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Smart guide
Glazing and glass options
Construction and materials
Windows – much more than a view
Once you’ve insulated your ceiling, floors and walls, the next biggest culprits for heat loss are the windows and other glazing such as skylights and glass doors.Today most new houses and additions will require double glazing to comp...
Smart guide
Off-site construction
Construction and materials
Building off-site
Off-site construction has been part of New Zealand’s construction scene in differing forms for decades. Examples include pre-nailed wall frames (componentised), kitset cottages (panelised), and transportable homes (modular). Some projects will use a...
Smart guide
Window and door frames
Construction and materials
Windows, door and skylight joinery
Frames are an essential part of the performance of your windows, skylights and glazed doors. The type of frame will affect the overall energy efficiency of your glazed areas and how big your windows can be.If you are renovating an exi...
Smart guide
Steel frame construction
Construction and materials
Key features of steel frame construction
There are two main types of steel construction – heavy and light steel frame (LSF) construction. Heavy steel construction involves a structural skeleton of large steel members. Steel beams can support long spans (eg for large...
Smart guide
Solar power
Power, lighting and energy saving
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert absorbed sunlight energy to electricity. They make no noise, produce no emissions and can be mounted on an existing building or on a separate frame.They are more suited to urban use than wind and micro-hydro, and are also useful for a remote...
Smart guide
Solar water heating options
Water and waste
Hot water from the sun
If you're thinking of installing a solar water heating system, you will need to consider how big the system needs to be and make decisions about the location of panels and cylinder, and the type of system and cylinder you want to use.You will nee...
Smart guide
Working with site landforms and waterways
Siting and location
Tune into your environment
The slope and contours of a site will influence your access to sun and views, your privacy and your exposure to shading and wind. Ground stability and waterways will influence the design and structure of your home or extension.By taking landf...