In this article we look at some of the elements included from Version 3.0 onwards of the Ministry of Education's Weathertightness Guidance document which would be deemed ‘above code’, and discuss the whys, hows and wheres of their practical application.

Like with any external building product that contains timber or absorbent materials, SIPS can be sensitive to moisture.

H1 provides for the efficient use of energy and sets physical conditions for energy performance. Are the recent changes to the H1 clause just a small step along the road to adopting the International Passive House standards across New Zealand, like other members of the OECD experienced? Robert Whitehouse believes they are.

When it comes to understanding the flow of liquid water, air, heat and water vapour through our building elements, accurate nomenclature matters.

Harsh summer conditions expose roofs to severe solar radiation and add uncomfortable heat loads to our buildings. But the air movement induced by ASV can work to keep our buildings cool, no matter the cladding type or material colour.