FAQs
Find answers to common questions about DesignHub
DesignHub is a specialised support service for specifiers and design professionals. We offer expert guidance, compliance documentation, and tailored concrete solutions to help ensure your project runs smoothly, no matter the scale or complexity.
Our services are open to architects, engineers, designers, developers, and anyone after design inspiration and/or technical support. Whether you're working on residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects, we’re here to support your concrete specification needs.
CodeMark Compliance Confirmation
CodeMark Drafting Design
Specific Engineered Design (SED)
Remote PS4 Booking for SEDs
Materials Take-offs/Quantity Surveying
Design Advice (Value Engineering)
R-Value Thermal Calculations
Permeable Concrete Design Support
Our services are designed to streamline the specification process and ensure all concrete elements are fit for purpose.
Complete our form or reach out to our team directly. Our technical experts will connect with you, guide you through the next steps, and provide support tailored to your project needs.
Most initial responses are within 24 hours. Timeframes for delivery of outputs (like compliance documentation or SEDs) depend on the complexity of the request, but typically within 3–5 working days from when all required documents are received and the service is requested.
Many of our services are provided at no cost as part of our partnership with our supply partners. If a request requires an engineered slab design, we’ll let you know upfront and get your approval before proceeding.
When your project needs an SED (Specific Engineering Design) for a SuperSlab foundation, here’s what you can generally expect:
Standard residential SED designs (single storey, typical builds)
Usually completed within 3–5 working days
Indicative fees start around $750 + GST, depending on floor area and specifics.
More complex or bespoke designs (e.g. two storey homes, or additional geotechnical coordination)
Typically completed within 4–6 working days
Indicative fees from $1050 + GST.
Express turnaround options
Available by arrangement, with faster delivery times and adjusted fees.
Pricing is scaled by floor area
For example, simpler SED jobs often start around $3.75 + GST per m², with more involved projects at higher rates.
Site inspections & PS4 certification
In-person inspections typically range from $700–$950 + GST, depending on location.
Virtual inspection options are also available, generally starting from $550 + GST.
We’ll always provide a tailored quote for your project rather than publishing a fixed price list because exact fees vary depending on project size, site conditions, turnaround times, and complexity, ensuring you know your precise costs before proceeding.
Yes. Sustainability is a key part of what we do. Our team can advise on low carbon concrete solutions, mix optimisation, and help with documentation for Green Star or Homestar credits.
Absolutely. Whether you’re working on sloping sites, thermal performance specs, or engineered retaining elements, our team will collaborate with you to develop a practical, compliant solution.
You can stay up to date with new services, design tools, and project highlights by visiting our News & Updates page. We regularly share useful insights and developments from across the DesignHub team.
SuperSlab is a fully engineered and compliant concrete foundation system. It offers time and cost savings, while enhancing energy efficiency and structural strength. SuperSlab is CodeMark certified and BRANZ appraised for peace of mind.
Yes. SuperSlab offers improved R-value and thermal mass, creating a warmer floor. SuperSlab+ enhances this further with a fully insulated or edge-insulated system that exceeds standard thermal requirements.
Not usually. Shear keys aren’t required under CodeMark unless specific seismic conditions apply. In seismic zones (e.g., Christchurch), shear keys are still recommended unless soil conditions indicate lateral spreading; however, this can be determined by our engineering team in the design process.
Yes, BRANZ appraisal No.964 (2017) acknowledges that a SuperSlab flooring system complies with the New Zealand building code. If a SED is required, PS1 and PS4 statements will be required when lodging a consent.
What is a PS1? A Design Producer Statement. This is confirmation from an engineer that it is designed to the New Zealand Building Code.
What is a PS4? A Construction Review Producer Statement. This is confirmation from an engineer that it has been constructed in accordance with the details shown on the consented documents relating to the PS1.
Yes. When CodeMark conditions are met, councils must accept SuperSlab. All supporting calculations and drawings are provided by the slab designer and can be submitted with your initial building consent or as an amendment.
If your site qualifies as ‘good ground’, engineering isn't required under CodeMark. If an SED is needed, design generally takes 3-5 working days.
SuperSlab includes rib structures that average around 125mm of flat concrete. However, this is offset by savings in:
Excavation and disposal
Hard fill requirements
Block perimeter foundations
Yes. Experienced contractors can install a SuperSlab in approximately 3 days. Traditional footings typically take around 2 weeks, resulting in significant time and labour savings.
Yes. SuperSlab works well on sloping sites. Minor steps can often be poured in a single pour. For more significant level changes, the retaining wall footing is integrated into the lower slab, reducing excavation. Stepped floors may require a SED.
The standard SuperSlab system is designed for 2.5 kPa (suitable for residential garage loads). With specific design input, the system can be upgraded to handle loads up to 10 kPa. Reinforcement and topping thickness may vary for heavier applications.
Yes. SuperSlab can be used on sites with an allowable bearing pressure starting at 50 kPa (as per Table 1 in the SuperSlab Technical Manual). For other ground conditions, a Specific Engineering Design (SED) may be required. The system can also span between piles on poor ground or deep topsoil, making it suitable for a wide range of land classifications.
Yes, any qualified builder can construct a SuperSlab foundation when following the supplied plans and construction specifications.
Permacore is a purpose-designed permeable concrete mix featuring an open-graded, no-fines structure. This composition enables water to pass through the slab efficiently, supporting sustainable drainage on site.
By allowing rainfall to infiltrate the ground, permeable concrete limits surface ponding, reduces peak‑flow volumes entering council infrastructure, and assists with groundwater recharge. This can defer the need for costly detention tanks or enlarged pipes.
Typical applications include footpaths, retaining walls, cycleways, car‑park stalls, driveways, patio areas, and tree surrounds.
Routine sweeping and occasional low‑pressure water blasting keep voids clear of silt and organic debris. For high‑traffic zones, annual vacuum‑suction cleaning is recommended.
When correctly designed and maintained, Permacore offers comparable service life in low‑speed environments. Its compressive strength (10-15 MPa) suits light‑vehicle, pedestrian and landscaping loads.
DesignHub provides concrete mix designs that meet regional water-quality objectives and comply with relevant NZS 3104 performance criteria. Test certificates and design documentation can be supplied to support building-consent submissions.
