Have your say on the revision of New Zealand’s leading construction standard – NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings

NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings is a key building standard used by designers, builders, architects, engineers, and building consent authorities. This is important for the design and construction of most of New Zealand’s light timber framed buildings.

The standard provides prescribed solutions for structural elements such as foundations, framing, bracing, spans, fixings, connectors, and building layout.

Key proposed changes to this standard include:

• new and updated framing solutions for 3 storey construction (bracing not included in this draft)
• improved guidance on thermal performance, including new construction details
• updated foundation solutions for moderately expansive soils and liquefaction prone sites
• clarification of requirements for stairwell framing and isolated internal masonry walls
• rationalisation of timber sizes and grades to align with materials commonly available in the New Zealand market.

Your input will help shape the final version of one of New Zealand’s most used building standards.

Public consultation closes 5pm, Tuesday 8 September — this incorporates a two-week extension. The standard is large and complex, and some users of the standard have requested more time to allow sharing and collation of feedback amongst their organisations, and to review thoroughly.

Feedback can be provided through the Standards New Zealand consultation page.

NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings consultation(external link) — Standards New Zealand