Will your building perform well over time and support healthier outcomes for occupants? Discover how we embed sustainability into every project to strengthen performance, reduce risk, and deliver long-term value. From building performance and durability to operational efficiency, occupant wellbeing, and early decision-making, sustainability shapes how we design for long-term resilience and asset performance.

Filling the Gaps - The Thermal Performance of Framed Walls

The space for insulation in our walls is often significantly impacted by other materials being used to fill difficult areas, usually for construction and buildability reasons, and mostly where there are relatively small gaps between other assemblies.

In a site visit last week, we saw just such a detail constructed between two large window openings. The space, probably deemed onsite as too small for the practicable inclusion of insulation between the steel structure and the window apertures, was roughly filled with timber. We sent the image to Ruth Williams of InsideOut to discuss some of the implications for thermal performance and moisture management.

As we see, the practical and thermal make-up of our walls, often designed to include insulation between timber or steel framing, can often not be as ideal as first envisaged – and once a building is complete, we can no longer tell what is behind the internal lining.

By integrating sustainable design practices, Agents of Architecture strive to make a positive difference to people and the environment through purposeful design. We are committed to designing low-carbon buildings that not only minimise environmental impact but also deliver tangible benefits to our clients and building occupants. When discussing with clients, we recommend implementing these 5 key sustainable design practices.

The reuse of existing buildings as a sustainable development, offers a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities, and economies. Refurbishment and adaptive reuse projects have the power to transform our urban landscapes, revive cultural heritage, and foster sustainable growth. As we continue our journey towards a greener future, let us recognise and harness the potential of existing buildings as a vital component of our sustainability efforts. Together, we can build a more resilient, resource-efficient, and inclusive New Zealand for generations.