Intersect, August 2020 by Design Matters National

ED29 AUG 2020



Issue 29

Welcome to our August issue of INTERSECT As we were going to press, we confirmed the date of our 25th Anniversary Design Matters National Building Design Awards: 15 October. Save the date.

More details to come.

We also just pressed ‘send' on our invitations to exciting events for our South Australian Members: a tour of the 10-star Sagacious House just outside Adelaide, as well as an online panel discussion on Monday 1 September, featuring the designers and suppliers whose innovative products were used to achieve South Australia’s first 10-star NatHERS home. All Members, no matter where they are in Australia, will be invited to tune in to the online panel discussion and hear from the suppliers and designers who have collaborated on this cutting-edge home. More details - including an invitation - to come on this one, too.

In this issue, we feature two magnificent examples of good design: Armadale, by Sketch Building Design, which won the 2019 Award for Alterations and Additions between $500K-$1M; and Broad House, by AD DESIGN DEVELOP, which received the People’s Choice Award for Alterations & Additions in the $250K-$500K category.

We interview 2020 Building Design Awards Judge Peter Jackson, Allen Roberts, and Ashley Thompson, gaining valuable insights into their inspiration, ethics and professionalism, and much, much more.

We see the sketches of Malcolm Trompf, and hear from Danielle King regarding the Residential Efficiency Scorecard.

Clause 1 Planning gives us a lowdown on VCAT reforms in 2020, and NATSPEC Communications puts a focus on ensuring quality with standards, and the third anniversary of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.

Dominique Hunter President

Our People Dominique Hunter (President) Ingrid Hornung (Vice President) Peter Lombo (Treasurer) Lindsay Douglas (Immediate Past President) Greg Blanch (Committee Member) Timothy Ellis (Committee Member) Jeremy Spencer (Committee Member) Peta Anderson (Chief Executive Officer) Emily Schiavello (Sustainability Advocacy & Thermal Performance Assessment) Elaine Centeno (Communications and Events) Kathryn Middis (National Relationship Manager, Members and Partners) Danielle Johnston (Senior Communications Advisor) Alex Hunt (Administrator)

There are more, helpful tips to avoid building defects, and tips for business owners in challenging times.

Good reading!

GET THE WHOLE PICTURE

Design Matters National SketchBook: pages 22 and 23

Contents 01.

Project Matters - Armadale - Broad House

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Sponsors Matter Design Matters National appreciates the support of our sponsors.

02. InterVIEW

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03.

Member Matters

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04.

Planning Matters

24

05.

Industry Matters

30

06.

Business Matters

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Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au

Here for members during COVID-19

Our team at Design Matters National is set up to work remotely to ensure there is no interruption to services provided to our members. We are here to help, so email us at info@designmatters.org.au or call on 03 9416 0227

DISCLAIMER

Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not imply that Building Designers Association of Victoria Inc trading as Design Matters National agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, Design Matters National does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of Design Matters National. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at editor@designmatters.org.au 3

Issue 29

01. Project Matters

Armadale Peaceful and private family sanctuary with separate zones.

P R OJ E C T M AT T E R S

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01. Project Matters

Armadale

Winner: Alterations and Additions > $500K-$1M + A Victorian villa of significant heritage value (Heritage Overlay HO377), near High Street and Glenferrie Road shopping strips in the City of Stonnington, is restored to its former glory. + Contemporary additions emphasise natural light, privacy and seamless transitions between inside and outside.

This original Hawthorn Brick Victorian presented many challenges in terms of what could be built to the front and side of the original dwelling because a four-level apartment block and bluestone laneway runs adjacent to the entire north side of the site.

To overcome these privacy and light challenges, a clean-lined built form was constructed with recycled bricks on the right-of-way side of the site, positioning all the service type areas – garage, laundry, service courtyard – against it.

The main additions and window placement were carefully considered to ensure northern light penetration is maximised as much as possible, and noise from and vision of the adjoining apartment block are blocked out.

The proposal involved the retention of the original dwelling (front four bedrooms, entry hall and existing original veranda), with new, single-storey additions consisting of open-plan kitchen/dining/family room, bathroom, en-suites, walk-in-robes, powder room, butler’s pantry, laundry and double garage with roof storage.

Key features include the huge, 3m high by 4.5m wide clear-view window defining the living room and framing the view to the solar-heated swimming pool.

