Description

The primary objective of this guide is to detail the performance expectations of New Zealand housing systems. The aim is to prescribe quantified values where possible. The expectation is that this guide will provide a rational basis upon which innovative systems can be assessed and compliance with the performance requirements of the New Zealand building control framework verified. The emphasis is on the in-service behaviour of building systems with discussion generally on what agents may be expected to be acting on the system when it is installed into the completed house. Problems and limitations of this holistic approach are discussed and remedies recommended.

Scope

This guide is intended to be used as the basis for considering the performance of houses which fall within the following scope:

• One or two family dwellings.
• One or two storey detached single occupancy family dwellings, including split-level construction and developed roof space dwelling areas which do not exceed 50% of the ground floor plan area.
• Buildings where the slope of any roof plane is less than 60 to the horizontal.
• The overall maximum building height (from the lowest ground adjacent to the highest point of the roof) shall not exceed 10 m.
• Buildings where the supporting ground has a safe bearing capacity not less than 100 kPa.