H1 Workshops

The focus is on new-build design and construction solutions for compliance with H1 Energy efficiency, using the current 5th edition amendment 1 of Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 and Verification Method H1/VM1. These relate to the energy efficiency of all housing, plus other buildings up to 300 m².We will cover design and construction options for both compliant and  beyond-Code solutions, for roofs, walls, floors and exterior joinery of stand-alone housing, as well as apartments and terrace housing. The challenges and fundamentals of compliant assemblies will also be discussed.
Participants will also be able ask questions and discuss their challenges in interactive sessions throughout the day.

Topics and solutions will cover:

• suspended, slab-floor and raft foundation floor systems
• warm and hybrid roof typologies
• exterior window and door systems that meet the increased construction R-value requirements that come into effect on 3 November 2023
• an analysis of the range of insulation products available for the thermal envelope
• the details associated with the accurate installation of the various systems, ensuring the as-built performance meets the designed performance, as well as meeting durability requirements.

A case study will look at the application of the schedule, calculation and modelling methods for demonstrating compliance. This will include the options available and performance differences possible when applying the different methodologies to a building design.

Discussions around the issues currently identified with H1-compliant design and construction will be incorporated and solutions identified where possible. For example:

• Selecting suitable insulation and relevant construction details to ensure exterior slab edge insulation remains watertight and durable
• Minimising the depth of skillion roof construction when incorporating compliant insulation while maintaining sufficient ventilation clearance within the assembly
• Reducing thermal bridging in roof, wall and suspended floor assemblies
• Managing indoor air quality with increased building envelope insulation and increased airtightness

There will be opportunities for participants to raise specific situations and for these to be discussed.

Note that the workshops will focus on challenges and solutions and will therefore not be going over the new requirements of H1 in detail. For information about the new requirements, see these resources:

BRANZ Bulletin 676 Complying with H1 – housing, and buildings up to 300m2

BRANZ Bulletin 672 Specifying floors under H1

BRANZ Bulletin 677 Specifying roofs under H1

H1 Energy efficiency (MBIE)