Author: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
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Build Aotearoa 18: Better Building with Monique Kelly
Wao is a collective dedicated to a regenerative future. I caught up with co-founder Monique Kelly to discuss why she does what she does, and their upcoming Summit. For more information check out https://www.wao.co.nz/summit2024
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Build Aotearoa 15: Building Circularity
The construction industry plays a pivotal role in the quest for a sustainable, low-carbon future. Traditional construction practices follow a linear model: take, make, dispose. However, this approach leads to significant waste and resource depletion. Enter building circularity – a transformative concept that aims to design and construct buildings for long-term sustainability, ensuring materials can…
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Build Aotearoa 14: The Mammal House
In this week’s episode, I discuss Nationals ‘Gowing for Growth’ housing policies, natural gas and the danger of internally strapping and lining concrete walls. Links for this week’s episode:
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Build Aotearoa 13: Homestar vs Building Code
The New Zealand Building Code does not guarantee performance in all areas that many homeowners might expect. Fortunately, Homestar is available to close the performance gaps. Homestar Headline Benefits• Fresh air• Dry• Comfort• Carbon Homestar Design ChecklistThis is a summary of the basic requirements over and above basic building code…
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Build Aotearoa 10: Warmer and Wetter
This week, I attended a BRANZ seminar titled ‘Building for our Changing Climate’ in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It’s encouraging to see rooms filled with designers, builders, product suppliers, building officials, and others interested enough in this critical topic to dedicate four hours of their week to it. A key takeaway is that we’re not adequately…
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Build Aotearoa 9 with Steve Penny
Steve Penny is the founder and director at Honoris, a building services consultancy in Christchurch, New Zealand. He is also the host of his own podcast, A Penny for Your Thoughts.
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Build Aotearoa 8: Cool by Design
Many people might be surprised to know that the New Zealand Building Code does not require any consideration of overheating in homes. The energy efficiency requirements in our code are based only on the ability of buildings to keep warm without excessive heat loss. There is nothing to prevent homes from being designed with large…
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Build Aotearoa 7: Changing the Window Industry
Stärke has been in the window industry in New Zealand since the 80s. They were at the forefront of supplying aluminium frames to the building industry but have recently made some big changes. With a focus on building performance, Benjy Simmons describes the new direction of Stärke as a ‘once-in-fifty-year’ change. While the company has…