A Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) paper, the Physical Characteristics of New Houses 2012, says timber framing is the predominant structural material but its use has been trending down over the past decade, losing more than 10 per cent market share.

National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH) covers the light steel framing industry - high strength, cold rolled steel - mainly used for housing, internal partitions and fitouts, and two-three storey buildings.

NASH general manager Carl Davies says market share for steel framing has increased from one per cent in 2008 to between seven and eight per cent today.

The industry has developed standards, investigated how the product performs under extreme conditions, and developed professional courses for builders and building officials.

THE PRESS | New Zealand | 23.Nov.2013
NZ's framing wars
by Dave Burgess