The new structures include parapets and flat-roof construction, thereby retaining a clear distinction between the original heritage dwelling and subsequent works. The glazed roof sections in the living room, powder room and laundry provide striking contrasts of light throughout the day.

Sustainability considerations included the recycled bricks, and argon-gas double-glazed windows used throughout.

Naturally stained blackbutt timber features were placed strategically to create impact and texture against the predominantly plastered interior. A curved, blackbuttcladded wall in the outdoor living, and a blackbuttcladded ceiling in the 4.2m high dining area, were installed to cover the frames of the highlight windows and allow for a junction-less transition from inside to out.

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01. Project Matters

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P R OJ E C T M AT T E R S 

01. Project Matters “The main additions and window placement were carefully considered to maximise northern light penetration as well as hide any visual recognition of the apartment block to the north.

This was successfully achieved to create a quiet, peaceful and private sanctuary for the family.”

A fully insulated, heated, polished-concrete floor slab was continued into the hall of the original part of the house, and a new, wrought iron front fence with bluestone base added to complement the Victorian dwelling.

All in all, Armadale House is a front-door-to-back-door transformation of an original Victorian cottage, with a design that successfully resolves the client’s brief while respecting the home’s heritage.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Designer Sketch Building Design sketchbuildingdesign.com.au Builder Ascot Group Structural Engineer FMG Engineering Building Surveyor Rod Bethune and Associates Landscape Designer Alison Douglas Design Photographer Dana Beligan MAJOR SUPPLIERS FOR THE PROJECT Brickwork Crafted Sandstocks - Balmain, PGH Windows Commercial aluminium windows, Creative Windows Joinery Veneer, Two PAC and Thermolaminated Products, Polytec Skylights Roof glazing, Belle skylights

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01. Project Matters

“All in all, Armadale House is a front-door-to-back-door transformation of an original Victorian cottage, with a design that successfully resolves the client’s brief while respecting the home’s heritage.”

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P R OJ E C T M AT T E R S

YO U K N OW B U I L D I N G

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Sketch Building Design Pty Ltd Photographer: Dana Beligan

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• 1300 668 553

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Issue 29

01. Project Matters

Broad House A timeless home for all seasons.

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P R OJ E C T M AT T E R S

01. Project Matters

Broad House

People's Choice: Alterations & Additions > $250K-$500K + The brief was to create a three-bedroom house with a study, within the 170sqm footprint of the original, 1930s Californian bungalow in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb, West Footscray. + This project retained the area’s architectural identity, but also reflected its increasing gentrification through modern design elements.

Broad House is the perfect example of why people should be thinking about renovating and enhancing the original feel of timeless architecture.

The size of the property and maximising the use of natural light were the main challenges of this project. The existing house, still in a relatively good condition, sat on a 320m2 north-facing site. We had to work within the existing, 170sqm footprint of the dwelling.

The new design includes a central bathroom, master bedroom with an en-suite and walk-in robe, and an open-plan kitchen and living area opening out to the rear of the property. The addition gives the house a versatile, year-round living area, whilst still giving the dwelling a usable suburban backyard.

The site faced many challenges initially during design.

The rear of the site faced south, and at the same time had access to a right-of-way which we had to keep in order to retain the only off-street car-parking space.

There was no opportunity to push the dwelling to the rear and provide north-facing windows while, at the same time, trying to give the clients internal and external entertaining space. We were left with no room to give the dwelling a large deck, nor outdoor entertaining space so, instead of an alfresco area, we designed a rear addition.

Like an undercover alfresco area, it completely opens up the south-facing façade.

We were also able to overcome the challenges relating to light and energy through the addition of skylights in the living and kitchen areas, and the black steel framed windows at the rear of the dwelling which allow for natural light to flood into the space.

From the fireplace to the windows which transform the space to the perfect summer oasis, this is a house that will transcend the seasons.

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01. Project Matters

“Throughout this design we perfectly encapsulated the juxtaposition of timeless and modern design and have shown how they can seamlessly work together.

We have created a design that will evolve over time and one that reacts to the city’s seasons.”

