Timber-framed buildings – new Handbook Published

SNZ HB 3604 Handbook to NZS 3604:2011 – available now

Standards New Zealand recently published SNZ HB 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings: Selected extracts from NZS 3604:2011. SNZ HB 3604 provides users with a collection of figures and tables extracted from NZS 3604:2011 that are commonly used on-site. The Handbook directs users to the appropriate section of the Standard for full information.

During the development of the Standard, NZS 3604:2011, the need for a durable product containing selected extracts from the Standard to use as a reference guide on-site was identified. Standards New Zealand undertook four consultation meetings with different user groups on the range of content they required and tested formats for the Handbook in mid-2010.

The SNZ HB 3604 committee began work on the Handbook once the NZS 3604 Standard content had been finalised. The committee included nominated representatives from Architectural Designers New Zealand Inc., Building Officials’ Institute of New Zealand, Certified Builders’ Association of New Zealand Inc., New Zealand Institute of Architects, and Registered Master Builders’ Federation. The feedback from the consultation meetings was used by the committee.

The Handbook has been designed as an on-site reference guide for timber-framed buildings not requiring specific engineering design, up to a maximum of three storeys in height. It is laid out in four sections based on the construction sequence for a timber-framed building. To ensure that the Handbook aligns with NZS 3604, the collection of figures and tables are numbered identically and colour coding of the figures and tables replicates that of the Standard.

The development committee advises the Handbook must not be used as a substitute for the full Standard, NZS 3604:2011. Users of SNZ HB 3604 should always refer to the full Standard when they require detailed and complete information. On-site building consent requirements of the Building Consent Authority (BCA) take precedence over the guidance in SNZ HB 3604.

With a polypropylene cover, the sturdy binder and laminated pages are designed to provide as much durability for on-site use as possible. SNZ HB 3604 is slightly larger than A5 in size and weighs approximately 1.2kg.

• Order SNZ HB 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings or email enquiries@standards.co.nz, or call 0800 782 632 during business hours.
• Members of Standards New Zealand save 20% on the retail price. Visit our membership page for more information on becoming a member.
Advisory Note issued for NZS 3604:2011 and SNZ HB 3604:2011

Standards New Zealand has recently issued an Advisory Note to help ensure users of the Standard, NZS 3604:2011 and the Handbook, SNZ HB 3604:2011 are aware of recent information issued by the Department of Building and Housing relating to the Department's changes to the B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture Building Code documents.

These changes include modifications to NZS 3604:2011.

All past purchasers of NZS 3604:2011 hard copies will receive a copy of the Advisory Note to add to their copy of the Standard. Past purchasers of PDFs will receive an email with a link to the Advisory Note to download. From 3 October 2011, copies of NZS 3604:2011 and SNZ HB 3604:2011 include a copy of the Advisory Note.

• Download and print the Advisory Note here [PDF 188 KB].

Related articles

• NZS 3604:2011 referenced as an Acceptable Solution by the Department of Building and Housing from 1 August 2011, media release, 19 August 2011
• NZS 3604:2011 – new Qs and As, media release, 7 April 2011
• Revised timber-framed buildings Standard – NZS 3604:2011 available now, Touchstone, February 2011
• Update from Debbie Chin – revised NZS 3604 published, Touchstone, February 2011

About Standards New Zealand

Standards New Zealand is the operating arm of the Standards Council, and part of New Zealand’s standards and conformance infrastructure. Standards New Zealand is an autonomous Crown entity responsible for managing the development and distribution of Standards across a range of sectors nationally.

Standards New Zealand is a self-funded, not-for-profit organisation, relying on revenue primarily from contracts with sponsors to develop Standards, and from sales of Standards publications. Our independence helps us facilitate a cross section of stakeholders’ contributions to the development of Standards, and ensure that each Standard meets the needs of end users.

www.standards.co.nz

Stay in touch

Read Touchstone, Standards New Zealand’s free monthly electronic magazine, for the latest Standards news. Subscribe to Touchstone here.

The question is not what you gain from standardisation, it’s what you lose without it.

ENDS

© Scoop Media