<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[VIKON | design & construction]]></title><description><![CDATA[VIKON | Design & Construction]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/stories</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:51:24 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.vikon.co.nz/zh/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Why Acoustic Insulation is the "Silent Hero" of Your Next Renovation]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we think about home renovations, we usually focus on the things we can see: the new kitchen, the open-plan layout, or the designer lighting. But one of the most successful renovations are defined by something you can’t see: Acoustics. As our homes become multi-functional hubs for remote work, media, and relaxation, the ability to control sound has become a luxury necessity. If you are stripping back your walls, now is the only time to get the "quiet" right. Soundproofing vs. Sound...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/why-acoustic-insulation-is-the-silent-hero-of-your-next-renovation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fa7f83438dc58e2c8d1ea5</guid><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 23:53:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_402100c6b2a14b0190e3044d295002ec~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_667,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>VIKON | Design &amp; Construction</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is SPC Flooring?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Guide to NZ's Preferred Modern Flooring Choice]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/what-is-spc-flooring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f3e0f990b4365cb85e6c97</guid><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:41:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_397af459a54e46baa0be1fb8e5b6fa73~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_842,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Building Projects You Can Do Without a Building Consent — NZ Beginner Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you’re thinking about building projects around your property in New Zealand, it’s easy to assume that as long as it’s small  you don’t need council involvement. But under the Building Act 2004, only certain types of work are legally exempt  from requiring a building consent, and even then, there are clear conditions you must meet. The exemptions are listed in Schedule 1 of the Building Act, and they allow for a range of low-risk building work to proceed without a formal consent as long...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/what-building-projects-you-can-do-without-a-building-consent-nz-beginner-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699e25d08f4f3ef74a9c8d7b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:48:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_678cc2153f664ac7a231270457e61ac3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Being a Master Builder Mean for Us and You?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Since 2014, VIKON Construction have been proud members of New Zealand’s Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA). Thanks to this, we have upheld our guarantee of excellence across all projects we have tackled. But what does being a Master Builder actually mean? It can tell you a lot about the company you’re working with, as well as what you can expect out of them. What It Tells You About Us: Vetted Quality:  In order to qualify for being a Registered Master Builder, the company being...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/what-does-being-a-master-builder-mean-for-us-and-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698fd349ec9bf7f4acf7e05a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4f8ee4_b713aa2e69444736830c5729a70c50be~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_795,h_531,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 front entry styles that change street appeal]]></title><description><![CDATA[1. Rethink Your Front Door Colour Neutral and earthy shades are popular choices for entry doors, but introducing a bold or unexpected colour can instantly add personality to your home. Think about whether you’d like your door to blend seamlessly with the façade or stand out as a feature. Either approach can work beautifully — what matters is that the entrance feels intentional and welcoming. It’s also important to consider sun exposure before settling on a colour. West-facing doors that...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/6-front-entry-styles-that-change-street-appeal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69978304506845fe36d96037</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:00:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_7d2ec6d8c35a4f56bd4378737d85cac8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Future-Proofing Your Granny Flat: Build Once, Use Many Ways]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why future-proofing matters in New Zealand In New Zealand, granny flats are no longer just “ extra accommodation out the back. ” They’re becoming long-term assets ; spaces that need to respond to changing family needs, housing pressure, and rising build costs. When you build without thinking ahead, you often pay twice: once during construction, and again when you need to alter or upgrade later. Future-proofing is about making thoughtful design decisions early, so your granny flat stays...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/future-proofing-your-granny-flat-build-once-use-many-ways</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6983ec311e556467700180b4</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:18:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_56424769de194422bd4ad7f28e7dd15a~mv2_d_8256_5504_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>VIKON | Design &amp; Construction</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Construction Budgets Really Blow Out and How to Keep Yours Under Control]]></title><description><![CDATA[Construction budget blowouts rarely come from one big mistake. They usually happen when expectations are out of sync with reality, and important costs are overlooked early on. According to Registered Master Builders Auckland president Tony Pexton, most overruns stem from people not fully understanding what isn’t included in their build quote. Knowing where costs typically spiral and how to manage them can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of stress. 