Written by
13 August 2024
•
5 min read
The quality of each Tamahere Country Club villa begins at the frame, with an innovative Frame Protection System protecting against mould and mildew while reducing build times for its eager owners.
ArchiPro speaks with the creators of Frame Protection System about how FPS Weathertight can protect projects and keep construction moving. "The biggest benefit compared to standard building paper is that you can start on interior work prior to exterior cladding. The paper essentially acts as a cladding because of our system's high-performing weather-tightness,” says Grant Murray, Co-Founder of Frame Protection Systems.
The FPS Weathertight system is “a waterproof jacket,” keeping the weather out while preventing moisture accumulation on the inside.
“This allows the interior work of the project to proceed before the exterior cladding is finished – ultimately, speeding up the process regardless of any cladding issues that may arise.”
Since 2011, Grant Murray and Gwyn Williamson have been sourcing underlays, tapes and fixing components to suit the New Zealand climate, local building methods and performance. Their research and testing resulted in the establishment of Frame Protection System Limited, alongside the 2014 launch of its innovative, thoroughly tested, and CodeMark-certified system to the New Zealand building industry.
“Frame Protection System’s FPS Weathertight system is a comprehensive roof and wall underlay system for timber and steel frame, panel and prefab building elements, providing both interim and permanent weather protection and moisture vapour control within the wall or roof structure,” explains Mr Murray.
FPS Weathertight is CodeMark certified to allow internal work to proceed to completion before the roof and wall claddings are installed. FPS Weathertight has a lengthy 90-day UV exposure limit before cladding is installed. "Typically, multiple weeks can be saved on construction timeframes,” notes Mr Murray.
Mr Murray describes the FPS Weathertight system as “a waterproof jacket,” keeping the weather out while allowing moisture vapour to pass through. This, in turn, helps to prevent mould, mildew, and the degradation of costly building elements over time.
“FPS Weathertight is very permeable and is actually classed as vapour open. This permeability helps prevent moisture buildup and the potential for mould and rot growth within the construction,” says Mr Murray.
The protection provided by the FPS Weathertight system extends beyond moisture resistance. The product is also designed to withstand New Zealand’s often blustery conditions. “The membranes are durable and strong enough to be used in all New Zealand wind zones, whether on roofs or walls, as long as they are installed to FPS’s specifications,” Mr Murray explains.
The system is also fire retardant, with an ASNZS1530–2 flammability index of not greater than 5, meaning the product can be used in all buildings without restrictions. “The fire retardant properties are built into the membrane, not sprayed on, so they will not degrade over time,” says Mr Murray.
Led by The Sanderson Group, Tamahere Country Club is a retirement village that provides high-quality construction from the inside out. The selection of stand-alone villas, with either two or three bedrooms, and the option of either a single or double garage inclusion. Each luxury villa in the estate has been architecturally designed with high gable roofs. Waikato’s Hinuera stone is used alongside striking brick and cedar cladding to create a modern, luxurious façade.
Retirees will experience the epitome of luxury living, with each villa meticulously designed and constructed. The country club offers the finest fixtures and fittings, including a well-appointed full-size designer kitchen, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and plush carpets. Extra-wide doorways and level entry access ensure long-term comfort, safety and security.
In addition to the villas, Tamahere Country Club has proposed facilities such as a golf driving range, library, gym, and a luxurious advanced care centre for peace of mind.
“For the last four years, Tamahere Country Club has used FPS Weathertight on the construction of its villas, with the FPS System having performed exceptionally through multiple weather bombs and storms without fault,” says Mr Murray.
“Frame Protection System makes ordering simple. The installation is easy and seamless; ultimately, the product is a pleasure to use,” says Mr Murray.
The Sanderson Group's main reason for utilising FPS Weathertight for the Tamahere Country Club villas is that it provides the early close-in benefit that ensures their builds continue regardless of the weather. Along with the weathertight and airtight benefits the system attributes.
Mr Murray notes that, on average, The Sanderson Group would save a few weeks on their build times per villa constructed using FPS Weathertight compared to traditional paper. Mr Murray remarks, “This reduction in build time means The Sanderson Group can deliver new homes to those ready to embrace their best retirement lifestyle.”
Learn more about Frame Protection System and its FPS Weathertight offering on ArchiPro today.
he FPS® Weathertight® Building Underlay® system is a registered trademark of Frame Protection Systems.