The News

QPOD: A Masterspec Partner   Access to reliable technical information is an essential part of the product selection process. That is why QPOD work sections and technical product information are now available on Masterspec, making it easier for architects,...

One of the most frequent questions we receive relates to cost: Does switching from traditional polystyrene pods to QPOD increase the price of a foundation system? The short answer is no. QPOD's Continuous system in particular is cost-equivalent to polystyrene, with...

One of the most common questions we get about QPOD is: “How do you handle your pipe penetrations?” It’s a fair question — because anyone who’s spent time working on a slab knows how critical, and sometimes frustrating, those penetrations can be. With traditional...

Engineering Webinar Recap: SlabTank™ in Action A big thanks to Michael Sorenson from Dynamic CPD for hosting our latest engineering webinar, where we unpacked SlabTank™ - New Zealand’s innovative, low-profile stormwater detention system with no interconnections that's...

As urban development accelerates and climate patterns shift, the way we think about water — and design for it — is evolving. Across New Zealand and globally, regulatory, environmental, and consumer pressures are converging on one clear demand: resilient, decentralised...

A huge thanks to Michael Sorenson from Dynamic CPD for hosting us for an engineer-focussed webinar where we took a closer look at QPOD—New Zealand’s CodeMark-certified, modular foundation system made from 100% recycled plastic. We covered: The difference between Raft...

On 23 May 2025, New Zealand’s Minister of Finance, Hon Nicola Willis, delivered the Government’s first full-year Budget. With an emphasis on economic discipline, the Budget outlines $6.7 billion in new operating spending—offset by $5.3 billion in savings. It’s a...

Here at QPOD™, we’ve been doing things a little differently since day one. From the beginning, our foundation pods have been made from 100% recycled plastic — materials like discarded bottles, food containers, and offcuts from acoustic panels that would and could...

The government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at modernising New Zealand’s building consent and inspection process — with implications for architects, designers, and builders. Approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers will soon be able to self-certify...

How do we create homes that are smart, stunning, and sustainable? Sharon Robinson, founder of Smart Living Spaces, shares her journey from childhood dreamer to sustainable architecture. In this interview with QPOD, Sharon talks about: Her passion for architecture and...

Across the globe, the built environment is being reimagined to meet challenges that were once considered outliers: rising sea levels, increasing urban density, and the pressing need for sustainable construction practices. At the heart of these conversations lies a...

When it comes to laying strong, durable foundations, flexibility is key—literally. For slabs longer than 30 meters or with irregular shapes, a free joint system is your go-to solution to manage movement, reduce cracking, and maintain structural integrity.   Below...

In an age where buildings are designed to fit a warranty of 50 years, the idea of creating homes and structures that last for hundreds of years may seem a little more ambitious. Yet, history shows us that it’s not only possible—it’s actually been done. The Great...

We usually talk about building here on Earth, but what if we looked beyond—to the Moon and Mars? NASA’s Artemis program is looking at ways that we can return humans to the Moon; but it’s also laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars. And the innovations...

The devastating flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 brought unimaginable loss and destruction to the Hawke’s Bay region, including Esk Valley. Among the extraordinary stories that emerged was the movement of a house—foundation and all—some 600 meters...

At QPOD, one question we hear quite a bit is: “Are plastic void formers really that strong?” An it’s a fair question, because when we think of plastic, we might be inclined to imagine something lightweight or flimsy—not exactly the picture of a load-bearing...

Every project is unique and sometimes comes with it's own unique set of challenges, and at QPOD, we pride ourselves on finding solutions that make the most of the client’s requirements and site conditions. In this case, the client needed a foundation that could handle...

When it comes to foundation insulation, we often see our clients weighing up the choice between SlabCore and EPS. SlabCore offers superior performance and is much easier to install, while EPS is more budget-friendly. We've covered the SlabCore vs. EPS debate before...

In the world of plumbing, foundations, and construction, pipes and plumbing penetrations don’t usually steal the spotlight. But today, we’re changing that. Meet El Pipe-o—a seasoned pro with years in the trenches (literally). We caught up with him to get the lowdown...

If you've been following us on social media for a while, or been to one of our Open Sites you might have noticed the variety of colours that a QPOD can come in. From black to a full spectrum of pretty vibrant colours, they definitely catch the eye. One question we...

If you’ve ever reached out to QPOD with a technical question (and trust us, we love those), you’ve likely spoken with Jason Brown. Jason is the man  when it comes to QPOD’s Technical Assistance and Customer Support, he's always eager to dive in and help. We sat down...