AD Design Develop

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Designer AD DESIGN DEVELOP addesigndevelop.com.au Builder Align Concepts Structural Engineer John Kotowskyj Building Surveyor BSP Melbourne Soil Testing Hardrock Energy Rater Green Rate Photographer Julian Gries MAJOR SUPPLIERS FOR THE PROJECT Engineered Flooring White Smoked, Royal Oak Brickwork La Paloma - Miro, Brickworks - Austral Brick Windows & Doors Custom steel windows and doors, Steel Windows Australia Cabinetry Natural Oak - thermo laminated, Polytec

P R OJ E C T M AT T E R S

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Issue 29

02. InterVIEW

What has been your favourite project you’ve worked on and why?

PETER JACKSON Director, Peter Jackson Design 2020 Building Design Awards Judge

My favourite was a $4 million renovation of a heritage-listed home called Werai, in Finch Street, East Malvern, Victoria.

We transformed the home, which had fallen into disrepair, into fine, 21st Century contemporary living, so that it was hard to distinguish what was old and what was new. This was a beautiful job to work on, with a fantastic client who fully comprehended and understood design.

It won both state and national awards in the 2018 Building Design Awards, of which we are immensely proud.

Which designer currently inspires your work?

Frank Gehry, especially his Foundation Louis Vuitton building in Paris, which is a private, modern, and contemporary art centre and museum. It really inspires me.

I visited the building after completing a study tour of Scandinavia. When I was there, I saw Gehry’s initial concept design sketches. They looked like something a child may have scribbled in five minutes, yet they’re actually the basis of the concept that he used to win the contract!

I’ve used this example many times since to explain to clients that getting the concept right is everything. I tell my clients about Gehry, his basic sketch, and how he used it to win the job.

Design is such an open and adventurous pursuit. You don’t know the finished product until you get there. You go down this journey with every job. You never walk into a house and know the answers.

They all evolve. It’s so important to get the concept right.

Do you have any words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession?

A designer is an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic and objective economist, combined with marriage guidance counsellor and psychologist.

Essentially, you need all these qualities just to get to morning-coffee break!

More than in any other industry, in building design, you must have a passion, an ongoing passion, for what you’re doing, in order to succeed.

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INTERVIEW

I’d also say that building design involves a real understanding of nature, which we work with every day in all forms: sun, wind and rain. Wind is the most important consideration for country and coastal properties, specifically to design the building for protection of outdoor living spaces. It helps to also have an understanding of the colours of nature.

The colours we use in building design are all in the backyard. Nature gives you the answers in terms of the aesthetics, patterns, details and connections of structures, so it’s really important to have an appreciation and understanding of nature.

“Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places while others see nothing...”

- Pissarro.

I’d also tell students to look at buildings and get an understanding of how people live within a building. I teach students that to design a good meals’ area, the table must be big enough for two people to comfortably read “The Age” newspaper, which is broadsheet in size. This table must fit within an area big enough to allow people to circulate around the table with the chairs pushed out. Also, the optimum viewing distance from a television screen is about 4m to 4.5m. There are lots of details such as these that should be considered. Students should also get a good understanding of CAD packages.

And, finally, they need to go out on to site and speak to the builders regularly and follow their designs through, and speak to the trades. We would also try to teach them about homes of the future, where flexibility is key. These new homes must be designed and equipped to accommodate for the diversity of tomorrow’s families.

Right: Frank Gehry’s Foundation Louis Vuitton art gallery and museum opened in 2014.

02. InterVIEW

INTERVIEW

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02. InterVIEW

I’d also tell students to get an understanding of how people live within buildings. I teach students that to design a good meals table, it must be big enough for two people to comfortably read “The Age” newspaper.

Peter Jackson

Peter, you are a judge in this year’s 25th anniversary Design Matters National Building Design Awards.

Tell us about your previous involvement with the Awards.

I’ve entered one of our projects into every Design Matters National Building Design Awards since their inauguration and this is the first year we haven’t been in the Awards because I’ve just been so busy this year.

It takes a lot of effort to put an entry together. I would estimate that it takes a week out of our life to pull an entry together properly. This year is different in so many ways, including the added disruptions from coronavirus, so it will be beautiful to do the judging and see what it’s like from that perspective. We’ve won 80 awards in total, including HIA awards, so we’ve had a very good run!

What are the advantages of entering the Awards?

