Buildingscience Denise Martin Buildingscience Denise Martin

What is Building Physics?

Building physics applies physics principles to construction, addressing heat transfer, moisture control, acoustics, and fire protection. Learn how building physics creates safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient structures.

Read More
Buildingscience Denise Martin Buildingscience Denise Martin

Building Physics and Comfort

Comfort in buildings goes beyond temperature control, encompassing factors like acoustics, air quality, airflow, and surface temperature. Explore how building physics can enhance comfort and improve the occupant experience. Learn why user control is vital, even in energy-efficient designs like Passive House.

Read More
Buildingscience Denise Martin Buildingscience Denise Martin

Building Physics - Design Guidelines

Effective building design requires a focus on reducing heat losses, optimising solar gains, and managing internal loads. This article provides practical guidelines for improving energy efficiency and comfort through thoughtful design and application of building physics principles.

Read More
Buildingscience Denise Martin Buildingscience Denise Martin

Solar Absorption and Heat on Surfaces

Building surfaces are constantly exposed to the elements, absorbing and emitting heat throughout the day. This article explains how surface colour, material choice, and environmental conditions impact solar absorption and heat retention, helping you select the best materials for energy-efficient and durable construction.

Read More
Insulation Denise Martin Insulation Denise Martin

Insulation Properties and Application

Insulation plays a vital role in energy-efficient construction. Learn about the thermal conductivity, R-value, and the importance of moisture management in insulation performance. Discover the benefits of external vs. internal insulation systems and how to select the right material for your building.

Read More
Buildingscience Denise Martin Buildingscience Denise Martin

Building Physics and Climate

Climate significantly affects building performance, influencing energy efficiency, material durability, and comfort. Learn how temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation shape building design and discover strategies for adapting to climate variations in construction.

Read More

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity measures how effectively building materials conduct heat. This article explains the significance of thermal conductivity (λ), its measurement using standards like ISO 8301 and ASTM C518, and how moisture can affect insulation performance. Understanding these factors is essential for energy-efficient building design.

Read More

Navigating Water Vapour Diffusion in Building Materials

Moisture management in buildings requires a deep understanding of the sd-value and MNs/g. These metrics help determine how materials resist and transmit water vapor, which is crucial in preventing condensation and structural issues. Learn how these values can guide better material choices for long-lasting, healthy buildings.

Read More

Relative Humidity, Condensate and Building Materials

Relative humidity and temperature play a key role in building moisture management. Condensation forms when warm, humid air meets cold surfaces, leading to issues like mold growth and structural damage. Learn how to control condensation through proper insulation, ventilation, and humidity management to create healthier, more durable buildings.

Read More
Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin

Water Content in Construction Timber

Moisture content in construction timber is a critical factor that influences structural integrity and longevity. Excess moisture can lead to mold, decay, and even misdiagnosed condensation issues. Learn how to manage timber moisture effectively through proper storage, ventilation, and monitoring to prevent costly damage and ensure your building’s durability.

Read More
Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin

Strap and Line - Interior Insulation

Enhancing thermal insulation for historic facades while preserving aesthetics requires careful planning. Discover how interior insulation, vapour barriers, and hydrophobisation can protect both historical and modern structures from condensation, mould, and thermal bridges. Ensure long-lasting energy efficiency with the right materials and methods.

Read More
Sustainable Finance Denise Martin Sustainable Finance Denise Martin

A Guide to ROI in “sustainable” Home Upgrades

Sustainable building upgrades offer more than just energy savings—they can significantly enhance your property’s value and long-term profitability. By investing in airtightness, insulation, and energy-efficient technologies, homeowners in New Zealand can enjoy reduced energy costs and higher property values. Learn how to maximize ROI with sustainable investments today.

Read More

IGU - Insulated Glass Unit

Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) are essential in modern energy-efficient building design. With advanced low-emissivity coatings, IGUs reduce heat loss while maintaining high transparency, ensuring buildings remain energy-efficient and comfortable. Discover how integrating IGUs with sun protection glazing can prevent overheating and improve sustainability in architectural projects.

Read More

G-Value - Sun Protection in Glass

Sun protection glass, with its advanced Low-E coatings, is a key technology in reducing solar heat gain while allowing natural light to enter buildings. This innovation enhances energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and sustainability in modern architecture, making it essential for projects aiming to balance aesthetics and environmental responsibility.

Read More
Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin

Building a successful Indoor Swimming Pool

Swimming pools present unique design challenges, including managing humidity, condensation, and energy efficiency. By understanding these conditions and selecting the right materials and systems, building professionals can create sustainable pools that stand the test of time. Embrace the principles of building physics to ensure your pool remains an enjoyable and efficient investment for years to come.

Read More
Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin Moisture Management & Mould Denise Martin

Condensation on Thermal Insulation Glass - exterior

Condensation on insulating glass windows is often seen as a flaw, but it's actually a sign of high-quality insulation. This natural occurrence shows that the glass is effectively reducing heat loss, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. Embrace condensation as a mark of superior insulation and explore innovative solutions like self-cleaning coatings to manage moisture build-up.

Read More

Heat Transfer of Glass

In the realm of sustainable building design, glass is no longer a thermal weak point. Thanks to innovations like multi-pane insulating glass, noble gases, and Low-E coatings, glass now plays a crucial role in energy efficiency. These technologies reduce heat transfer, lower energy costs, and enhance building sustainability, proving that glass is essential to modern, eco-friendly design.

Read More