Some of our KOROK team members, including our Systems & Sustainability lead, recently visited NZ Steel’s Glenbrook site for a look behind the scenes at their game-changing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project.

This innovative project will replace two coal-fuelled rotary kilns at the Glenbrook steel mill, reducing NZ Steel’s carbon emissions by over 45%. The EAF will use renewable electricity and recycled scrap steel instead of coal, cutting NZ Steel’s carbon emissions by around 1 million tonnes a year  – that’s about 1% of New Zealand’s total emissions!

The project, supported by the New Zealand Government through the GIDI Fund, is expected to be operational by mid-to-late 2026, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s decarbonisation journey.

It was great to see this innovation up close and discuss how these advancements align with our own sustainability goals at KOROK.

The Ravenscroft Fire and Smoke Damper has been carefully engineered to seamlessly integrate with high performance KOROK wall systems. Preventing the spread of both fire and smoke between building compartments, preserving the barriers integrity for up-to two hours.

The Ravenscroft Fire Damper for KOROK is a combined balancing and fire damper. The damper can easily be tested and preset with the indicator handle from outside the duct. Duct access panels are not required. The Ravenscroft Smoke/Fire Damper for KOROK is a combined fire and smoke damper. The damper can easily be tested by pressing the centre of the thermo-electric tripping device. Flexible ductwork connectors must be used to separate rigid ducting from the damper. These prevent excess force being transferred to the wall mounting in the advent of ductwork deformation or collapse during a fire or earthquake.

Available sizes

125 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400mm (125 and 175 available by request)

Designing townhouses, apartments, and terraced housing is always a balancing act. On one hand, you need to ensure absolute compliance with fire and acoustic separation standards. On the other, you’re under pressure to keep the build practical, efficient, and cost-effective. The systems you specify can either make that process seamless – or create unnecessary challenges. That’s why more architects are turning to KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Wall Systems

Why Architects Choose KOROK® in Residential Projects

Confidence in fire and acoustic performance is at the heart of KOROK®. Every system has been thoroughly tested, BRANZ-appraised, and designed to meet New Zealand’s strict compliance requirements. For residential projects, this reliability gives peace of mind – whether you’re working on attached homes or a multi-level apartment complex.

Equally important is speed. KOROK® panels are lightweight, pre-finished, and engineered with a steel shell and aerated concrete core. This reduces the need for multiple linings and accelerates installation, keeping builds moving forward and helping architects see their designs realised without compromise.

KOROK® also makes detailing simpler. The systems are straightforward and practical, allowing you to integrate fire and acoustic separation into your plans without excessive complexity. This ease of design translates into fewer site issues, ensuring a smoother construction process overall.

And then there’s sustainability. With panels that can be reused across projects, KOROK® helps reduce construction waste throughout the building lifecycle. For architects working to meet client expectations and growing environmental standards, this makes it a solution that balances performance with responsibility.

Designed for Residential Intertenancy

From terraced housing to multi-level apartments, KOROK® Intertenancy Systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into residential projects. They provide the reliable fire and acoustic separation you need, while also reducing time spent on problem-solving during construction.

Supporting Architects Beyond the Build

KOROK® goes further than supplying systems. Through CPD-accredited presentations, we provide architects and specifiers with practical knowledge that can be applied directly to projects – all while earning valuable CPD points. It’s one more way we support your professional growth alongside delivering building solutions.

A focused manual outlining approved penetration seals using Promat products with KOROK® walls, supported by BRANZ Test Report FR10185-001-02.
What you’ll find inside:

• BRANZ-approved solutions for service penetrations

• Promat’s expertise in structural protection, compartmentation, fire stopping, and ductwork systems

• Robust, tested solutions for challenging project requirements

Download the PROMASEAL® Service Penetrations Manual with Promat

This technical guide provides a comprehensive overview of Hilti’s passive fire protection systems tested and assessed for use with KOROK® intertenancy and fire-rated wall systems. Developed to support designers, engineers and contractors, this document consolidates key firestop solutions that tested in accordance with AS 1530.4 and assessed in accordance with AS 4072.1 and are compliant under the NZBC Clause C for service penetrations in KOROK® walls.

Hilti’s firestop products are engineered for performance, tested for compliance, and supported by international approvals and local assessments. Each system outlined in this guide has been selected based on its compatibility with KOROK® wall (51mm and 78mm) configurations and its ability to maintain fire resistance ratings across a wide range of service types, including:

• Power and data cables
• PVC, PEX, and metal pipes
• Cable bundles and conduits
• HVAC services
• Structural steel and linear gaps

This guide includes:

• A system index for quick navigation
• Detailed tables of tested configurations
• Installation notes and performance ratings
• Reference to relevant test reports and approvals

When machinery is operating at high intensity, the noise can be just as intense as the output. Whether it’s recycling, manufacturing, or any high-impact industrial process, managing sound is not just a comfort issue – it’s a health, safety, and productivity one.

At KOROK, we understand the challenges that come with acoustic performances. That’s why our fire and acoustic wall systems are engineered to offer more than just compliance – they’re built to perform under pressure, especially when sound control is critical.

Real-World Results in Raglan: Xtreme Zero Waste

A great example of this in action is our recent project at the Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Center in Raglan.

The challenge? Containing the loud crashes and clinks from their glass recycling facility – an essential part of their operation, but not the easiest on the ears.

Our solution was simple but effective: construct a purpose-built enclosure using KOROK fire and acoustic panels – essentially a “box” that wrapped around the recycling machinery to absorb and block the sound.

The result? Immediate improvement.

“The box looks awesome and works well,” the Xtreme team told us. It’s now a noticeably quieter and more comfortable environment for staff and visitors alike.

Why KOROK Panels Work for Noisy Machinery

KOROK wall systems are purpose-built for industrial environments, offering high acoustic performance to reduce machinery noise, along with fire resistance for added safety. Their durable construction ensures reliable performance under pressure, while the modular design allows for tailored solutions—from full enclosures to partitions. Plus, they deliver a clean, professional look, as demonstrated in real-world applications like Raglan.

For facilities like Xtreme Zero Waste, acoustic control isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential to keep workers safe, comply with council noise regulations, and maintain good relationships with surrounding communities.  So, if you’re facing excessive noise from machinery, get in touch. We’ll help you design a system that keeps the sound where it belongs – inside the box.

Interested in acoustic solutions for your facility?