Features
Each Build offers in-depth insights into two topics of interest to the building and construction industry.
Feature section: Innovation
The drivers for innovation are many and varied, the results constant pushing the boundaries with new products and ways of doing things. But turning a great innovative idea into a business success can be quite a challenge.
Feature section: Productivity
Hard to define yet often referred to, the building industry has struggled to assess its productivity and find ways to improve it. What are the challenges and opportunities for increasing productivity and what initiatives are driving improvements?
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Feature section: 40 years of BRANZ
In 40 years, the Building Research Association of New Zealand or BRANZ, has made a very wide contribution to the betterment of the New Zealand built environment.
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Feature section: Building materials
The range of building materials available continues to expand making choices increasingly complex. Even decisions on everyday products like fasteners require a good understanding of characteristics to know what will perform best in any given situation.
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Feature section: Can you sleep at night?
'Right first time' should be at the core of every building project. There is no substitute for quality, whether it's the design, products and workmanship or the relationship with the client.
Feature section: Retrofit and renovation
New Zealand's ageing housing stock means that retrofits and renovations are a growth area. Renovations require a sound understanding of the existing property combined with knowledge of the latest products, techniques and requirements.
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Feature section: Sustainability
Energy efficiency principles and materials are often seen as the nuts and bolts of sustainability. The bigger picture encompasses thinking smart and designing and building communities that will last well into the future.
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Feature section: Building envelope
The building envelope has the critical function of separating the exterior and interior environments by providing a weathertight defence.
Feature section: Corrosion
Corrosion can be defined as the destruction or deterioration of a material because of reaction with its environment. The term can refer to a process or the damage caused by the process.
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Feature section: Product substitution
Unauthorised product substitution is common in New Zealand due to non-specific documentation, unavailability of product or even personal preferences, but the designer should be responsible for any substitutions.