The power of these Awards is insurmountable. There’s a lot of pride and sense of achievement on the night. It is also fantastic for marketing. Winning an Award gives you enormous credibility, from your peers and the marketplace. Now, we all have to be salesmen and you’ve got to be able to sell yourself and your skills.

Having our Awards displayed in the office and documented on our website gives clients a sense of reassurance because you’ve got credibility from the profession.

When clients come into the office, you can show them examples of award-winning properties we have designed. The clients often on-sell that credibility to their friends. It gives them credibility in their decision-making knowing that you are an award-winning designer. The Awards force you to go out and photograph the project and present it in its best possible light, which is something you probably wouldn’t do.

Do you have any insider’s tips about getting an entry ready for the Awards?

Left: Werai, in Finch Street, East Malvern, Victoria is one of Peter's favourite projects.

It takes about three to four hours to prepare to photograph a property.

We actually get the best shots in the last 15 minutes that we shoot just before dusk because we know exactly where to set up the tripod.

You are a veteran of the Award ceremonies themselves. Tell us what you have enjoyed about attending the Awards.

The actual Awards night is the industry highlight of the year. It’s fantastic team-building – the best.

Networking on the night is the best industry networking that we’ve done over the last 25 years. We meet-up prior to the awards and go out afterwards. It’s great to catch up with so many friends in the Association. It’s also where you meet new contacts. I have met Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs at the Awards and he was genuinely very interested in an award he presented me for a farm-stay project that we had the privilege to design for Very Special Kids.

I’ve also become very good friends with many like-minded people I’ve met at the Awards. It’s very good business to network among people in our industry because if I’ve got an issue with something, I can then call on people whom I met at the Awards, for advice. None of these are highlighted as benefits of the Awards, but they are as important as the tangible benefits, because they become valuable in your day-to-day business. It’s an enormous learning curve that you indirectly achieve by meeting other people at the Awards. When I first started my business, I got together with my competitors over lunch and, instead f treating each other as mortal enemies, we then helped each other with advice that was hugely beneficial, about things like how they got plans through council.

There’s enough work out there for everyone, and collaboration is 10 times better than competition. When you have an issue, you ring each other up and ask for help.

The Awards are also good for getting to know the sponsors very well, which breaks down barriers so, as a result, you’re happy to ring them up and ask them questions about windows and fireplaces and products, and so on. Sponsors and suppliers are an invaluable part of our business and it’s just a huge, huge plus to meet them in a social setting and get to know them.

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02. InterVIEW

pics?

Allen Roberts Owner, APR Building Services

Right: Allen likes relaxing with his bonsais at lunch times.

Here he is pictured with a 17-year-old pine tree grown from seed.

Allen completed his Associate Diploma of Architectural Drafting in 1994, and in 1996 became a registered builder practitioner DP-AD. He was hoping to start up his own full-time business in the same year but opportunity knocked at his door and for the next 13 years he worked in the Trade Sales business selling building materials. In the middle of 2007, he decided to get out of the corporate life and finally try working for himself and setup APR Building Services.

In 2008, he completed the RMIT Short course for Thermal Performance Assessments, FirstRate5, and he has been doing NatHERS assessments ever since.

Why did you join Design Matters National?

In 2007, I wanted to leave the corporate world and set up my business full time instead of just doing drafting work on a part time basis. I did a lot of research on all fronts on running a small business and Design Matters National (back then BDAV) kept popping up in the Design/Drafting area, so I joined. With their seminars, webinars, networking, website and other online information, I’m still a full member 13 years later and happy with what they have to offer their members.

To date, what has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it?

Where do I start on that one; I could write a book on that question alone and that’s not including this current year. Having been in the trade business for so long, I have seen that even in a single calendar year, the building industry cycles through its own ups and downs. Having been through Paul Keating’s “The recession that we had to have” in the early 1990s, and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, I’ve learnt to make hay when the sun is shining and tighten the belt when it’s not.

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pics?

Why did you become a thermal performance assessor?

When I was going to move into my own business as a draftsperson I wanted to set the business up properly from the start, but as a small business, what you might call a Mum & Dad business. I wanted the business fully online so I could work from an office at home or remotely. It would be my last profession to retire in to but that was all taking time, so I expanded my horizons and became a TPA in 2008.

