Designing for High Energy and Performance Without Compromise

From below-ground waterproofing to high-performance façades and optimised window systems, the discussion highlights how each layer of the envelope must work cohesively to reduce risk, improve thermal efficiency, and support long-term resilience. Attendees will gain practical insights into designing for real-world conditions, balancing cost and performance, and aligning with evolving compliance pathways, ultimately enabling more efficient, comfortable, and future-ready buildings.

10am| Chris Ross | Allco Waterproofing Systems

Total Envelope Protection: Designing Waterproofing for Building Performance

Designing for high-performance buildings requires a holistic approach to waterproofing, where below-ground and roofing systems are considered as one continuous envelope, carefully detailed to minimise risk and ensure long-term durability.

Key Learning outcomes:

• Understand the role of waterproofing in overall building performance and durability
• Evaluate appropriate waterproofing systems for different site conditions and building uses
• Apply best practice detailing to improve long-term performance and compliance
• Identify how the efficient use of a building’s footprint can contribute to more resilient, future-proofed outcomes.

11.15am | Dyann Stewart | Technoform

Thermal Breaks: Stronger Thermal Ratings, Lower Energy, Net Zero Ready

This session explores how high-performance façades can improve New Zealand building energy outcomes without compromising design intent. Using thermal breaks as a practical focus, we show how improving the thermal envelope performance to reduce heat loss, support better comfort, and strengthen compliance outcomes under H1, Homestar, Green Star NZ and Net Zero.

The presentation connects façade design decisions to operational energy, carbon pathways, and whole of life cost. Attendees will see how targeted improvements to the buildings thermal envelope can offset costs elsewhere, support higher rating outcomes, and stand up to reviewer scrutiny through clear documentation and robust specification.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Quantify thermal break impacts on energy use outcomes.
• Understand the relationship and opportunities when thermally breaking windows and cladding.
• Build a lifecycle case aligned to NZ energy costs and net zero pathways.

12.15pm Alex Holly | Omega Windows and Doors

General Window Design for Medium Density Housing

This session explores window design for medium density housing, focusing on how different configurations can achieve ventilation, thermal performance, and aesthetic outcomes. We will review recent suite developments designed specifically for cost-effective applications.

Learn how to ensure window systems are tested and engineered to suit specific site conditions, and how Omega fabricators and suite systems simplify the specification process.

Discover low-cost ventilation strategies that maximise airflow, and understand how to specify glazing to reduce solar heat gain in summer. We will also cover the role of window placement and building orientation in effective solar control.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to design windows and doors for medium density housing
• Learn the testing and engineering requirements for window systems
• Develop strategies to effectively control solar heat gain
• Understand how thermally broken aluminium windows contribute to resilient thermal envelopes in both summer and winter