IN THE KNOW —
Important timber building standard set to be revised The Building Performance team at MBIE are funding Standards New Zealand to update New Zealand’s main standard for constructing timber-framed buildings, NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings. NZS 3604 is important to many in the building and construction industry, as it is a core resource for designers and building consent authorities in determining compliance with the Building Code.
NZS 3604:2011
New Zealand Standard
Timber-framed buildings
“This standard has a significant influence on houses being constructed in New Zealand. The revision aims to help streamline the process of designing and consenting higherdensity housing,” says the Manager of the Building Code, Dave Robson
“We know how rapidly the building industry changes, and a lot has happened in the last decade, so it’s timely to begin the process of revision.” There is a very specific scope for the revision, which will be looking at eight or nine key areas. This includes ways NZS 3604 can support better thermal performance to reduce emissions, while making sure homes are being built warm, safe and dry. It will also look at increasing the scope of the standard to three storeys.
NZS 3604:2011
“We’re really pleased to be commissioning this revision, as it has been more than a decade since NZS 3604 was last revised,” Dave says.
Superseding NZS 3604:1999
“The priorities right now are supporting the government’s climate change goals by reducing emissions in the sector, and supporting the demand for more high-density housing by making it easier for these buildings to comply with standards and the Building Code,” Dave says. “The revision will be undertaken with these goals in mind.” Standards New Zealand National Manager, Carmen Mak, says the revision of NZS 3604 is a significant piece of work, both in terms of the breadth of expertise and public consultation required, but also in the strategic objectives it aims to meet. “The revision will streamline the consent process and support the Building for Climate Change programme by improving the operational efficiency of buildings and improving the health and wellbeing of those living and working in the buildings. “We recommend that standards are reviewed regularly to make sure they are current and continue to be fit for purpose,” she says. “This ensures they mirror current practice, are technologically up to date, and reflect present thinking on safety, quality, and environmental impact.”
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An article on the Standards NZ website includes a detailed outline of the areas this revision project will address. The article also explains how technical experts in the building and construction sector can express their interest in participating on working groups responsible for those areas. To view this article, go to https://www.standards.govt.nz/touchstone/ building/ 2020/nov/timber-standard-nzs-3604-beingrevised-experts-invited/ It is planned for this revision to be published by Standards New Zealand in late 2023, and cited in the Building Code in the 2024 annual update.
MBIE is the over-arching regulator of New Zealand’s building system. Our Building System Performance (BSP) branch provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.
