is built for the long-term. But all too often, upfront construction costs drive decisions. It’s worth doing the numbers for whole-of-life cost on materials and construction systems, particularly those areas that will require maintenance, repair and replacement over time.

Bringing Natural Daylight Into Internal Spaces in Townhouses and Compact Homes

Bringing Natural Daylight Into Internal Spaces in Townhouses and Compact Homes

As residential floorplans become more compact, daylighting systems are helping architects introduce natural light into hallways, bathrooms and other internal spaces where conventional windows are not practical.

Certified Precision: Raising the Standard of Edged Panels in New Zealand

Certified Precision: Raising the Standard of Edged Panels in New Zealand

A flawless edge preserves design intent, ensuring that premium materials and carefully selected finishes are not compromised at the final stage. It also supports more hygienic, durable and visually consistent outcomes across both residential and commercial applications. 

Durable, Easy-Clean Wet Wall Lining for Bathrooms, Kitchens and Laundries

Durable, Easy-Clean Wet Wall Lining for Bathrooms, Kitchens and Laundries

IBS Showerline is a CodeMark certified, impact-resistant, waterproof and mould-resistant wet wall lining that can be fixed directly to framing or over most other substrates for interior wet-area applications.

How Edgesmith Gained Consistency, Confidence and Local Support with Climate Powder

How Edgesmith Gained Consistency, Confidence and Local Support with Climate Powder

Climate Powder is a business unit of Climate Surfaces that is now producing industrial grade powder coatings in standard and low cure formulations for the NZ market. With a new in-house coating line, Edgesmith took the opportunity to trial Climate's coatings.

Goleman HVAC Platforms: A Modular Solution for Rooftop Plant Areas

Goleman HVAC Platforms: A Modular Solution for Rooftop Plant Areas

A modular system that supports HVAC equipment, refrigeration plants, and air handling units on metal roof structures, while allowing safe access for inspections, maintenance and servicing.

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