Seeing how well the UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier system performs, Thomas Ricketts from Brown Dog Architecture chose to use it for his own Christchurch house.

‘I had a client specifically request UNI PLUS on a project in Queenstown,’ says Thomas. ‘They wanted a quality building wrap that would allow them to continue with internal works while the cladding was being installed. Masons UNI PLUS was my first thought, so I got in touch with the Masons technical team to ensure it was the right product for the job. After discussing the merits of UNI PLUS I then decided to specify it on my own build.’

Ideal for exposed hill-side builds

Designed by Thomas himself, the multi-level 220m² house nestles into the hillside in Redcliffs. With the exposed nature of the site, UNI PLUS provided invaluable protection from the elements as construction progressed.

‘Moisture control is a big consideration with a build, especially with winter approaching,’ says Thomas. ‘UNI PLUS is thicker and more durable than your standard wall underlay, and is weathertight. This reduced moisture ingress during the build, and created a much drier internal environment once the building envelope was sealed.’

Masons’ Account Manager Riki Tukaki is seeing an increase in specifiers and builders seeking the performance and benefits of the thicker wrap. ‘We've had UNI specified for a number of hill-side builds now, where wind and weather have a higher impact on the construction process,’ he says. ‘More architectural builds are using this wrap as well, and a lot of that is based on word of mouth.’

Providing a total weather-proofing solution

UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier is a 180gsm fire retardant, synthetic wall underlay designed to protect from weather and UV exposure. When installed as a full system – with Masons’ UNI Fixings and 40 Below Tapes and P Seals – it allows internal work to continue on the build for up to 90 days.

‘For this job, UNI PLUS was up for about six weeks before the cladding went on,’ says Riki. ‘Installed correctly, it is weathertight, so we know the interiors are protected and the trades can carry on working inside.’

‘That was a real advantage given the build was in late autumn and rolling into winter months,’ says Thomas.

A game-changer for the building industry

Thomas also praises the technical support Masons provides when people choose UNI PLUS. ’Riki was happy to come out to the site to provide technical information and details, and offered to run through application with the builders.’

For Riki, the growing interest in UNI PLUS shows its positive impact on the building industry. ‘We've partnered with some great builders in the Canterbury region who now consistently use it in their projects. It’s become a game changer product’.

Talk to our helpful team

For more information about UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier, including installation and compliance documents, visit mpb.co.nz or call 0800 522 533 to speak to one of our team.

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PROJECT CREDITS

Product: UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier System

Designer: Brown Dog Architecture

Writer: Folio