Fire safety design succeeds or fails on coordination

Fire safety design succeeds or fails on coordination

In #buildmagazine Issue 207, BRANZ highlights how unclear roles, fragmented documentation and poorly coordinated fire safety decisions continue to drive RFIs, consent delays and on-site risk — and how the updated PN22 guidelines aim to address this.

A key takeaway is the importance of locking in proven, proprietary fire-rated systems early, with clear performance evidence, defined responsibility, and documentation that can be traced from design through to construction.

This directly reflects how KOROK supports fire safety design in practice. Our fire and acoustic wall systems are BRANZ Appraised, system-tested in the BRANZ fire laboratory, and supported by clear standard details — making it easier for design teams to reference performance, allocate responsibility and demonstrate compliance during consenting.

When fire safety systems are clearly defined and well documented, coordination improves, uncertainty on site is reduced, and the path to a Code-compliant building becomes far smoother.

📖 Recommended read: “Coordinating fire safety design” –  build magazine, Issue 207

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Fire safety is about systems, not just materials

Fire safety is about systems, not just materials

BRANZ’s latest BUILD magazine article, “Burning for better outcomes”, highlights why understanding fire behaviour at a full-scale, real-world level is so critical to safer buildings.

The new BRANZ fire laboratory allows entire building systems – not just individual components — to be tested as they would perform in reality. This shift is essential in understanding how fire and smoke move through complex, multi-storey buildings and in helping prevent future tragedies.

This systems-based approach strongly aligns with how we work at KOROK. Our fire and acoustic wall systems are tested in the BRANZ fire laboratory as part of the BRANZ Appraisal process, giving designers, builders and building owners confidence that performance is proven at scale – not assumed.

We’re proud to work closely with BRANZ and to support the ongoing advancement of fire science that helps raise the benchmark for building safety across Aotearoa New Zealand.

📖 Recommended read: “Burning for better outcomes” – BUILD magazine, Issue 207

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KOROK® Intro Brochure

KOROK® Intro Brochure

KOROK® Intro Brochure

Your Simple Guide to Our Systems and Services

For over two decades, KOROK® has been protecting New Zealand buildings with fire-rated and acoustic-rated wall systems trusted by architects, engineers, and builders nationwide.

Our new KOROK® Brochure provides an easy introduction to who we are, what we do, and how our systems can help you deliver safer, faster, and more efficient projects. Inside, you’ll find:

  • A quick overview of our systems and applications
  • Key benefits of KOROK® fire and acoustic wall systems
  • Details on our technical resources and KOROK 360 support
  • Information about our commitment to sustainability
  • Examples of major projects across New Zealand

 

Whether you’re designing, specifying, or building, this brochure is the perfect starting point to understand why KOROK® systems are trusted throughout the industry.

📘 Download the KOROK® Brochure (PDF)

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Visiting NZ Steel: Supporting a More Sustainable Future

Visiting NZ Steel: Supporting a More Sustainable Future

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.

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Ravenscroft Fire Damper and SmokeFire Damper for KOROK panel Installation

Ravenscroft Smoke Fire Damper for KOROK Panel Installation

Ravenscroft Fire Damper and Smoke Fire Damper for KOROK panel Installation

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)

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Fire & Acoustic Solutions for Residential Design

Fire & Acoustic Solutions for Residential Design

Fire & Acoustic Solutions for Residential Design

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.

Fire & Acoustic Solutions for Residential Design

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.

KOROK® Building Systems are more than just wall systems – they’re solutions designed to make your projects safer, smarter, and faster to deliver.

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PROMASEAL® Service Penetrations in KOROK® Walls – In Partnership with Promat

PROMASEAL® Service Penetrations in KOROK® Walls – In Partnership with Promat

PROMASEAL® Service Penetrations in KOROK® Walls – In Partnership with Promat

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

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HILTI Passive Firestop Solution for KOROK Wall Systems

HILTI Passive Firestop Solution for KOROK Wall Systems

HILTI Passive Firestop Solution for KOROK Wall Systems

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

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Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Center

Sound Solutions for Loud Workspaces: How KOROK Panels Tame Machinery Noise

Sound Solutions for Loud Workspaces: How KOROK Panels Tame Machinery Noise

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.

Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Center

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?

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KOROK Systems for Aged Care & Retirement Projects

KOROK Systems for Aged Care & Retirement Projects

KOROK Systems for Aged Care & Retirement Projects

As New Zealand’s population ages, demand is growing for retirement and aged care facilities that deliver comfort, safety, and peace of mind. That’s where KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Rated Wall Systems come in – designed to meet the unique demands of healthcare and retirement village construction.

Why KOROK is a Smart Choice for Retirement Living:

From high-rise apartments to memory care units, our systems are proven to perform. Helping retirement developers deliver top-tier living environments, efficiently and to code.

🧘‍♀️ Peace and quiet residents can feel – Superior acoustic performance supports wellbeing, privacy, and restful environments. Essential in aged care and healthcare settings.

🔥 Fire protection when it matters most – KOROK systems are BRANZ-appraised and built to meet the strict compliance needs of IL3 and IL4 buildings, where life safety is critical.

🛠️ Minimal disruption on-site – Our lightweight, pre-finished panels speed up construction, reduce mess, and are ideal for staged builds in sensitive environments.

🏥 Built for complex care environments – From memory care suites to high-rise apartments with lift shafts and service ducts, our systems perform consistently across all building areas.

🌱 Sustainable and safe – Low-waste, low-dust, and low-impact – supporting cleaner, safer sites for staff and residents alike.

See KOROK in Action

Metlifecare Gulf Rise – Red Beach, Auckland

Metlifecare Gulf Rise in Red Beach is a standout example of modern retirement living — open, connected, and community-focused. With architectural input from Warren and Mahoney (Stage 1), Ignite Architects (Stages 1–4 of Precinct Two), and landscape design by Boffa Miskell, the project is a masterclass in designing for wellbeing and longevity.

KOROK proudly supplied our fire and acoustic wall systems throughout the development, helping deliver on the vision of safe, peaceful, and efficient living for older New Zealanders

Metlifecare Gulf Rise

Summerset St John’s – Auckland

Summerset St John’s Retirement Village represents the pinnacle of modern retirement living—where luxury, location, and lifestyle converge. Set in Auckland’s eastern suburbs with sweeping views and proximity to beaches, cafes, golf clubs, and key amenities, it offers an unmatched standard of comfort and care.

KOROK is proud to have played a vital role in ensuring the safety, acoustic comfort, and performance of this flagship development by supplying our fire and acoustic rated wall systems across key areas of the project.

Summerset St John’s Retirement Village

Ready to future-proof your next retirement project?
Get in touch with our team for system recommendations, CAD files, and technical support.

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