Wildfire risk is no longer a distant issue

Wildfire risk is no longer a distant issue

In buildmagazine Issue 207, researchers from the University of Canterbury explore how climate change is increasing wildfire risk and what this means for the way we design and build homes in Aotearoa — particularly at the wildland–urban interface.

A key message is that material choice and building envelope design play a critical role in how long a building can withstand fire exposure, helping to slow ignition and buy valuable time for occupants to evacuate. Research following events such as the Lake Ōhau fire highlights the vulnerability of combustible materials when exposed to embers, radiant heat and direct flame contact.

This reinforces the importance of using fire-resisting, non-combustible building systems as part of a broader, resilience-focused approach to fire safety. At KOROK, our fire-rated wall systems are designed to provide robust fire separation and proven performance, supported by testing and BRANZ Appraisals, helping create buildings that are better prepared for emerging fire risks. As wildfire threats continue to evolve, evidence-based design and material selection will be essential to protecting communities and improving long-term resilience.

📖 Recommended read: “Are we ready for wildfire at our doorstep?” – build magazine, Issue 207

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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)

KOROK® Intro Brochure
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Air New Zealand Hangar 4

Air New Zealand Hangar 4

CASE STUDY

Air New Zealand Hangar 4

Project Overview
Air New Zealand’s Hangar 4 is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest single-span timber aircraft hangar, designed to simultaneously accommodate a widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and two Airbus A320/A321 aircraft. The facility includes hangar space alongside workshops and engineering areas, all designed with sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety in mind.

KOROK’s Role
KOROK Building Systems supplied KOROK® External Wall Systems for Hangar 4, delivering a complete solution for fire-rated, acoustic-rated, and weatherproof external walls. These systems were essential for providing safe, durable, and efficient separation across hangar and workshop areas, while withstanding New Zealand’s unique environmental conditions.

Air New Zealand Hangar 4

Project Highlights

  • Panels integrated seamlessly with the massive timber trusses, minimizing additional structural load.
  • All-in-one design simplified construction and accelerated the project timeline.
  • Fire and acoustic performance created a safe and productive working environment for Air New Zealand engineers.

Outcome
KOROK® External Wall Systems and 78mm Colour Panels supported Hangar 4 in achieving world-class standards in fire safety, acoustic separation, and weather resilience. The lightweight, durable, and efficient solution complemented the innovative mass timber construction, helping create a safe, functional, and sustainable aviation maintenance facility.

Products Used

  • KOROK® External Wall Systems: All-in-one solution for external walls, offering fast installation, fire and acoustic protection, and weatherproof durability without the need for cranes or engineered slabs.
  • 78mm KOROK® Colour Panels: Lightweight yet high-performance panels with a COLORSTEEL® steel shell and aerated concrete core, providing superior fire and acoustic protection while complementing the External Wall System.

Key Benefits Delivered

  • Lightweight & Cost-Effective: Reduced installation time and material costs.
  • Rapid, Simple Installation: Small installation teams managed wall construction efficiently.
  • Fire & Acoustic Efficiency: Enhanced safety and operational comfort in hangar and workshop spaces.

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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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Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre

CASE STUDY

Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre

The Project

The Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre was conceived as a gateway project for Whangārei, reflecting multicultural themes, Tikanga Māori, and a transparent form to embody democracy in action. The four-storey building centralises council services, bringing together community, customer-facing functions, and staff workplaces in a single hub.

With a design anchored by a striking light-filled atrium, flexible open-plan workspaces, and biophilic design principles, the Civic Centre has become a vibrant, welcoming environment for both staff and community.

KOROK is proud to have supplied our fire and acoustic-rated wall systems to a project that has already achieved national recognition and set a benchmark for civic architecture in New Zealand.

KOROK’s Role

KOROK was proud to contribute to this award-winning project by supplying over 500m² of our fire and acoustic-rated wall panels. Our systems were installed across all lift shafts, risers, and ducts, delivering the critical fire safety and noise control performance the building required. These elements are essential in large civic projects, where high volumes of staff and community members move through the building daily. By providing a lightweight, robust, and compliant wall system, KOROK helped ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency throughout the construction process.

The Outcome

The Whangārei Civic Centre is now recognised not only for its architectural excellence but also for the way it serves the community. For KOROK, being part of such a landmark civic development showcases the reliability of our systems in high-performance, large-scale projects. Our involvement demonstrates how KOROK panels provide trusted solutions for critical infrastructure, meeting stringent fire and acoustic requirements while supporting project efficiency.

Related Projects

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