Originally designed as a commercial office building, 135 Victoria Street featured large areas of glazing and a typical internal layout suited to workplace use. While visually open and light-filled, the façade lacked the thermal performance needed for residential comfort and energy efficiency.

The extensive glazing, combined with minimal insulation and outdated framing systems, made the building vulnerable to heat loss, solar gain, and poor internal temperature control — challenges that are common in older office stock across New Zealand.

From thermally inefficient to high performance

The project presented an opportunity to not only repurpose the building but to redefine its envelope performance — turning a thermally inefficient structure into a benchmark for sustainable, high-performance living.

The key to this transformation lies in the building envelope which is the first line of defence against energy loss or gain. A continuous layer of external insulation, installed with Technoform thermal isolator clips, allowed the façade to perform closer to its full potential — minimising thermal bridging, insulation gaps, and service coordination issues common in timber construction.

External insulation with thermal isolator clips eliminates the need for 140mm framing or excessive insulation batts, delivering code-compliant, high-performing buildings with greater predictability and scalability.

Understanding thermal bridging

Thermal bridging occurs when heat bypasses through more conductive materials — like timber studs or metal fixings — creating weak points in the envelope. These bridges can lead to:

• Increased heat loss
• Cold spots and condensation
• Reduced thermal comfort
• Higher energy bills

Technoform’s thermal isolator clips are designed to interrupt hot or cold thermal pathways, enabling a truly continuous insulation layer. When paired with non-combustible mineral wool insulation, the system delivers robust thermal performance, fire safety, and acoustic benefits — ideal for new builds and retrofits.

Why it matters

By addressing thermal bridging with proven solutions, facade professionals can achieve:

• Improved internal temperatures
• Reduced operating costs
• Lower risk of condensation and mould
• Greater long-term resilience

This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about designing buildings that perform better, last longer, and support occupant wellbeing.

A new standard for renting

One Three Five Victoria isn’t just about performance — it’s about people. With LifeMark 4-Star options on every floor, the development prioritises accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity. It’s a model for how refurbished buildings can support social equity while delivering sustainable, modern living.

The externally insulated cladding, supported by Technoform’s thermal isolator clips, provides a versatile and durable solution for the 3mm solid aluminium panels — ensuring long-term performance without compromising design intent.

Let’s talk performance

Technoform are currently reaching out to architects and specifiers across New Zealand to schedule their requested in-person and online presentations on external insulation and thermal isolator clips. If you haven’t connected with us yet, now’s the perfect time.

These sessions go beyond the highlights — offering deeper insights into façade performance, thermal bridging solutions, and how to design for long-term energy efficiency and compliance.

Whether you're working on a retrofit or new build, the Technoform team is here to support your design goals with proven strategies and practical solutions.

Interested? Contact Technoform to book a session.