Standards New Zealand is seeking feedback on New Zealand’s leading construction standard – NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings

NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings is a key building standard used by designers, builders, architects, engineers, and building consent authorities. This is important for the design and construction of most of New Zealand’s light timber-framed buildings. 

The standard provides prescribed solutions for structural elements such as foundations, framing, bracing, spans, fixings, connectors, and building layout. 

Key proposed changes to this standard include: 

• new and updated framing solutions for 3 storey construction (bracing not included in this draft) 
• improved guidance on thermal performance, including new construction details. 
• updated foundation solutions for moderately expansive soils and liquefaction prone sites 
• clarification of requirements for stairwell framing and isolated internal masonry walls. 
• rationalisation of timber sizes and grades to align with materials commonly available in the New Zealand market.

Your input will help shape the final version of one of New Zealand’s most used building standards.

The consultation will be open for 8 weeks, closing on 25 August 2026.

For more information and to have your say, visit the Standards New Zealand consultation page:

NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings consultation(external link) – Standards New Zealand