Each Build includes several ongoing series. All the articles from the Pathfinder case studies, building history series and sustainability case study are grouped on this page.

Buy the recent Build articles, or click on a link to download a free PDF file. The most recent articles are listed first.

Pathfinder case studies

Summaries of construction projects that have shown innovation, good practice or sheer brilliance. The focus is on the lessons for others in the industry. Detailed reports on each project are also available on the Constructing Excellence in New Zealand website.

• 119 Manukau Harbour Crossing - second generation alliance Buy
• 118 Key innovations - Constructing great New Zealand projects Buy
• 117 Victoria University - A facade to stand the test of time Free download  
• 116 East Coast Road, North Shore - A road less travelled Free download
• 115 Sovereign House, Auckland - Commitment to people the best insurance Free download  
• 114 Braemar Hospital. Hamilton - Green hospital a healthier choice Free download  
• 113 UCOL, Wanganui - The most important thing is people Free download
• 112 Air New Zealand Project Kingfish - No flight of fancy Free download
• 111 Northern Busway - Partnership a winning formula Free download
• 110 Meridian Building, Wellington – Meridian's flagship for sustainability Free download
• 110 National Bank, Blockhouse Bay – Doors open on first green retail building Free download
• 109 Northern Gateway Toll Road - Alliance model brings innovative practice Free download   
• 109 The Plaza Shopping Centre, Palmerston North - Modelling moves to 5D Free download
• 108 Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University – Collaboration under a traditional contract Free download
• 108 Pathfinder project overview Free download

Building history

Written by Nigel Isaacs, BRANZ’s Principal Energy and Environmental Scientist, these entertaining articles look at the history of building technology in New Zealand.

• 119 Timber framing - rapid and reliable Buy  
• 118 Insulation (part 2) - Keeping warm with rainbows of colour Buy
• 117 Insulation - Keeping warm and staying cool Free download
• 116 Measuring space and time Free download
• 115 The rise of pine Free download  
• 114 Tree to timber Free download
• 113 Early forestry Free download
• 112 Stable foundations Free download
• 111 Buildings of stone Free download
• 110 Elevators - going up? Free download
• 109 Buildings on the move Free download
• 108 House assembly - prefabrication and factory manufacture Free download
• 107 Concrete – a strong tradition Free download     
• 106 Cementing history Free download    
• 105 Wall linings Free download    
• 104 Electric lamps Free download    
• 103 Flickering lamps – from beeswax to gas Free download
• 102 Thermal insulation Free download    
• 101 Nails – holding buildings together Free download
• 100 The changing shape of window glass Free download  
• 99 Hot water the old-fashioned way Free download   
• 98 Public conveniences Free download   
• 97 Toilets come full circle Free download  
• 96 Earth buildings Free download   
• 95 Corrugated iron – practical and decorative Free download
• 94 Electric hot water invention Free download   
• 93 Plastered brick Free download
• 92 Bricks bring permanence and architectural opportunities Free download   
• 91 Using the trees – slab and logs houses Free download  
• 90 Raupo houses Free download

Sustainability case study

Follows the design and build of a more sustainable urban house in Hamilton.

• 113 Performance monitoring Free download
• 112 Reducing on-site energy use Free download
• 111 Construction waste reduction Free download
• 110 Designing the wastewater system Free download
• 109 Difficult task of choosing materials wisely Free download
• 108 Passive design strategies Free download
• 107 Planning the new building Free download    
• 106 Waste diversion during deconstruction Free download