Magnum Board: Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Building

When it comes to creating healthier, more resilient homes, Kiwi builders, architects, and homeowners are increasingly looking to materials that do more than just meet the code. Magnum Board from Health Based Building is one product that goes beyond standard expectations, offering high performance, durability, and sustainability in one versatile solution.

Magnum Board is a technologically advanced magnesium oxide (MgO) board designed to outperform traditional fibre cement, plywood, and plasterboard products. Manufactured using sustainable methods, it is a mineral-based board free from harmful chemicals such as silica, asbestos, and formaldehyde, making it a genuinely health-focused choice for modern builds.

Unlike many conventional products, Magnum Board is breathable and vapour permeable, helping to regulate moisture within wall systems. This is particularly valuable in New Zealand’s varied climate, where managing internal humidity is key to maintaining healthy indoor environments.

Homes in Aotearoa are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, from intense summer heat to harsh winter frosts. Magnum Board has been tested to perform in all of these, including freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, and temperature extremes. It remains dimensionally stable under pressure, reducing the need for expansion gaps in cladding and helping maintain a clean, long-lasting finish.

Its durability doesn’t stop there. Magnum Board resists mould, insects, water damage, and impact, making it a smart fit for both interior and exterior use. From wet area linings and tile backers to cladding, flooring underlays, and rigid air barriers, this board is well suited for nearly every part of the build.

On the sustainability front, Magnum Board checks all the right boxes. It is 100 percent sustainable, VOC free, and CO₂ negative. During manufacturing, the board absorbs carbon dioxide and converts it into magnesium carbonate, which stays locked in the board throughout its life. When the board reaches end of life, it can be recycled to create new MgO, helping close the loop and reduce waste.

Fire safety is another major strength. Magnum Board is non-combustible with zero flame spread, offering added peace of mind in fire-prone areas or builds with high safety requirements.

Builders appreciate Magnum Board not only for its performance but also for its ease of use. It’s installer-friendly, compatible with standard tools, and supports a wide variety of finishes. Paint, tiles, wallpaper, plasters, stone, veneers, and even brick can all be applied with excellent adhesion. This flexibility makes it ideal for simplifying the material palette across a project while maintaining high quality results.

It also offers impressive screw and nail-holding strength, making it easy to hang items like shelves, mirrors, and artwork without special fixings. The board’s high density supports secure installation without compromise.

Magnum Board has been independently tested to meet rigorous performance standards. It has been appraised by BEAL, SCION, BRANZ, and AccreditMark, and it’s certified for use in Foreverbreathe™ wall systems. These endorsements reflect its suitability for high-performance, health-based construction in New Zealand’s unique building environment.

Because it delivers across so many critical areas—moisture resistance, fire performance, impact durability, indoor air quality, and sustainability—Magnum Board offers outstanding total build value. Fewer product types are needed, installation is straightforward, and long-term maintenance is reduced. For homeowners, it means a healthier home with lasting comfort. For builders and developers, it supports better project efficiency and enduring quality.

Magnum Board is more than a building material. It’s a smart choice for anyone committed to better building in Aotearoa. Whether you're focused on healthy homes, long-term performance, or future-proofing your next project, Magnum Board delivers where it matters.

To learn more, visit www.healthbasedbuilding.com.