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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
Smart Wall Solutions for High-Performance Healthcare Environments
KOROK: There’s No Substitute for Tested Performance
Fire & Acoustic Wall Systems Trusted in Healthcare. KOROK® is a proven fire and acoustic wall system that delivers key performance benefits for healthcare construction. Hospitals demand the highest standards in safety, acoustic control, compliance and speed of delivery. KOROK delivers – with BRANZ-appraised, tested systems that are already trusted in hospitals, corridors, IT rooms, service risers, lift shafts, and more
Engineered for IL3/IL4 Resilience: Seismic Performance and Rapid Remediation Design
As the ultimate All-in-One solution for fire & acoustic-rated wall systems, KOROK® panels offer unmatched performance for high-importance structures. With strong seismic performance and the ability to withstand high drift limits, KOROK® panels are ideal for IL3 and IL4 buildings, such as hospitals, emergency response centres, and essential utilities. By undertaking this seismic testing, KOROK® reinforces its commitment to superior building resilience, helping to minimize damage, lower repair costs, and maintain operational continuity after earthquakes.
Core Benefits That Deliver Certainty in Fire, Acoustic, Seismic, and Programme Performance
✔ Superior Fire Protection
Up to 120-minute FRR (Fire Resistance Ratings) for life-saving passive fire containment.
✔Acoustic Excellence
Helps achieve compliance with hospital acoustic standards, improving privacy and patient comfort.
Engineered seismic clips and deflection heads for movement-tolerant, post-event integrity.
All-in-one Solution for all Fire and Acoustic Rated Walls, Engineered for Complex Healthcare Builds
One system, multiple applications. From intertenancy walls to lift shafts, risers, ducts and corridors. KOROK panels provide comprehensive protection throughout your entire project.
LIFT SHAFTS
SERVICE RISERS & DUCTS
CORRIDORS & HALLWAYS
INTERTENANCY WALLS
STAIRCASE & ESCAPE PATHS
PLANT ROOMS & IT ROOMS
Save Time. Save Labour. Reduce Risk.
For Designers & Specifiers
For Construction Companies
Reduced linings and complexity in wall construction
Comprehensive tested systems incorporating fire, acoustic, and seismic performance.
Tested penetration & services applications.
Solid and secure.
Simplified design detail with tested performance.
Specification support from day one.
Faster installation with fewer resource
Reduced scaffolding and fall protection
Simplify construction and fast-track compliance.
Minimise waste with made-to-measure panels
Earlier operational access
Expert installation guidance with on-site training.
Need more info or want to present this to a client? We can help
At KOROK, we know that healthcare projects are high-stakes environments, with no room for delays, compliance issues, or uncertainty. That’s why we offer KOROK 360, a full-circle support package developed to give you confidence from concept to completion. Whether you’re in early-stage design or managing construction on site, KOROK 360 provides targeted, hands-on support tailored to your needs
Expert Technical Support & Documentation
Sales & Specification Support
Estimation & Pricing
Made-to-Measure, Order Support
Installation & Training Support
National Logistics Service
PowerPoint presentations
Case studies
Ready to Spec KOROK?
Let’s lock it in, and get your project moving with tested, proven performance. Whether you’re working on early-stage design, refining your specification, or needing trusted fire and acoustic systems that meet healthcare demands – we’re here to help. Get expert guidance, fast documentation, and the confidence that comes from working with systems already trusted in hospitals across New Zealand.
Talk to us today and bring KOROK certainty to your next healthcare build.
KOROK Noise Control Systems: Additional Acoustic Solutions
Advanced Noise Control Solutions for Targeted Acoustic Performance
KOROK Building Systems introduces new range of acoustic solutions to tackle specific sound challenges in modern construction. These innovations build on KOROK’s already extensive portfolio of proven acoustic systems.
Key Applications:
Cinemas: Immersive audio experiences without disruptive sound bleed.
Terrace Housing: Quieter, more comfortable living environments.
Commercial Spaces: Improved sound management for offices, hospitality, and more.
Book a Free Presentation and see firsthand how KOROK’s Building Systems can benefit your project.
