scope:

This standard sets out requirements for the materials and construction requirements for the use of unfired earth in the form of adobe, pressed earth brick, rammed earth, cob, poured earth, and in-situ adobe including both low-density earth and heavy earth. It also includes a section on surface coatings. This standard applies to buildings that are designed in accordance with NZS 4297 and NZS 4299.

This standard is intended to be referenced by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as means of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) but NZS 4297 is intended to be referenced as a verification method and NZS 4299 is intended to be referenced as an acceptable solution, as were the 1998 editions of these standards. NZS 4297 and NZS 4299 both depend on this standard, NZS 4298, for the materials and construction of earth buildings.