Fletcher-commissioned Deloitte report shows building material costs are low…….

The cost of building materials in New Zealand account for between 16-24 percent of the cost of residential housing development costs, depending on the type of building and location, according to a study by accounting firm Deloitte.

Fletcher chief executive Ross Taylor says in a statement that the Deloitte report was a response to the “lack of fact-based research on what is driving costs in New Zealand. We believe it provides valuable information to help move the discussion forward and work on solutions to address housing affordability.” Read the full report below:

2019 membership survey open

Now is the time to give us your feedback. The survey is open until Friday 29th March. Here is the link to the survey. We think the survey should take you 5-10 minutes:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z6RQFZG

2019 Design Awards are open

Entries are now open (and close Tuesday 30^th April).  This year all entries must be submitted online:  https://www.judgify.me/2019-design-awards
 
2019 Award categories are:

1. Showroom Award
2. Designing with Glass – Residential
3. Designing with Glass – Commercial
4. Design Awards – Residential under $25k
5. Design Awards – Residential – $26k to $75k
6. Design Awards – Residential – $76k to $175k
7. Design Awards – Residential – over $176k
8. Design Awards – Commercial under $100k
9. Design Awards – Commercial over $101k
10. Eco Award – Commercial
11. Eco Award – Residential
12. Innovation Award – Glass/Components/Technology
13. Supreme Winner

Apprentice Awards (sponsored by BCITO)

1. Most Promising Apprentice – Glass & Glazing
2. Most Promising Apprentice – Architectural Aluminium Joinery
3. Apprentice of the Year – Glass & Glazing – Allan Sage Memorial Award
4. Apprentice of the Year – Architectural Aluminium Joinery

Largest structure in the world supported by glass

Have you seen this?  The winner of the Institute of Structural Engineers Artistry award – the Steve Jobs Theater Pavilion in California. The 47m carbon fibre roof is the largest of its kind, comprised of 44 radial panels, which were assembled on site before being raised into position in one lift. This 80 tonne roof is supported by a 7m high glass cylinder, made up of glass panels, each consisting of four layers of 12mm thick plies, which hold up the roof without any additional support. It is the largest structure in the world solely supported by glass.

The structural systems were designed so that the conduits, sprinkler pipes, data, audio and security systems needed in the roof could be accommodated in the 30mm joints between the glass panels. As Cupertino is in a highly seismic zone, several strategies have been employed to protect the structure against seismic activity.  More here

See-through film rejects 70% of incoming solar heat

MIT engineers have developed a heat-rejecting film that could be applied to a building’s windows to reflect up to 70 percent of the sun’s incoming heat. The film is able to remain highly transparent below 32 degrees Celsius.   Above this temperature, the researchers say, the film acts as an “autonomous system” to reject heat. The engineers  estimate that if every exterior-facing window in a building were covered in this film, the building’s air conditioning and energy costs could drop by 10 percent.  Read more here

Twitter/LinkedIn/Instagram

You can find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram – just search for Window & Glass Association. Our social media goals focus on awareness and engagement. Via Twitter you can keep track of where I am and who I’m meeting. Instagram will obviously be key as we move into the 2019 Awards. LinkedIn will be a news channel for us. Anyway – make sure you’re connected. You’re not going to find any content – but it’s coming 🙂

Skill shortage review update

Each year skills needed in the NZ workforce are added to Essential Skills in Demand Lists (ESID).  Workers with skills on the ESID lists usually find it easier to apply for temporary work and some resident visas.

There are 14 occupations included in this years’ ESID review – including Glazier (333111), Quantity Surveyor (233213), Construction Project Manager (133111), and Building Associate (Specialisation: Building Construction Supervisor) (312112).  We now have until 5pm on Friday 9 November 2018 to make submissions supporting their inclusion and providing additional information and evidence about the nature and extent of skill shortages in their area:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/policy-and-law/how-the-immigration-system-operates/skill-shortage-lists/current-skill-shortage-review