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.
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.
Why Opening a Window Isn’t a Ventilation Strategy (and What G4 Really Requires)
Still relying on windows for ventilation? That’s not enough. Learn what Clause G4 of the NZ Building Code actually requires—and how to design homes that truly breathe.
Healthy Homes 2025 Deadline: What Landlords Need to Know—and What They’re Getting Wrong
The 1 July 2025 Healthy Homes deadline is approaching fast—but many landlords are still getting it wrong. Learn how to go beyond tick-box compliance and create rentals that are truly warm, dry, and comfortable.
The Hidden Cost of Minimum Compliance: What Your Heating Calculator Isn’t Telling You
Heating calculators may help you pass Healthy Homes compliance—but they won’t guarantee comfort. Learn why oversizing, underheating, and one-room fixes fall short, and what to do instead.
Compliant but Still Cold? Why Healthy Homes Standards Don’t Guarantee Comfort
Many New Zealand homes meet the Healthy Homes Standards but still feel cold, damp, or uncomfortable. This post explains why compliance isn’t the same as performance—and how a building science assessment can help you fix the real issues.
Summer Cooling Solutions for High-Performance Homes in New Zealand
Discover how to keep your airtight or Passive House cool and comfortable during the New Zealand summer. Learn why overheating happens in high-performance homes—and what practical, science-backed strategies you can use to fix it.
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.
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.
H1 Compliance Made Simple: Your Guide to Building Smarter in New Zealand
Not sure what H1 compliance really means for your next project? From insulation changes to real-world challenges, this guide explains how to meet the standard—and why performance matters more than paperwork.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mould Problems? Why It’s Happening & How to Fix It for Good
Tired of battling mould in your home? Scrubbing it away won’t solve the real problem. Mould is a sign of poor insulation, condensation issues, and inadequate ventilation. Learn how to eliminate it for good and create a healthier, drier home with expert solutions from BEO Buildingscience.
Renovating? Don’t Make This Mistake! How to Avoid Costly Insulation Errors
Renovating? Adding insulation might seem like the obvious way to improve your home’s comfort, but if you do it wrong, you could create bigger problems—mould, condensation, and wasted money. Before you start, learn why airtightness and energy modelling matter and how to get it right the first time.
Thermal Bridging is Costing You Money – Here’s How to Fix It
Your home is leaking heat, and so is your wallet. Thermal bridging is the invisible energy thief that makes your house colder, your power bills higher, and your comfort levels drop. But don’t worry—it’s fixable. Let’s dive into why your home is losing heat and how BEO Buildingscience can stop it for good.
Passive Design Done Wrong? Let’s Fix It
Passive design is supposed to keep your home comfortable year-round, but what if it’s doing the opposite? If your home overheats in summer and freezes in winter, your passive design might be working against you. Let’s break down why that happens and how BEO Buildingscience can fix it.
Old Homes Need Upgrades – Here’s Why & How to Fix It
Old homes weren’t built for modern comfort, and if yours feels drafty, cold, or expensive to heat, it’s time for an upgrade. Discover how airtightness testing, insulation, and smart ventilation can transform your home into a comfortable, energy-efficient space.
All Vapour Barriers Are Vapour Control Layers, But Not All Vapour Control Layers Are Vapour Barriers – Here's Why It Matters
Vapour barriers are often misunderstood in the building industry, leading to costly mistakes and moisture-related issues. Learn the key differences between vapour barriers and vapour control layers, when to use them, and how to select the right materials to ensure long-term building durability.