Everyone’s flexing blower‑door numbers, but your client doesn’t live in ACH50 – they live in drafts, noise and power bills. This post translates airtightness results into real‑world comfort, explains why a tight house is not automatically a Passive House, and shows where airtightness genuinely pays off.

Climate resilience in buildings is becoming one of the most important topics in housing this year — and for good reason. More extreme weather events, homes losing power, rising overheating risk, mould and health concerns, and rising energy costs are all exposing the same problem: a lot of homes look efficient on paper but struggle when conditions get difficult. This series breaks down what climate resilience in buildings actually means, why compliance alone doesn't cut it, and what makes a home genuinely stable, healthy, and low-risk in real-world conditions.

Most “mold problems” are really ventilation problems with better PR. This post shows how to talk about moisture and mold with clients in plain language, why balanced low air‑flow ventilation should usually be first in the budget queue, and what that looks like in a real house, not just a brochure.

Get a clear, no-nonsense guide to how MVHR, range hoods and make-up air actually work together in an airtight home. We walk through real numbers, simple examples and the awkward bits most people skip over – like fireplaces, backdraughting and when “just open a window” is not good enough. After 15+ years testing buildings, BEO Buildingscience shows you how to design kitchen ventilation that keeps your air clean, your fire safe and your clients happy.

Most compact homes overheat not because the windows are “too big”, but because the physics is on holiday. This post walks through three simple design moves – external shading, smarter glazing placement and real night‑purge ventilation – that keep big glass, protect your facade and actually cool the house down.

Passing NCC condensation compliance doesn’t guarantee your building is dry. We use WUFI modelling and AIRAH DA07 criteria to uncover hidden risks, keep mould out, and design assemblies that actually work — not just on paper.

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.

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.

Airtightness testing is one of the most misunderstood Green Star requirements — and one of the easiest to mess up. This guide outlines the top mistakes made in NZ projects and gives you a step-by-step roadmap for avoiding leaks, delays, and rework. Essential reading for architects, builders, and consultants.

ATTMA Level 2 testing is the gold standard for verifying airtightness in large and complex Green Star NZ projects. This guide explains what it is, when it’s required, how it works, and why it’s essential for compliance — plus how to avoid the most common testing pitfalls.

Designing for airtightness is now essential for achieving Green Star NZ certification. This guide explains what Green Star requires, how to detail junctions correctly, and how to coordinate your team to deliver a buildable, testable airtight envelope — without the usual finger-pointing and rework.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.