Denise Martin Denise Martin

Leaky Buildings Don’t Help As Much As You Think

Think your home’s a bit leaky, so you don’t need ventilation? Hate to break it to you—but unless your house is practically a tent, you’re not leaking nearly enough air to deal with moisture. This article breaks down how much ventilation you actually need and why most homes in NZ are nowhere near it.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Why Your Bathroom Fan Isn’t Cutting It (And What to Do About It)

Most people think a bathroom fan is enough to keep their home dry — but it’s not doing what you think. In this post, we break down how much moisture people actually add to the air, why that matters for your health and building durability, and how long your fan really needs to run to do its job.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Why Airtightness Testing Matters in Green Star Projects

Airtightness testing is now mandatory for Green Star credits — but passing isn’t always straightforward. This guide walks you through the exact steps to hit your target, avoid testing failures, and submit airtight documentation (pun intended). Whether you’re a builder, architect, or ESD lead — this one's for you.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

What’s the Most Efficient Way to Heat a House in New Zealand?

Wondering whether to upgrade your windows or invest in a new heat pump? This guide walks you through the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat your home in New Zealand—backed by real numbers and expert insights. Learn when to prioritise building upgrades and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Passive Solar Design: Why Principles Alone Are Not Enough for Real Results

Passive solar design sounds simple — orient your building, add glazing, and let the sun do the work. But without energy modelling, it’s mostly guesswork. Learn why true passive performance demands science, not assumptions, and how BEO Buildingscience ensures your home performs as promised.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Ventilative Cooling for Eco Homes in NZ

Ventilative cooling can make a massive difference to summer comfort in eco homes—if it’s done right. In this article, we explain how to design effective cross, stack, and night purge ventilation, and when to bring in systems like the COLD. range to manage humidity and heat when nature falls short.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Dehumidification for Airtight NZ Homes | BEO Buildingscience

Moisture can quietly undo the comfort and durability of even the most well-designed home. In this article, we explore why airtight homes in New Zealand need more than ventilation to stay dry. Learn the top strategies for managing indoor humidity—including MVHR integration, post-cooling, smart controls, and daily design tips that actually work.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

MVHR in Summer: Why It Fails & How to Fix It

MVHR systems work wonders in winter—but in New Zealand’s summer, they can cause overheating and discomfort. This post breaks down why MVHR may fail in warm, humid months and shows you how to design it for true year-round comfort using post-cooling and dehumidification strategies.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Sick of High Energy Bills? Fix Poor Thermal Performance & Cut Costs

Sick of skyrocketing energy bills? The real issue might not be your power provider—it could be your home’s thermal performance. Poor insulation, air leaks, and hidden thermal bridges could be draining heat and forcing your heating system to work overtime. Learn how airtightness testing, thermal bridge analysis, and energy modelling can cut your costs and make your home more efficient.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Cold Drafts Making Your Home Uncomfortable? Here’s How to Fix It

Cold drafts making your home uncomfortable? If your heating bill is climbing but your home still feels chilly, air leaks could be the culprit. Learn how airtightness testing, air sealing, and ventilation improvements can eliminate drafts and make your home warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient.

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