CON106 Assessment 2 , 2026

Weighting 

40%

Learning outcomes

• Determine and describe the type of structure that can be built on a given site in terms of its foundations structure, bracing and internal and external finishes.
• Identify the requirements of the Building Code as they relate to non-specific building design.
• Create simple technical sketches for construction from a given brief.

Instructions

Complete and submit your assessment according to the Open Polytechnic’s Assessments webpage. This includes information on academic integrity, formatting, word limits and referencing.

• Include your name, student number and the assessment number.
• Number your pages. 

Submission

• Submit your assessment in one file.
• Submit your work through your iQualify course.
• Emailed assessments will not be accepted.
• You will receive an automated notice following submission.

By submitting your assessment, you confirm that it is your own, original work.

Task: Prepare a building site analysis and structure description

Write a report to describe a site by identifying the relevant requirements of the Building Code. Describe the structure in detail and identify and describe a suitable alternative construction method.

Ensure your report includes these three sections explained in detail below.

• Part 1: Site overview
• Part 2: Detailed structure
• Part 3: Alternative construction method

Familiarise yourself with the liquefaction scenario and the drawings for the new-build home.

Liquefaction lessons © Kiran Saligame/buildmagazine.org.nz.

Seismically resilient non-structural elements | BRANZ

This assessment will help develop your understanding of the relationship between a specific site and the type of building which can be constructed on it.

You will use a location prone to liquefaction within the Christchurch District Council area. A specific building site has not been identified.

You will need to carry out research to find and describe a suitable site and research the legislation which governs the way a new home can be built there. You should use the analysis process from Assessment 1 to help develop your answers.

• The drawings of a proposed new build home you will use are supplied (CON106 Assessment 2 Residential Structure Plans PDF).
• This assessment leads onto Assessment 3.

Important: Include annotated technical sketches to illustrate all parts of your report and to describe specific design details which you think need further explanation.

Part 1: Site overview

a. Choose a site.

Use https://apps.canterburymaps.govt.nz/ChristchurchLiquefactionViewer/ to help you identify a site in a location prone to liquefaction.

b. For part 1 of your report:

i. Identify and describe the parts of the Building Code which control the type of construction that can be built on the chosen site, with a specific focus on:

o B1 (Structure)
o B2 (Durability)
oE2 (External Moisture).

ii. Determine if the new-build home design is suitable for the site or if it will require modification to comply with the relevant legislation.

(35 marks)

Part 2: Detailed structure

In the second part of your report, describe the structure that can be built in more detail.

a. Identify and describe the zone requirements from the District Plan for the given newbuild home design.

These could include:
o recession planes
o site coverage
o setbacks
o fencing
o site density
o outdoor living space.

b. Recommend and describe a foundation for the new-build home based on the chosen site. Justify the suitability of the foundation you chose.

c. Describe the design aspects and construction details of a suspended particle board timber floor for the new-build home that is suitable for the liquefaction scenario.

(35 marks)

Part 3: Alternative construction method

In part three of your report, describe an alternative construction method.

a. Identify and describe an alternative construction method you could use on the chosen site.

Examples of alternative construction methods are a different type of subfloor or foundation, different cladding or different roof material.

b. Explain why your alternative construction method would be suitable for the site.

(20 marks)

Technical sketches

Marks will be allocated for annotated technical sketches included throughout the report, to illustrate and describe specific design details.

(10 marks)
(Assessment 2 total: 100 marks)

CON106 Assessment 2 Marking