Page 14 - Build 153

Shorts
Construction boosting the economy
The construction sector in New Zealand will continue to contribute positively to the country’s economy over the medium term, according to forecaster BIS Shrapnel.
What’s new?
Masonry veneer
EXISTING INFORMATION and knowledge on masonry veneer construction can be found in a number of standards, recommended trade literature and good site practice. This BRANZ Good Practice Guide brings this information together in a comprehensive format for easy reference.
It covers:
● the basics of masonry veneer design and
construction
● speci c requirements for masonry, wall
ties, structural frames, foundations and
cavities
● wall maintenance and masonry cleaning
methods
● alternative masonry nishes.
Photos and gures illustrate the require- ments and provide good-practice solutions. To help those designing alternative methods, the principles of speci c design are covered plus speci c detailing for masonry veneer.
Good Practice Guide Masonry Veneer is an essential reference tool for architects, designers, masons, builders and related trades, building consent authorities, tertiary tutors, students and apprentices.
Details Available for $52 from the BRANZ Shop at www.branz.co.nz or call 0800 80 80 85.
News
THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 2016–2021 REPORT says the value of building, both residential and non-residential, is expected to peak in 2016/17, capping o a 5-year upturn.
There will be a renewed surge in dwelling building activity to new highs in the second half of the 5-year outlook period. Overall, non-residential and infrastructure construction activities are likely to remain at relatively high levels.
Following a modest decline in dwelling activity forecast for 2017/18, BIS Shrapnel expects reasonably strong rebounds in the activity (led by Auckland) over the 3 years to 2020/21. This will lift the value of new dwelling consents to a fresh high of around NZ$6 billion in real terms.
The value of non-residential building consents (new houses, and alterations and additions) will remain at relatively high levels, averaging NZ$3.3 billion per annum over the 5-year outlook period. This is comparable to the level over the preceding 5-year period.
The next dwelling building upturn is likely to drive consents in New Zealand up to around 32,000 by 2020/21, which is comparable to the peak level during the 2003/04 building boom.
Auckland the growth engine room
The ‘other’ dwelling segment (apartments, retirement units, townhouses and ats) is expected to register strong growth. High
Sections for sale, Auckland.
land cost, especially in the Auckland region, and the government’s plan to increase a ordable housing supply will result in higher-density housing projects in the city’s fringe and suburban areas.
‘As Auckland grows to become an international city, demand for inner city and lifestyle apartments is expected to rise.
‘This follows the trends seen across the Tasman in Sydney, Melbourne and other growing international cities across Asia,’ said the report author and BIS Shrapnel Senior Project Manager, Adeline Wong.
Several factors are likely to contribute to Auckland’s dwelling building activity during the outlook period. They include:
● strong population growth of 1.7% per
annum on average
● a housing stock de ciency
● stronger coordination between the
central government and Auckland City Council to increase housing supply through the Housing Accord and Auckland Unitary Plan.
12 — April/May 2016 — Build 153
PHOTO – ROSS SETFORD, SNPA