The Compliant Choice for Multi-Storey Projects in NZ

When architects, designers, and developers specify flooring for commercial or multi-storey buildings, performance and compliance sit at the very top of the priority list. In New Zealand, the Building Code places clear and strict requirements on materials used in workplaces, retail, hospitality, apartments, care facilities, and other higher-risk spaces.

At Marchand Luxury Oak, we understand that every decision on a build must balance design vision with practical compliance. That’s why our standard engineered oak flooring range has been developed to provide not only timeless beauty but also robust fire performance — giving you confidence that your project will sail smoothly through consent without unnecessary red tape or compromise.

 Meeting the Critical Radiant Flux Benchmark for compliant choice for multi-storey projects

The New Zealand building code requires flooring materials to be tested under ISO 9239-1 to determine their Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) — essentially, the measure of how a floor covering will behave when exposed to heat and flame. Depending on the type of space, minimum CRF values range from 1.2 kW/m² in standard occupied rooms to 4.5 kW/m² in the most demanding care and detention facilities.

Our latest independent testing confirms that Marchand’s engineered oak achieves a CRF of 5.0 kW/m². See our testing certificate here.

This means:

• It exceeds the 2.2 kW/m² requirement for exitways and unsprinklered commercial firecells with more than 50 occupants.

• It surpasses the 1.2 kW/m² threshold for general occupied areas.

• Most importantly, it clears the strictest 4.5 kW/m² benchmark required for sleeping areas and exitways in high-risk environments such as care homes or detention facilities.

Marchand's most commercially compliant timber flooring

In short, Marchand’s standard range can be specified in any risk group and any occupied space type without special dispensations. That’s a level of confidence many competing products can’t match.

 The Importance of Thickness in Multi-Storey Compliance

 CRF performance is only one part of the compliance equation. For commercial projects, especially multi-storey and inter-tenancy builds, Clause C Acceptable Solution C/AS2 (Part 4, para. 4.17.5) sets out how to comply for fire-separating floors.

The acceptable solution recognises that timber flooring over a separation floor contributes to fire load and therefore requires either:

1. a flooring layer at least 20 mm thick, or

2. a full floor assembly tested to achieve FRR −/30/30 (fire resistance rating).

For many products on the market, this creates headaches. Thinner engineered boards — 12, 14, or 16 mm — push the responsibility back onto the designer, architect or builder to prove the floor system meets FRR requirements, often involving costly testing or additional fire-rated build-ups.

Marchand takes the uncertainty away. Our boards are 20 mm as standard, meaning they automatically satisfy the thickness requirement. No additional fire resistance testing of the floor assembly is needed, no special detailing has to be introduced, and no costly redesigns crop up late in the consent process.

Why This Matters for Architects and Developers to choose compliant choice for multi-storey projects

 Every project comes under scrutiny at the building consent stage. Councils and fire engineers are tasked with making sure materials comply precisely with the Code. Any grey area in a product’s specification can cause delays, requests for further evidence, or expensive consultant reports.

By choosing Marchand, you eliminate that uncertainty.

• Consent becomes smoother — our CRF test reports and 20 mm board thickness provide clear, easily verifiable compliance.

• Risk is reduced — you avoid the scenario of being asked to prove performance of a thinner board in a complex multi-storey situation.

• Design freedom is maximised — whether you’re specifying flooring for a boutique retail space, a multi-tenancy office tower, or an aged-care facility, Marchand meets the fire requirements across the board.

Marchands 20mm thick flooring - why flooring has always been 20mm thick

More Than Compliance: Beauty That Lasts

 While compliance is non-negotiable, we know architects and clients never want to compromise on design impact. Marchand Luxury Oak brings together technical performance with the timeless warmth of European oak. Our engineered boards offer:

• Generous wear layers for longevity.

• Distinctive finishes and tonal depth.

• Stability and strength suited to New Zealand’s climate conditions.

 The result is flooring that looks every bit as luxurious as it performs.

Marchand vs. The Market

Many flooring suppliers in New Zealand offer engineered oak in thicknesses ranging from 12–16mm. While these products may perform adequately in low-risk residential contexts, they often fall short of the simplest compliance pathway for commercial or multi-storey applications.

Competitor ranges may require project-by-project justification, alternative solutions, or proof of FRR performance in fire-separating floors. For architects and developers, this adds time, cost, and risk.

Marchand’s commitment to 20 mm as standard and a tested CRF of 5.0 kW/m² puts us in a league of our own. We offer a “tick-the-box” solution that supports designers and project managers in meeting both the aesthetic aspirations and the regulatory requirements of their projects.

Confidence from Concept to Consent

Specifying flooring shouldn’t be a balancing act between beauty and compliance. With Marchand Luxury Oak, it isn’t. Our products are designed and tested to deliver both:

• CRF 5.0 kW/m² — exceeding all NZBC thresholds.

• 20 mm board thickness — automatically meeting fire-separating floor rules.

• Compliance across every risk group and occupied space type — without special dispensations or alternative solutions.

 When you choose Marchand, you’re not only selecting flooring that elevates your interior spaces; you’re choosing peace of mind. From the first concept sketch through to building consent and construction, Marchand ensures that fire safety, durability, and beauty go hand in hand.

Ready to Specify?

 Our full compliance documentation — including ISO 9239-1 test reports and Fire Load Building Code assessments — is available through EBOSS or directly from our team. For architects, designers, and developers looking to remove complexity from the consent process while delivering uncompromising design outcomes, Marchand Luxury Oak is the natural choice.

 Marchand Luxury is always in the details. Compliant by default.