Arahia is a five-townhouse development on a compact urban site, requiring precise coordination between architectural intent, spatial efficiency, and regulatory performance. The design comprises two-level white bagged brick volumes stepping up the site, with interstitial garages providing clear articulation between units while supporting privacy and rhythm along the façade. Dense landscaping reinforces separation between dwellings and circulation zones. Central to the project was the performance of the intertenancy walls, which needed to meet fire, acoustic, and spatial requirements without adding construction complexity or compromising internal floor area.
The Challenge: Intertenancy Performance Without Compromise
As with many terraced housing developments, intertenancy walls at Arahia needed to achieve more than structural separation. The walls were required to:
Meet stringent fire resistance requirements for attached dwellings
Deliver strong acoustic performance to support quiet, comfortable living
Be space-efficient, preserving valuable internal floor area
Integrate seamlessly with a modern construction programme
Meeting all of these criteria within a compact building envelope demanded a system that was robust, compliant, and efficient to install.
The system delivers a -/60/60 Fire Resistance Rating, suitable for intertenancy walls in terraced housing and fully compliant with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). Unlike conventional framed and lined systems, the KOROK® panel itself forms the primary fire barrier, providing inherent durability and long-term resilience.
Panels are positioned between double wall frames and connected via aluminium brackets engineered to respond predictably in fire conditions—allowing the fire-exposed side to detach while maintaining the integrity of the barrier on the protected side.
KOROK® for Modern Terraced Housing
The Arahia project demonstrates how KOROK® Intertenancy Systems are well suited to contemporary townhouse developments—where protection, performance, and efficiency must coexist. By combining engineered fire resistance, acoustic control, and slimline design, KOROK continues to support safer, smarter, and more liveable medium-density housing across New Zealand.
Acoustic Performance in Medium‑Density Housing: Why Code‑Minimum Is No Longer Enough
As medium‑density housing continues to grow across New Zealand, noise transmission between dwellings is consistently identified as one of the biggest impacts on resident wellbeing and quality of life.
While the Building Code sets minimum acoustic standards, real‑world experience shows that Code‑compliant buildings can still fall short of acoustic comfort.
At KOROK, we believe acoustic performance should be designed for how buildings are actually lived in — not just how they are tested. Our building systems can achieve STC ratings of 65 and above, supporting Code‑plus acoustic outcomes that deliver greater privacy, reduced noise complaints, and better living experiences in medium‑density developments.
Early acoustic design, robust systems, and predictable performance make the difference.
This video redefines how intertenancy can be approached in multi-unit residential construction — with clarity, certainty, and performance built in from day one.
Fire & Acoustic Separation for Apartments & Multi Unit Projects
Multi‑unit residential projects deserve solutions that deliver absolute clarity, certainty, and performance. That’s exactly what the KOROK® Intertenancy Wall System provides. Proudly NZ‑made and BRANZ appraised, it’s engineered to strip away complexity, accelerate construction programmes, and give your team confidence from the very first design decision through to final completion. With clean, predictable onsite installation and consistently reliable fire and acoustic performance, the system transforms intertenancy from a pain point into a proven advantage.
Our new video showcases just how much faster, easier, and more predictable intertenancy can be across apartments, terraced housing, hotels, retirement villages, and mixed‑use developments.
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.
The Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Fire & Acoustic Rated Intertenancy Wall Systems
For over 25 years, KOROK has been a trusted provider of high-performance fire and acoustic walls for the multi-level construction market. Now, with the introduction of the KOROK KIR high-performance intertenancy apartment wall systems, KOROK offers comprehensive solutions for seamless floor plate transitions.
Our systems integrate lift cores, riser ducts, stair cores, hallways, and apartments into one streamlined package. Experience unparalleled fire, seismic, acoustic, and safety protection with KOROK – your all-in-one solution for modern construction needs.
Simplify with KOROK: Combining Performance and Safety
Experience the perfect blend of simplicity and performance with KOROK. Our range of IT wall solutions incorporates fire protection, seismic deflection, passive safety, and acoustic efficiency, all while eliminating complex build-ups. KOROK delivers unmatched performance, safety, and simplicity for your construction needs.
KOROK® provides a full range of engineered fire and acoustic wall systems designed for New Zealand’s residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Our systems are rigorously tested, easy to install, and built to meet the latest compliance requirements. Explore our solutions for intertenancy walls, external façades, cinemas, industrial spaces, lift shafts, risers, ducts, and scissor stair applications.
KOROK® has 2-way fire-rated wall systems for fire separation of Scissor Stairs or any Stairs.
KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems are proprietary, non-loadbearing, two-way fire-rated wall systems designed to provide fire and acoustic separation between independent stair flights within scissor stair configurations or other stair arrangements.
The system utilises 78mm thick interlocking KOROK® panels installed between two independent stairstringers to form a continuous fire-resisting barrier. Panels may be oriented vertically, horizontally, or in combination to suit stair geometry and construction sequencing requirements.
KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems are constructed using 78mm thick panels comprising roll-formed galvanised or colour steel outer shells with an aerated concrete core and interlocking tongue-and-groove profiles, forming a continuous, tightly sealed wall plane that reduces the risk of acoustic leakage between stair flights. The system is non-combustible and provides two-way fire resistancewhen exposed from either side.In fire conditions:
Horizontal fire resistance is achieved through a quadrilateral fire-resistant section formed between the two independent stairs
Vertical fire resistance is achieved through the wall-to-stair stringer boundary condition
KOROK® Scissor Stair Systems provide independently tested Fire Resistance Ratings up to –/120/120 and –/60/60 depending on configuration, while the 78mm interlocking panels deliver acoustic performance up to STC 76, meeting or exceeding NZBC Clause G6 requirements through their aerated concrete core and tightly sealed joint geometry.
Code Compliance Highlights
Clause B1 – Structure: Meets requirements for loads arising from self-weight, earthquake, wind, impact, creep and shrinkage
Clause B2 – Durability: Under normal dry internal conditions, serviceable life in excess of 50 years
Clause C3 – Fire Affecting Areas Beyond the Source: Provides passive fire protection to control spread of fire
Clause C6 – Structural Stability: Designers must ensure supporting primary elements achieve at least the same fire rating as the KOROK® system when required by fire cell configuration
Clause F2 – Hazardous Building Materials: System does not present a health hazard
Clause G6 – Airborne and Impact Sound: Meets and exceeds minimum airborne sound requirements
Key Performance Ratings
Proven Fire Separation: Provides up to –/120/120 FRR in scissor stair configurations, with independently tested performance
High Acoustic Performance: STC ratings up to 76, supporting high-performance multi-level and commercial buildings
Non-Combustible Construction: Steel outer shell with aerated concrete core.
Lightweight yet Structurally Robust: High stiffness-to-weight ratio with defined ULS and SLS capacities.
Design Flexibility: Panels may be installed vertically, horizontally, or in combination, enabling adaptation to varying stair geometries
Durability: Service life exceeding 50 years under normal dry internal conditions
NZBC-Compliant Passive Fire Protection for KOROK® Wall Systems
When it comes to passive fire penetrations, KOROK® leads the way with innovative solutions that ensure fire safety without compromising functionality.
At KOROK®, we are committed to providing fire-rated wall systems that prioritize safety, durability, and performance. Our advanced KOROK® panels are specifically designed to allow seamless integration of passive fire penetrations, including service ducting and pipes, while maintaining the structural and fire integrity of the wall.
What Are Passive Fire Penetrations?
Passive fire penetrations are openings or pathways in fire-rated walls or floors that allow services such as plumbing, electrical cables, or ductwork to pass through. These penetrations are essential for building functionality but must be carefully designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. KOROK® panels are engineered to make the creation and sealing of these penetrations straightforward and effective, ensuring compliance with strict fire safety standards.
At KOROK®, we understand that ensuring fire safety goes beyond the wall system itself – it’s also about how penetrations and services are detailed. That’s why we’ve collaborated with leading experts in passive fire protection to develop a suite of manuals that provide fully tested, NZBC-compliant solutions for penetrations in KOROK® fire-rated wall systems.
Each manual has been developed in partnership with industry specialists and contains tested configurations, installation guidance, and compliance references, making it easier for designers, engineers, and contractors to select the right firestop solutions.
Our firestop manuals, developed with industry partners, provide tested and NZBC-compliant solutions for service penetrations in KOROK® fire-rated wall systems.
Easy Formations for Penetrations: KOROK® panels simplify the creation of openings for ducting and plumbing. The lightweight yet robust design makes it easy to form precise and efficient penetrations without compromising fire safety or wall integrity.
Maintained Wall Integrity: Even with multiple passive fire penetrations, KOROK® panels ensure the overall wall system retains its fire rating. This is crucial for preventing fire and smoke from spreading across compartments in a building.
Versatile Applications: Whether your project involves commercial spaces, residential apartments, or industrial facilities, KOROK® passive fire penetrations provide a reliable and efficient solution tailored to meet your needs.
Compliance with Building Codes: KOROK® panels are rigorously tested and meet or exceed New Zealand’s building code requirements for passive fire protection. This gives architects, engineers, and builders confidence in the safety and performance of their projects.
