Description

This determination arose from a decision by the authority to refuse to grant a building consent for an addition to a house because it was not satisfied that the straw bale walls proposed for the addition would comply with certain clauses of the Building Code.

The authority's concerns were in regard to the wall system itself and weathertightness detailing to be used in conjunction with the wall system.

The matter to be determined was therefore whether the authority's decision to refuse to issue a building consent was correct, in respect of the proposed straw bale walls.

It was considered:

1. Whether the plastered straw bale wall system proposed for the walls of this addition, would comply with Clause B2 Durability and Clause E2 External Moisture;
2. Taking into account the weathertightness of the wall system as assessed within matter 1, whether the plastered straw bale wall system would still be able to comply with Clause B2 Durability, considering the special risks and durability considerations that apply to the particular type of construction used in this addition.