KOROK is proud to have contributed to one of Auckland’s most distinctive new developments — the Indigo Hotel and Apartments at 51 Albert Street. This iconic project brings together a 4.5-star lifestyle hotel, luxury branded residences, and vibrant food and beverage offerings, all within a uniquely challenging site: a slender 41-storey tower rising from a historic 1912 heritage façade.
Designed by Scott Carver and Dalman Architects and delivered by ICON Construction, the Indigo Hotel and Apartments is a shining example of how careful planning, construction innovation, and respect for heritage can work hand in hand to create a new city landmark.
The development’s highly constrained inner-city site presented several key construction challenges:
A tight building footprint within a heritage-listed façade.
Stakeholder sensitivities, with close proximity to neighbouring residents, businesses, and the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The need for high productivity and precision construction techniques on a vertical build of this scale.
ICON Construction’s advanced project management systems and meticulous construction methodologies ensured these challenges were met head-on, delivering an exceptionally efficient build process.
KOROK’s Solution
To meet the stringent fire and acoustic performance requirements across the tower’s external walls, risers, and duct systems, KOROK supplied our 78mm fire and acoustic rated panel system.
Our panels were selected for their:
Lightweight nature, critical for high-rise construction.
Exceptional fire protection performance for vertical service penetrations and separation zones.
Superior acoustic insulation, ensuring a premium experience for both hotel guests and apartment residents.
Rapid installation advantages, helping ICON maintain construction momentum within a tight delivery program.
As a pre-finished system, KOROK panels also contributed to reducing on-site finishing work, a key benefit on a project with constrained site logistics and limited laydown space.
Project Highlights
The Indigo Hotel and Apartments development stands out not only for its scale but for its storytelling and celebration of Auckland’s evolving identity.
The hotel interiors creatively blend industrial elements with heritage materials such as exposed brick, reclaimed timber, and vintage automotive references.
The modern tower’s guest rooms maintain a refined industrial feel, incorporating subtle local cultural references that connect guests to the heart of the city.
The podium revitalizes Auckland’s historic entertainment district, contributing new life and energy to a growing cultural hub.
At KOROK, we are proud that our systems play a quiet but vital role in supporting developments like Indigo Hotel and Apartments — delivering life-safety, acoustic comfort, and buildability for landmark projects that help shape the future of our cities.
Glasshouse Morningside is a unique, urban oasis nestled in the heart of Auckland, offering a serene and elegant venue for a variety of events. As part of the evolving Morningside Precinct, Glasshouse contributes to the area’s dynamic and curated character, blending contemporary architecture with a mix of vibrant businesses. Designed to host everything from weddings and private parties to corporate functions and photoshoots, Glasshouse provides an unparalleled event space defined by its striking glass walls and lush greenery.
To ensure the durability, safety, and acoustic integrity of this unique venue, 78mm KOROK panels were selected as the core external wall system solution. KOROK’s fire-rated and acoustic-rated panels played a crucial role in maintaining the building’s aesthetic while offering high-performance protection against fire, noise, and external weather conditions.
Key Features of KOROK External Wall Systems in Glasshouse Morningside
Fire-Rated & Weatherproof Protection
Glasshouse Morningside required external walls that met stringent fire safety requirements while also standing up to New Zealand’s diverse weather conditions. KOROK External Wall Systems provided a high-performing, fire-resistant solution that ensured both occupant safety and long-term durability.
Lightweight & Cost-Effective Installation
With no need for engineered slabs, KOROK’s lightweight panel system significantly reduced material costs and installation time. This efficiency enabled the construction team to maintain the project timeline without sacrificing quality or structural integrity.
Seamless Acoustic Performance
As a venue designed for events and gatherings, controlling sound was a crucial consideration. KOROK’s acoustic-rated panels ensured effective sound insulation, preventing noise disruptions and enhancing the intimate atmosphere of the space.
