House builders / Architects - Looking to move to NZ

[Shenanigans]

Hi folks

I'm looking see if there are any Architects or house builders in this area that are able to tell me if there is demand on modern methods on construction.

Long story short, I currently work for an Architect/ house builder practice in the UK that specialises in designing with (SIPS) Structural Insulated Panels in mind. I'am looking into moving to NZ and hope to continue my work in this industry using my knowledge that I have gained.
The OH is currently looking at the same with prospects into working in the childcare sector.

Any advice would be great!

[XOcette]

Not in the industry as such, but slowly people are starting to look at more energy efficient buildings, and more efficient building methods than the current general practice. There is a shortage of skilled workers across the construction industry.

You might like to drop this person an email: http://www.energyarchitecture.co.nz (Wellington), or this crowd http://www.climatehouse.co.nz/ (Queenstown) for starters.

[caziques]

The vast majority of new builds are shocking...

90mm timber frame, aluminium framed windows, and I doubt 5% have central heating,

At least these days there is more awareness of things like SIP construction.

We do what we can with underfloor heating and hot water heat pumps here in Christchurch,

[Perik Omo]

caziques said:

The vast majority of new builds are shocking...

90mm timber frame, aluminium framed windows, and I doubt 5% have central heating,

At least these days there is more awareness of things like SIP construction.

We do what we can with underfloor heating and hot water heat pumps here in Christchurch,

I agree, our daughter lives in Millwater Auckland in a new-build and that costs $800 a week to rent, it's a 4 bedroom double garage property on a minimal sized plot so the back garden is tiny and only has a strip of grass at the front. It has no heating at all and the build materials are shocking you can push the doulble glazed sliding doors so that they bow in the middle with one hand so the frame material and glass must be very thin and yes, it's timber frame with very thin external cladding and shingle roof. It all seems to be about style with no consideration regarding materials used, the latest valuation on the house is $1.3m which is just rediculous for what it is.

[RobDickinson]

Theres a construction/hoising boom at the moment, north island though seems to ignore the need for insulation and heating..

I think regs dont even require DG on houses in the north?

cant talk about specifics of construction though but theres certainly a market here

[XOcette]

DG has been required in the North Island since 2008 IIRC (earlier in the central plateau), though I think you can still meet the energy efficiency requirements in the far north without it. Why you wouldn't though....

Even starting to see some triple glazing being used.

Central heating is not actually required if the house is designed properly from the outset, and SIPs certainly help achieving the energy efficiency targets.

Edited by XOcette on Monday 12th June 07:48

[Shenanigans]

Thanks for all your help guys.

XOcette said:

You might like to drop this person an email: http://www.energyarchitecture.co.nz

Thanks for this link! Guy Shaw has been a great help with information about the industry and work available. Comes across like decent bloke!

Feel like packing my bags now!

[CR6ZZ]

Timber frame buildings are the norm here for pretty much one reason - earthquakes.

Our house is timber framed and more than 130 years old. Has withstood numerous shakes.

But in response to the OP's original question, yes there are plenty of opportunities here, especially for someone with the requisite skills.

[GravelBen]

CR6ZZ said:

But in response to the OP's original question, yes there are plenty of opportunities here, especially for someone with the requisite skills.

Skills, adaptability, ability to apply practical common sense as well as theory... combine those things and you should do well here.

[XOcette]

Shenanigans said:

Thanks for this link! Guy Shaw has been a great help with information about the industry and work available. Comes across like decent bloke!

Feel like packing my bags now!

Yes, he is a pretty decent bloke. He's done quite a bit of work with Climate House down south, and is well into Passivhaus building.