1. Items Assumed to Be...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/how-construction-budgets-really-blow-out-and-how-to-keep-yours-under-control</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698265bc7a653e8bed2e39bd</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:43:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a11840dcab0443be94d2422e3cab3b77.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fire Safety in Modern Homes: Sprinklers, Smoke Alarms, and Safer Materials]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fire safety is one of the most critical, yet often underestimated, aspects of home design and construction. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, the decisions you make early on can dramatically affect how a fire starts, spreads, and is controlled. VIKON see fire safety not as a checklist item, but as an integrated part of good design. A well-designed home should protect its occupants, limit damage, and meet New Zealand Building Code requirements without...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/fire-safety-in-modern-homes-sprinklers-smoke-alarms-and-safer-materials</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6979393413a746db9d7badbb</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:38:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_ceae3c1db3a14b9fa7a5c52611d04f39~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is an Open Floor Plan Right for You? 10 Practical Pros &#38; Cons to Consider]]></title><description><![CDATA[Open floor plans have shaped modern New Zealand homes for decades. By combining the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one continuous space, they promise openness, light, and connection. But like any design choice, they aren’t right for everyone, and making the wrong call can affect how your home feels, functions, and holds value long term. At VIKON, we don’t treat open-plan living as a trend to follow blindly. We see it as a design decision that must suit your household, lifestyle, and...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/is-an-open-floor-plan-right-for-you-10-practical-pros-cons-to-consider</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696ff61b6772f253c0b1fd9d</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:11:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_894e991ac2ae477eab920228d3961043~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Home Design Trends That Won’t Make It Into 2026 (And what to do instead if you want your home to age well)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Trends can be useful. They give us language for what feels current and help spark ideas. But when you’re investing serious money into your home, following trends too closely can be risky.  What looks exciting today can quickly feel tired, impractical, or expensive to undo tomorrow. As designers, our job isn’t just to make spaces look good now, it’s to help homeowners make choices they’ll still be happy with years down the track.  Here are 5 interior design trends we’re already seeing fall...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/5-home-design-trends-that-won-t-make-it-into-2026-and-what-to-do-instead-if-you-want-your-home-to-a</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696ae15b022bfc82f767efe8</guid><pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 01:32:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_b127c2abd4a740408c87031b8a9332a8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Colour, Cosiness, and Comfort: 2026’s Top Home Design Trends]]></title><description><![CDATA[With a brand-new year splayed out on our calendars, the world continues to change at a blistering pace, and so do the trends of our homes. The core themes of 2026 revolve around individuality, expression, and most of all, comfort. All of these can come in many shapes and sizes, find out which one gels with you the most: Analogue Rooms Sought after by both wisdom-enriched generations and even dedicated pockets of Gen-Z, a room without all the noise and nuisance of modern tech can be a reward...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/colour-cosiness-and-comfort-2026-s-top-home-design-trends</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6969b2d43e23fce2937148df</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:09:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_d8ad7373dd8c434a86b3a5da9b5ba9bc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Structural Choices Affecting Long-Term Home Maintenance]]></title><description><![CDATA[For those of you deliberating over a new build or an upcoming renovation, take a moment to consider what parts of your future home can make or break its longevity. These crucial early-on choices will decide whether you can expect a hair-pulling maintenance cycle or a stress-free future to enjoy the most of your home. Below are a few of the most common areas that benefit the most from careful decision-making. Roofing  Your home’s foremost shield from the elements, it’s imperative for your roof...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/6-structural-choices-affecting-long-term-home-maintenance</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6966d4350ef3e0e1c07c22ca</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_d302306ea9464f2293ad843eda2e7f73~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_960,h_540,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feeling Boxed-In? How Ceiling Height Affects Space Perception]]></title><description><![CDATA[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...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/feeling-boxed-in-how-ceiling-height-affects-space-perception</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69421e201879721f43391c13</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:18:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_8f5afb0fce24453a834ab10f637178a8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_704,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Before You Build: 5 Top Considerations for Granny Flats]]></title><description><![CDATA[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...