So, once again, the drafting side of my business is on hold and my focus has been on the energy efficiency side of the residential building industry over the years. While this profession is relatively young compared to the rest of the building industry, I find it very interesting and never boring. My business focus has been on small to medium-sized businesses and owner builders. This gives me variety in the projects I work on because no two projects are ever the same. The majority of people I deal with aren’t interested in all the bells and whistles, they just want the reporting so they can get their town planning and/or building permit.

What are you working on now, and could you share something unique you’re bringing to the project?

I’m always doing assessments and treat every project as unique, that way I make sure everything can be built to compliance and the materials are available in the marketplace (no window shock).

Being at the beginning of the building process, my job is done once the shovel breaks the ground. At the start, I used to worry if the project was finished and everything went well but, after thousands of assessments over the years, I’ve learnt no news is good news. I only hear back on projects if there are changes during construction, they now want to extend their house, or people haven’t followed the reporting correctly. This has been more the case since the Universal Certificates were introduced.

Basically, I run a simple business with a simple website with simple reporting, that way there is no confusion on what is required for compliance.

02. InterVIEW

"Never compromise your ethical standards or be bullied in to making wrong choices."

Allen Roberts

What is your favourite software tool?

At the start of 2008, I sampled BERS Professional, AccuRate and FirstRate5— all new, second-generation software.

FirstRate5 was my final choice because it was backed and developed by Victoria Sustainability and I found it easier to use and understand. I completed the training in 2008 and then, in 2015, completed the Certificate 4 in NatHERS Assessments to become an Accredited Assessor. Currently, there is a new software package in the marketplace called HERO and I’m going through the online training, so I really can’t comment on it at this point of time.

How has thermal performance assessing (Energy Rating) and energy efficiency changed over the years?

The software tools have come forward in leaps and bounds over the years, particularly since 2016 when globing warming was becoming the main issue of the day. Governments wanted more out of the NCC’s Energy Efficiency requirements in both volumes one and two, due to energy costs spiralling out of control. NCC’s 2019 had some major changes and avenues moving forward but watch this space because in 2022 we’ll be moving in to whole-of-house reporting.

We have also seen over the years the implementation of the Universal Certificates for unified reporting which raises funds for the CSIRO to further develop the Chenath engine and funds for the software providers to further develop their tools.

FirstRate5 software today is so much more advanced than the version I first learnt in 2008 and I look forward to its further developments over the years to come. There was also the introduction of the course, Certificate 4 NatHERS Assessments for assessors to become accredited through AAOs, and to be recognised nationally.

You have been on the TAC for TPAs for a few years now, why did you join?

I won’t lie. Back then I was lost and joining the new TAC for TPAs was one of the best knowledge moves I have ever made. If you ever want to know why the different levels of governments move so slowly, join a committee; it’s a real eye-opener. I must say I really enjoy the challenges, the documents I get to read, the meetings and most importantly, my fellow committee members who give their time to better and further our profession.

Do you have any words of wisdom for students wanting to be part of, or who are currently working in your profession?

Learn, read, then learn and read some more. Once you get any qualification that should never be the end of your learning. CPD is so important to further your knowledge and professionalism but don’t just do learning for the sake of gaining CPD points; learn to better yourself and your business professionally. Why not join a committee, attend meetings, read papers of relevance; all this will lead to better knowledge and your future development.

Which leads me to my next words of wisdom: it is not our job to make projects achieve six stars. We assess the project on the data provided, within the rules of the NatHERS Technical Notes and if the minimum required star rating is achieved then all is good. But if it doesn’t, work with all concerned to achieve the end goal. Never compromise your ethical standards or be bullied in to making wrong choices.

Covid-19 Considering the current environment we are all finding ourselves in this year, I would just like to finish on the following: times are tough and we all handle our situations in different ways. If you are struggling, there are many lifeline associations that you can look up online, contact through email, or just pick up the phone and call. Front and foremost, please talk to your GP. The first step is always the hardest but it is always the best; all lives matter.

Beyond Blue:www.beyondblue.org.au Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au R U OK?: www.ruok.org.au

INTERVIEW

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DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL Issue 29

Upcoming CPD Events Protection Works - Tips & Traps

04 AUG

Accredited TPA Workshop – Intermediate *LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE*

19 AUG

Tuesday 4 August 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST

Wednesday 19 August 2020 | 10:00am – 2:30pm AEST

Patrick Irwin – Irwin Structures

Matthew Graham – Graham Energy

4 CPD Points Want to avoid protection works problems?

What are protection works? When are protection works required? The regulatory process and why you need to know about it, and more.