CFS-C P 50/1.5" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant
-/120/60
Hilti
40mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
40mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 50/1.5" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant + 13mm Plasterboard Patch
-/120/90
Hilti
50mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
50mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 63/2.0" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant
-/120/90
Hilti
50mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
50mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 63/2.0" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant + 13mm Plasterboard Patch
-/120/120
Hilti
65mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
65mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 75/2.5" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant
-/120/90
Hilti
65mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
65mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 75/2.5" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant + 13mm Plasterboard Patch
-/120/120
Hilti
80mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
80mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 90/3" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant
-/120/90
Hilti
80mm ND uPVC Pipe. Refer to pages 28-30
80mm
uPVC
CFS-C P 90/3" Fire Collar + CP606 Acrylic Sealant + 13mm Plasterboard Patch
-/120/120
Hilti
Cable Bundle ≤ 36mm Dia. Any combination of Telecommunication cables, Cat5/6/7/8, Fiber Optic cables,RG6 Quad Shield Coax or TPS 2C+E up to 2.5mm2. Refer to pages 13-14
Max. 36mm
Cable
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant
-/120/60
Hilti
Cable Bundle ≤ 36mm Dia. Any combination of Telecommunication cables, Cat5/6/7/8, Fiber Optic cables,RG6 Quad Shield Coax or TPS 2C+E up to 2.5mm2. Refer to pages 13-14
Max. 36mm
Cable
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/120/90
Hilti
Cable Tray up to 600mm Wide with 9 x 400mm2 XLPE/PVC or PVC/PVC Sheath/Insulated Single Core Copper or Aluminum Power Cables. Refer to pages 21-27
Cable
2 x Layers CP670 Coated Board + CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/60/60
Hilti
Cable Tray up to 600mm Wide with AS1530.4 Standard D1 XLPE/PVC or PVC/PVC Sheath/Insulated Power Cables Cable Sets. Refer to pages 21-27
Cable
2 x Layers CP670 Coated Board + CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/120/90
Hilti
Cable Tray up to 600mm Wide with AS1530.4 Standard D2 Telecommunication Cable Sets. Refer to pages 21-27
Cable
2 x Layers CP670 Coated Board + CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/90/60
Hilti
Up to 10 of Quad Shield Coax Cables. Refer to pages 13-14
Cable
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/120/90
Hilti
Up to 16 of Telecommunication cables, Cat5/6/7/8 & Fiber Optic cables. Refer to pages 13-14
Cable
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant
-/120/90
Hilti
Up to 16 of Telecommunication cables, Cat5/6/7/8 & Fiber Optic cables. Refer to pages 13-14
Cable
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
-/120/120
Hilti
Up to 8 of TPS 2C+E up to 2.5mm2. Refer to pages 13-14
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant
-/120/60
Hilti
Up to 8 of TPS 2C+E up to 2.5mm2. Refer to pages 13-14
CP611a / CFS-IS Intumescent Sealant + CFS-P BA Putty Bandage
Nugget Avenue Terraces – Premium Terraced Living in Hobsonville Point, Auckland
Discover Modern Living at Nugget Avenue Terraces
Nestled in the vibrant community of Hobsonville Point, Auckland, the Nugget Avenue Terraces offer contemporary, safe, and sustainable living. This terraced housing project was designed by Construkt Architects and expertly built by Universal Homes. The project highlights the cutting-edge KOROK Intertenancy Terraced Housing System, ensuring superior fire and acoustic performance for urban living.
Nugget Avenue Terraces are designed to harmonize with the natural landscape of Buckley B Precinct. The homes showcase modern architectural elements, including bold colors and sustainable materials, making them a standout addition to the Hobsonville Point neighborhood. With a design that respects the land’s natural contours, these terraces offer not only aesthetic appeal but also an environmentally friendly solution.
Unmatched Safety with KOROK Intertenancy System
At the heart of this development is the innovative KOROK Intertenancy System, engineered for exceptional fire and acoustic protection. Traditional terraced housing systems often rely on internal linings for fire resistance, which can be compromised by penetrations. In contrast, KOROK’s system uses a robust steel and aerated concrete core, creating a highly durable barrier that significantly enhances fire protection between homes.
KOROK’s smart design ensures that in the event of a fire, its aluminum brackets melt on the fire-facing side, maintaining structural integrity on the opposite side. This safety feature gives residents peace of mind, knowing their homes are built with the highest safety standards in mind.
Why Choose KOROK for Terraced Housing?
Fire-Rated Protection: KOROK panels create a solid barrier that withstands high temperatures, ensuring resident safety.
Acoustic Efficiency: Enjoy quiet living spaces with superior sound insulation between homes.
Durability and Strength: Built to last, KOROK systems offer enhanced protection against external elements, ensuring long-term durability.
Faster Installation: With pre-finished panels, the KOROK system allows for quicker, more efficient construction, saving time and costs.
Collaboration for Quality
The success of Nugget Avenue Terraces is a result of the seamless collaboration between Construkt Architects and Universal Homes. Together, they delivered a high-quality living space that not only meets aesthetic and functional needs but also prioritizes safety, durability, and acoustic comfort.
Superior Fire and Acoustic Protection
The KOROK 78mm panels used in this project provide both fire resistance and noise reduction, making them the ideal choice for urban terraced housing developments. Their innovative design contributes to faster installation times and long-term reliability, enhancing the overall living experience.
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
<a