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/before-you-build-5-top-considerations-for-granny-flats</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6940d833d19d766cc63fb5b9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:13:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_6ba8a3b5b0754ae9a451c57809c9834b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_869,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cantilevered Design, Elegance and Efficiency]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cantilevered design has long been associated with bold architecture and modern engineering, but its real strength lies in how quietly functional it can be. At its core, a cantilever is a structure that extends beyond its support, creating the illusion of floating. When done well, it can solve practical design challenges while elevating the overall aesthetic of a home. From sheltered walkways to space-saving furniture, cantilevers offer opportunities to rethink how space is used — inside and...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/cantilevered-design-elegance-and-efficiency</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693cc6cc42832d49aebaf7f8</guid><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 02:09:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_3fb1614146b24e09aa5ee54219cc4fac~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Skye Jeerayanon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Walls Can I Remove? Understanding Load Bearing Walls]]></title><description><![CDATA[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...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/which-walls-can-i-remove-understanding-load-bearing-walls</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6938affd122b31d338b54e09</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:36:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_cff1133ba13349f2b75dfd1ba70126ac~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_553,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Much Will it Cost to Build a 70 sqm Granny Flat?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to doing any sort of renovation, build, or extension, the first thought on everyone’s mind is “What’s it gonna cost?” With the new 70m² granny flat rules being slated for rollout in early 2026, building a granny flat might be quite the viable option, bringing both space and value to your home. Here’s how much you’ll be looking at for a full-sized granny flat. Cost to Build Per square metre, a secondary dwelling typically costs around $3000 to $5000, which means a 70m² granny...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/how-much-will-it-cost-to-build-a-70-sqm-granny-flat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6938911a648729fef5255b97</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:41:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_d597f99ffc934148b2cfa60fdf8281bd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Get Through a Live-In Renovation]]></title><description><![CDATA[If your home is about to go through some changes, you’ve probably put some thought into where you’ll be living during the works. Not everyone has extended family ready to accommodate them, or the extra budget to spend on temporary living. Depending on the scale of works, you may be able to save money and avoid waking up to an unfamiliar ceiling by choosing to stay at home while works complete. Can I Live-In During this Renovation?  Before anything begins, figure out whether or not you need to...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/how-to-get-through-a-live-in-renovation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692faf1bbeedf468e52ee6c8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:38:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_71e856423ef54befb9dce58d01b9c638~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hot Homes, Cold Comfort: Why NZ Townhouses Are Overheating]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the past five years being some of New Zealand’s hottest ever, it is expected that rising temperatures will be something that kiwis continually face, especially in our sun-drenched summers. The problem has become so prevalent that it’s taken away the comfort of our abodes that we so often use as a retreat. Having a home that can shelter us from the heat is more important than ever. What’s Happening? With the increased push for denser housing developments, many residents have taken a shine...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/hot-homes-cold-comfort-why-nz-townhouses-are-overheating</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6927cc53d6cfa96de9ea684e</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:32:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_736ba9292308405fbf19f233c474697b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Summer is Here - How to Cool Your House Down]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the last decade seeing some of the hottest years in New Zealand, and the trend expected only to intensify, more and more kiwis are turning towards air conditioning – and for good reason. These sweltering summers are only getting worse and with tightened budgets, many homeowners are feeling the strain when it comes to keeping the AC on. Whether you’re living in the upper floor of a townhouse or in the sun-soaked countryside, find out some of the best ways to chill down over the coming...]]></description><link>https://www.vikon.co.nz/post/summer-is-here-how-to-cool-your-house-down</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69261cbe9d4a2f7c5b29c4dc</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:25:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b82e63_5c1f94497a2646a38f59e22d0281df51~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_780,h_438,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bill Zhao</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>