Four-hour workshop covering modelling topics. Exclusively for accredited DMN TPAs using FirstRate5 v5.2.Must have completed the introduction and have FirstRate5 v5.2 loaded on their laptop for this workshop.

FORMAL / TECHNICAL CPD

FORMAL / TECHNICAL CPD

AutoCAD 2D vs Revit 3D - Creating Detailed 2D Drawings from the Revit 3D Model

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Urban Design for Townhouses

20

AUG

AUG

Tuesday 11 August 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST

Thursday 20 August 2020 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm AEST

Glenn Barrett – Interscale

Vincent Pham – Kinetica

1 CPD Point Taking a 3D house and creating 2D drawings with very little effort. Creating plans, elevations and sections at selected scales.

Creating detail and call out vies, at selected scales. Using cameras to create special views around the house (inside and outside). Looking at Schedules – the automatic creation of all of the Doors and Windows used throughout the model.

FORMAL / TECHNICAL CPD

AutoCAD 2D vs Revit 3D - Using the Model Further and Going Further With BIM

18 AUG

Discussing the role urban design plays in developing successful townhouse schemes on infill sites within established suburbs, with a focus on two- to three-storey proposals in metropolitan Melbourne. Key tips and tricks to look out for, particularly during the site analysis stage, and how to respond to ‘neighbourhood character’.

Tuesday 22 July 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST

Glenn Barrett – Interscale

Julie Bell – Kinetica

Looking beyond the 3D model for only 2D drawings.

High-level rendering; walk throughs; shadow casting; landscaping; 4D (duration, timeline & scheduling), 5D (cost estimation, analysis & budgetary tracking), 6D.

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Urban Design for Apartment Buildings

Tuesday 18 August 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST

1 CPD Point

1 CPD Point

AUG

1 CPD point Key urban design issues to consider when designing apartment buildings, including: strategies for responding to context and character; building massing and composition; managing off-site amenity impacts; apartment layout and amenity; the design of the ground plane.

FORMAL / TECHNICAL CPD 20

EVENTS

CLICK. LISTEN. LEARN Design Matters National Virtual Series

25

Master Planning

AUG

SHOP

Available webinar recordings

Tuesday 25 August 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST

Copyright Right Series 1

Julia Bell – Kinetica

1 CPD point Key urban design issues to consider when designing apartment buildings, including: strategies for responding to context and character; building massing and composition; managing off-site amenity impacts; apartment layout and amenity; the design of the ground plane.

1 Non-Technical CPD each

Passive House Series 1 NatHERS CPD each • Introduction to Passive House • A review of a local Passive House projects • International approach to Passive House projects

Revit Training Series – Part 6

27 AUG

Disability Access Matters Bruce Bromley - 1 Formal CPD

Thursday 27 July 2020 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm AEST Tomislav Golubovic – Interscale

2 CPD points

Designing Energy Timothy Ellis - 1 Non-Technical CPD

For all the HVAC users. Learn how to make our first MEP project, placing ducts, raceways, conduit and some piping to build up our MEP knowledge. Access to the link and instruction will be provided one week before the event.

TPA NatHERS Series • ABCB 2019 Façade Calculator

FORMAL / TECHNICAL CPD

• Continuous Insulation System • NatHERS Whole of Home (WoH) for Assessors • Principles of thermally broken systems/WERS • The Scorecard – 3 years on…

• Chenath Engine and its further developments

To book your next CPD Event visit www.designmatters.org.au/Events

• HERO Energy Rating Software – Introduction • HERO Energy Rating Software – Multi-dwelling Modelling • What’s new in FirstRate5 v5.3.0?

EVENTS

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03. Member Matters Design Matters National

SketchBook

OLDERFLEET BUILDINGS

REGENT THEATRE

Malcolm was commissioned by the then Building Designers Association of Victoria to sketch The Olderfleet Buildings in 1995. The sketch was presented to the Planning Minister, the guest speaker at the BDAV annual dinner. Following the dinner, the Victorian Government commissioned 12 sketches of other Collins Street buildings. The Olderfleet Building was built in 1889-90. In 1974, the entire rear wing was demolished.

