Since 15 January 2026, New Zealanders can build a small standalone dwelling of up to 70m² without a building consent, provided it meets the conditions of the new Schedule 1A exemption. It’s a big change, and we’re getting plenty of questions about how it works and where foundations fit in. Here’s a plain-English guide to […]
Every site is different, and choosing the right foundation comes down to the ground conditions, the type of build and what works best for the construction programme. Timber piles are a long-established foundation option for New Zealand residential construction and remain a suitable choice on NZS 3604 good ground. But they aren’t the only option. […]
This Rotorua project at Lake Rotoiti involved a house addition and new sleepout on a lakefront site, with both structures designed as suspended timber floors. Blade Piles were installed to support the addition, with 32 x 89CHS piles installed to approximately 3.5m depth to achieve suitable founding below the weaker surface layers. Paired with adjustable timber floor […]
This Halswell River project required a new weed screen installed under 3 meters of water, presenting a significant engineering challenge. Concrete-filled Blade Piles were installed to support the structure. Each pile was capped and prepared to receive tension cables, forming a stable and durable foundation for the weed screen. Through innovative thinking and the assistance of […]
Blade Pile NZ was proud to attend and sponsor the SESOC 2025 Conference in Wellington, our first time supporting the event as a sponsor. Held from June 25–27 at the Tākina Convention Centre, the conference’s theme, “Navigating Change with Integrity and Future Focus,” addressed the evolving challenges in structural engineering, including sustainability, digital transformation, and […]
This commercial project at KFC East Tāmaki required a foundation system capable of bridging existing underground services while also overcoming areas of soft, uncontrolled fill. A total of 22 Blade Piles were installed, each designed to achieve a 36-tonne load capacity. The piles transfer structural loads through the weak surface soils and into stronger ground […]