In the effort to lower costs, joinery (doors and windows) becomes an important consideration.

If glass is under 0.5 m² it is not required to be toughened or laminated, except in high risk areas.

DOORS AND SIDELIGHTS For doors, annealed glass can be used up to 0.5 m² single glazed, or 0.75 m² double glazed. Over these sizes safety glass is required.

Note: The regulation NZS 4223.3:2016 requires that each glass pane is a separate pane, not a larger pane divided by mullions. See http://www.ganz.net.nz/

For side panels, annealed glass can be used up to 0.5 m² single glazed, or 0.75 m² double glazed. Over these sizes safety glass is required.

For all Bathroom/ Ensuite /Spa Room doors safety glass is required. 

Safety glass is required when the lowest point of glazing is within 800mm from floor level

This opens up a new market for traditional glass – as opposed to slab glass that is beloved of architects and cursed by those who have to clean it.

 

Lower Solid Panels

The lower panels (in lieu of glass, to make compliance less expensive) can be creative:

• Tanalised (treated) exterior plywood covered with
  • a thin sheet of copper or brass – polished and sealed, or use a patina salt, or allow to weather…
  • or a sheet of aluminium that has been powder coated with a contrasting colour
• Stone-clad honeycomb aluminium with stone on both sides, or sheet of metal on one side

 

Divided Light

The upper glass looks better if it is divided light (separate panes).