Don’t Get Burnt! Addressing Fire Compliance in Existing Buildings. When altering, upgrading, refurbishing or remediating an existing building, fire compliance must be carefully integrated into the design and construction to comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) and Section 112 of the Building Act 2004. This requires that buildings undergoing alterations do not become less compliant with fire requirements than they were before, and, where practical, improvements need to be made to better protect occupants, those escaping from the building and enable emergency responders to attend to the fire and occupants.

As apartment living becomes more prevalent across New Zealand, particularly in city centres like Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, architectural designs that enhance liveability and durability are in high demand. One such design consideration is the trend of enclosing balconies for which a debate has emerged about whether it offers long-term benefits or detracts from the property value and liveability. We explore the practical, aesthetic, and financial implications of enclosed balconies, to assess their impact on property value and market appeal.

Last week, our team attended the AI and the Future of the Architectural Profession lecture presented by Neil Leach and hosted by Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects. This gave us an invaluable insight into the impact AI will have on our profession and how we can harness this tool to add value for our clients. Here are our take outs from some of the big questions.

By integrating sustainable design practices, Agents of Architecture strive to make a positive difference to people and the environment through purposeful design. We are committed to designing low-carbon buildings that not only minimise environmental impact but also deliver tangible benefits to our clients and building occupants. When discussing with clients, we recommend implementing these 5 key sustainable design practices.

Managing project risks is a vital aspect of architectural design that requires careful planning, foresight, and collaboration. By proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, architects can navigate challenges effectively, delivering successful projects that meet client expectations and industry standards. Refer to our quick guide on how we effectively navigate the risk management process.

Selling commercial properties comes with its fair share of challenges for building owners and real estate agents, especially when the market is slow and it’s difficult to demonstrate the true value and potential of a property. With the help of our Market Fit Process, building owners can attract more buyers and achieve optimal sale outcomes for their commercial properties.

The reuse of existing buildings as a sustainable development, offers a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities, and economies. Refurbishment and adaptive reuse projects have the power to transform our urban landscapes, revive cultural heritage, and foster sustainable growth. As we continue our journey towards a greener future, let us recognise and harness the potential of existing buildings as a vital component of our sustainability efforts. Together, we can build a more resilient, resource-efficient, and inclusive New Zealand for generations.

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