We have been commissioned to produce designs for several of these leaking buildings. The detailing and building consent process is now quite robust. We look for ways to not only to do the basics of good robust details to exclude water, but to also improve the design so that value is added to the building. Our clients are often under stress of finding their major investment has become overnight dropped to half its value (or worse) and facing the arduous task of attempting to sue the parties involved to obtain some remuneration to compensate for the unexpected costs. The end result when an improved appearance thereby giving an increase in the capital value can compensate for the stress.

Aldersgate Road was a residence enjoying expansive sea views and clad with Hardie-Tex direct fixed to framing with silicone sealed windows. The building had no signs of leaking. There was no interior mould of damp smell. No interior or exterior cracking. The deterioration was only discovered 91/2 years after it was built by the insertion of moisture detection plugs showing 25% of the bottom plate plugs to have moisture reading in excess of 20% and some up to 90%.

During construction two of the bedrooms that had a balcony above as an outside space to the living room had to be completely demolished down to the floor and rebuilt in its entirety.

The new cladding we chose is 'Etercolour' a German fibre cement product that does not require painting. It is glue fixed over aluminiu bars that provide a ventilated drained cavity. The existing windows were reused but with an added facing to cover and protect the junction of the window with the cladding. 'Eyebrow' additions were made to provide shelter and protection to the windows.