Durability Without Additional Cladding
Designed specifically for high-wind zones and exposed external applications, KOROK’s panels eliminated the need for extra cladding, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining a sleek architectural finish that complemented the venue’s glass-wall aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Glasshouse Morningside stands as a testament to the versatility and performance of KOROK External Wall Systems. By providing a lightweight, fire-resistant, and acoustically efficient solution, KOROK played an integral role in shaping this iconic Auckland venue. Our systems continue to set the standard for modern construction, offering architects and builders a practical yet high-performing solution for external wall applications.
For more information about our External Wall Systems and how KOROK can enhance your next project, visit our website or get in touch with our team today.
KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Wall Systems at Catalina Bay Apartments
KOROK Building Systems played a key role in the construction of the Catalina Bay Apartments in Auckland, supplying our high-performance fire and acoustic wall systems. This 13-level waterfront development, built by LT McGuinness for client Willis Bond, consists of 73 luxury apartments across two towers and nine townhouses on a concrete podium. Designed by Architectus, the project integrates sustainability, history, and high-end living, offering panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour.
The Catalina Bay Apartments were built on a historically significant site, once home to a Royal New Zealand Air Force base. The design of the development pays homage to this heritage while providing modern, high-quality residences.
Despite construction challenges such as extreme weather events and pandemic-related delays, the project was successfully completed in July 2024, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the client, consultants, and contractors. More than 2,200 workers contributed to this impressive 28-month build.
KOROK® – Setting the Standard in Fire and Acoustic Protection
KOROK is proud to have contributed to this landmark residential development, providing solutions that ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency. Our fire and acoustic wall systems continue to set the benchmark for high-performance construction in New Zealand’s premium apartment projects.
KOROK supplied all fire and acoustic wall systems for the project, including:
Lift Shafts, Risers, and Ducts
Intertenancy Apartment Walls
Our systems were chosen to enhance fire safety, acoustic insulation, and construction efficiency in this high-end residential development.
KOROK® for Lift Shafts, Risers, and Ducts
KOROK® panels provided an efficient and robust solution for the lift shafts, risers, and ducts at Catalina Bay, offering multiple advantages:
Single-side installation: Eliminates the need for scaffolding inside shafts, accelerating the build process.
Superior fire and acoustic performance: Ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s strict building codes for safety and comfort.
KOROK® for Intertenancy Apartment Walls
Each apartment in Catalina Bay was designed for privacy and luxury. KOROK® intertenancy walls played a crucial role in achieving this by delivering:
Proven fire-rated protection and acoustic insulation, ensuring a safe and peaceful living environment.
Solid wall construction, enhancing security and long-term durability.
Faster installation times, reducing project timelines and labor costs.
Sustainable solutions, minimizing construction waste and contributing to the development’s Homestar-7 sustainability rating.
KOROK Noise Control Systems – Additional Acoustic Solutions
Advanced Noise Control Solutions for Targeted Acoustic Performance
KOROK Building Systems introduces additional Acoustic solutions designed to tackle specific sound challenges in modern construction. Originally driven by the unique requirements of cinemas and terraced housing, these solutions bring versatile applications to a wide range of environments, enhancing comfort, privacy, and overall sound quality.
How Noise Control Systems Work
Our systems use a blend of wall densities and build-ups that are tailored to meet the specific acoustic needs of each project. By combining technical insights with flexible design, we provide solutions that integrate seamlessly into diverse building types while maintaining industry-leading standards in acoustic performance.
Key Applications of Noise Control Systems
Cinemas: Create immersive audio experiences without disruptive sound bleed between theaters, ensuring each audience enjoys undisturbed sound quality.
Terraced and Multi-Unit Housing: Reduce noise transfer between units to give residents a quieter, more comfortable living environment.
Other Specialized Spaces: Whether it’s office environments, hospitality spaces, or other commercial projects, our Noise Control Systems improve sound management, making shared and private spaces more acoustically efficient.
Our additional acoustic solutions were developed with a focus on solving specialized acoustic issues. By studying the effects of various wall densities and configurations, we’ve created adaptable systems that address distinct sound transmission concerns. From minimizing sound bleed in high-traffic areas to achieving optimal acoustic separation between units, KOROK Noise Control Systems meet the needs of complex acoustic demands.
