Find out more about energy efficient home building

Welcome to the Formance learn section. This is our blog where you'll find articles to help you learn about the wonderful topic of energy efficient comfortable homes.

Can you open windows in airtight home?

When you're exploring high-performance, energy-efficient homes, you'll often encounter terms like "passive house" and "airtight construction.

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Site Spotlight: Homestar 10 Build in New Brighton, Christchurch

Set just a few blocks back from the beach, this New Brighton project is aiming high — targeting Homestar 10 certification and built with Formance SIPs for outstanding airtightness, energy…

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Why Are SIPs So Expensive?

Why Are SIPs So Expensive? If you’re considering building with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), chances are you’ve heard the comment: “Aren’t they expensive?” It’s a fair question.

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H1 Update: Schedule Method is Out so What Next?

H1 Compliance - Schedule Method is out, Calculation, and Modelling remain - Which is Better? The New Zealand Building Code is evolving — and for good reason.

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What types of projects are SIPs best for?

Formance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are engineered for performance and precision, offering builders and designers a smarter solution for high-performance buildings.

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What’s Inside a SIP?

When you choose Formance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), you're not just choosing a wall or roof system—you’re choosing a high-performance building envelope made with precision and care.

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Can I Build a Two-Storey House with SIPs?

Here at Formance, we often get asked if you can build a two storey house with SIPs. The answer? Absolutely.

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Surviving the Slowdown: Straightforward Advice for NZ Builders in 2025  

Surviving the Slowdown: Straightforward Advice for NZ Builders in 2025  The construction market’s taken a turn.

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Do I Need SIPs in My Climate?

Do I Need SIPs in My Climate?If you’ve heard that SIPs are only for people building in cold climates, you’re not alone.

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How to Lower Thermal Bridging in Your Walls

For designers, architects and engineers, ensuring a home's energy efficiency and occupant comfort involves careful consideration of thermal bridging—a critical but often overlooked aspect of building design.

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Are All SIPs Created Equal?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have become a popular building solution due to their superior energy efficiency, strength, and rapid construction times.

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Why Passive House Isn't For Everyone

Introduction Passive House design is widely recognized as the gold standard for energy-efficient homes, offering ultra-low energy use, superior comfort, and long-term sustainability.

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