Bill Zhao

You probably know the feeling of walking into a gigantic space and feeling in awe – whether it’s a museum, auditorium, or an exotic overseas mall. The breadth of a great space can be seriously breathtaking, and taking into consideration its effects can make your next home or renovation feel a lot more expansive. While the key contributor is of course the ceiling, this also extends to the layout and fit out of a room. Why Does it Affect Perception?  A common fear among humans is...

With 2026 aiming to be a choice year for many when it comes to building a granny flat, there are some key considerations to keep in mind so that your plan doesn’t fall flat . Before pulling the trigger, make sure that your new granny flat is not only built to last, but to evolve comfortably in both aesthetic and practical applications. Consents While the 2026 regulation changes aim to free up restrictions around granny flat builds nationwide, it doesn’t necessarily mean your ambitious ideas...

One of the earliest forms of construction, and found in practically every residential home in New Zealand, building with load-bearing walls is a common method of tackling multi-storey builds. Structures built on a load-bearing system work via transferring the load down through the building, all the way to the foundation. If you’re assessing a DIY project or are just interested in learning, find out what parts of your home can and can’t be removed. What Does a Load-Bearing Wall Do?  As a means...