BRANZ Design decisions
- Abbreviation
- BRANZ Design decisions
- Valid from
- 1/08/2018
- Information provider
- BRANZ Limited
- Author
- BRANZ Limited
- Information type
- Design guide
- Format
Description
Building design is a complex process that balances a wide range of often conflicting factors to achieve a building outcome that:
- meets client requirements
- is aesthetically and environmentally sound
- meets all planning and building control regulatory requirements including significant ones around durability, structural stability, fire resistance and weathertightness
- considers the future - climate, building use
- applies life cycle assessment and Building Code plus principles as appropriate
- will be safe and healthy for occupants
- can be built and effectively maintained
- will remain serviceable after a major event.
This publication identifies the wide range of factors that need to be considered as part of a building's design to achieve a successful long-term outcome for the client. Given the myriad of factors to be considered, it focuses on the key elements rather than getting into specific details of the relative merits of a design feature or building material or component. Aimed primarily at designers and architects, this resource can be used as a check, particularly for those new to design and construction, to ensure all relevant design factors have been identified and considered.