fbpx
';
side-area-logo

Resources

These resources have been created by Oculus to provide advice and guidance. All resource articles follow international best practice, and are backed by science.

Homestar Version 5
This resource explains the key changes between Homestar Version 4 and the latest Homestar Version 5.
Precast Concrete: How to design dry, durable precast concrete cladding
Many people in NZ believe that concrete is the most durable material for the outside of the
building. While that may be true in terms of impact resistance and structural strength, there
are a lot of other things to consider when using it as cladding rather than structure.
The Parka Wrap : Retrofitting Insulation onto Existing Walls of Occupied Homes
Master of Architecture thesis by Jon Davies investigating overlaying of weathertightness, insulation and new cladding on occupied buildings. If there are at least 830,000 homes in New Zealand with uninsulated walls, can we improve them for the benefit of people (comfort and health) and energy consumption?
Summer planning guide for home owners and renters
We’ve got through the winter, heating our homes to keep us warm, dry and comfortable but as we come into summer we no longer need the comforts of heating but rather cooling. This guide provides some easy advice of what you can do to keep your home or rental property comfortable over the summer months.
Warm Roof vs Cold Roof
New Zealand, home to some of the best things in the world – L&P, the Lord of the Rings, the All Blacks, Mānuka honey, Weetbix (largely protested by the Aussies) etc etc. But unfortunately there is something that Kiwis’ do not win on the international scale, in fact NZ barely follows international best practice for one of the most significant assets most will ever own – their home. And more specifically the roof that shelters them within their home.
H1 Consultation
H1 Consultation Oculus responds to NZ Building Code|H1 Consultation.
What is a Healthy Home?
We already know what acceptable, healthy indoor conditions are. Decades of research has shown a defined range of indoor conditions reduce the risk of adverse health impacts.

This guide explains what a Healthy Home is, why Oculus are trying to achieve it, and what any New Zealander can do to their own house to improve their health.

Fire Compliance of Cladding Systems

After researching the fire compliance of cladding in New Zealand since 2017, some may say advice from Oculus is conservative, but they prefer to think of it as design for the safest and best economical outcome.

This document outlines the compliance pathways and advice that follows international best practice.

Ventilation Systems

Many buildings in NZ are still being built with “natural ventilation” being relied upon to provide adequate fresh air. While this solution may be “acceptable”, it is not actually effective, because it is usually based on hopes and wishes rather than proper engineering design.

Retrofitting Wall Insulation

You’ve heard all of the ads on radio and tv, and you’ve even seen insulation being advertised on social media, and you’re ready to reduce your power bills and spend the money on a nice, warm blanket for your walls.

This resource will help you understand insulation and which option is best for your home.

Healthy Home - Summer Kit

We all know it’s nice to keep warm in winter, but what happens in spring and summer when we can’t get rid of the heat?

Of course you can install an air conditioning unit, or perhaps a heat pump with a cooling function – but not everyone has the means to do this, so here are three cost effective solutions to help keep you and your home, cool, dry and comfortable.

Healthy Home - Winter Kit

Healthy homes are hugely important to the health of our nation. Whether winter is coming, or has already arrived we all need to work towards having a warm, dry and comfortable home, and these three products won’t break the bank in helping you achieve that.