In Masterspec NOTES June 2024, we provided commentary around the changes to the NZ Building Code relating to domestic smoke alarms.

A new industry-led initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of Aotearoa New Zealand’s buildings, which contribute up to 20% of the national carbon footprint.

Streamlined Workflows and Improved Collaboration with MasterKey4. We are excited to announce the latest update to MasterKey4 for Revit 2025, designed to further enhance your BIM workflow and collaboration capabilities.

This month we have published amendments in response to building code updates. The 2023-24 NZBC changes were published by MBIE on the 2 November 2023, these generally have a 12-month transition period ending on the 1 November 2024 with the exceptions of amendments to NZBC B1/VM1 which came into effect immediately with no transition period and amendments to NZBC G12/AS1 relating to lead in plumbing, which has an extended transition date until 1 September 2025. This round of building consent updates have not included the amendment relating to lead in plumbing, with these amendments to be released early in 2025.

From November 2023 the Building Code Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire (C/AS1 and C/AS2) have been amended to make Type 1 interconnected smoke alarms the minimum fire safety system for new built homes and substantial renovations, citing NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected smoke alarms for Houses.

It is vital that Movement and Deflection criteria are correctly defined in the Specification. We cannot over emphasize the importance of correctly referencing codes, industry standards and performance requirements in window specifications.

In July 2022, MBIE commenced a review of the building consent system, as part of the Building System Reforms to improve the consenting process. The focus, to modernise the system to support the construction of quality buildings - done right the first time, well-made, healthy, durable, and safe. The review also supports the Government’s goals to create a streamlined building consent system, and support innovation in the building and construction sector.

The new online tool enables real-time collaboration among multiple stakeholders, fostering efficiency and innovation in construction processes.

mDocs allows the specifier to quickly access the latest version of a document uploaded by the manufacturer or supplier. Importantly, these detailed documents are created and maintained by specialist technical content authors engaged by the Manufacturer or Supplier.

The house’s unique design fits into the rural landscape. The house has a cantilevered structure and a soaring angular volume. The interior design is with a double-height space that opens out towards the view. The kitchen wall is with textured formwork and the stone island bench complements the white kitchen cabinetry. The home won the Regional Award for Resene Colour in Design at the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Architectural Design Awards 2023.