Redevelopment in the mid-1980s retained the front section.

In 1996, Malcolm produced this pen and ink sketch as part of his Victorian Government commission. The commission called for sketches of 12 buildings in Collins Street, Melbourne. This historic former Picture Palace was built in 1929, closed in 1970 and reopened in 1986 as a live theatre. It is one of six city theatres collectively known as Melbourne's East End Theatre District.

MALCOLM TROMPF

MALCOLM TROMPF

Email your sketch and inspiration to editor@designmatters.org.au 22

M E M B E R M AT T E R S

SCOTS CHURCH The use of pen and ink to portray the bluestone of Scots' Church appealed to Malcolm.

This was not one of the 12 in Malcolm's Government-commissioned series. Architects Reed and Barnes began the design of the present building in 1869. The foundation stone was laid on 1 April, 1873, and the building opened 29 November, 1874. In 1963, the damaged spire was reduced by 40 feet and, in 1989, restored to the original height.

MALCOM TROMPF

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04. Planning Matters

It's all in the planning Ashley Thompson, Director of Clause 1 Planning Consultants, shares his wisdom on planning for success.

What is your best tip for gaining development approval from a council?

Always remain courteous and professional to Council and the planner assessing your application at Council, even if there is a fundamental disagreement about what is appropriate for your site; even if you receive what you believe to be an obtuse and completely unreasonable request for further information; even if the timeframes on Council’s side are blowing out. It is OK to disagree with Council’s position. It is OK to escalate issues to a planning manager when required. It is OK to appeal disputes to VCAT but remain professional and courteous.

What is the most challenging aspect of the current planning laws that you work with?

Our clients’ most common concerns relate to the timeframes taken by Council to process applications and the ever-increasing complexity of information required to accompany those applications. We note that a lot of work is being done at the Council and state level to improve this situation. The advent of VicSmart applications and the removal of a number of permit triggers over recent years, is evidence of that effort.

Putting aside timeframes for processing and the complexity of application requirements, one of the more frustrating parts of the current regime, from my perspective, is that Councils are not obligated to follow previous VCAT decisions. This means that decisions by VCAT can be ignored (or differentiate) by Council.

This is frustrating and partially responsible for the perception of a two-tiered system.

Is it better to go for a safer planning outcome or take time to try and achieve something through VCAT?

It is OK to appeal disputes to VCAT but remain professional and courteous.

The answer to this question depends on numerous things.

However, we generally advise our clients that it is better to get an outcome at Council level, if we can, rather than go to VCAT. In every instance, we recommend that the additional cost and time required for a VCAT appeal should be avoided if possible and all options at Council be completely exhausted before committing to an appeal.

Having said that, it is not uncommon for us to provide advice to clients in two parts: 1 What we expect Council will approve, and then 2 What we expect VCAT will approve.

It is then up to the client to determine what path is best for the project.

In the vast majority of cases, Council Planners will genuinely attempt to assist applicants to obtain a positive outcome.

However, it is inevitable that a performance-based planning system will sometimes provide a difference of opinion or interpretation. The difference between the two levels of advice (above) is often a result of Council’s interpretation of certain provisions differing from previous VCAT decisions or a more widely held view.

Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au

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VCAT is an important part of the Victorian Planning System, but it is not a panacea for all applicant ills. I see our role as providing the best advice possible to clients, so that they can make informed decisions about how far to push their projects, having due regard to the relative risks.

04. Planning Matters

Clause 1 Planning is a specialised town planning consultancy dedicated to assisting property developers, building designers, architects, business applicants and other regular users, navigate the increasing complexity of Victoria's State and Local Planning Controls. For more information please visit: www.clause1.com.au

What planning changes do you believe would enhance community development where you live?

What are three steps to improving the success of a development application?

The idea of community is an interesting one. I suspect most people consider their ‘community’ to be those people, places, institutions, businesses, and organisations with whom they interact most frequently. This means our ‘community’ is often close to home (but not necessarily).

I am of the view that there is only one critical step, and perhaps two sub-steps, to obtaining successful planning outcomes.

I live in Kensington (Melbourne City Council), which has a great village feel and wonderful community spirit. Our family has enjoyed growing up with strong local sports clubs, primary schools, active Scout group, a thriving high street, great local pub and numerous parks and other places for community congregation.

I am of the view that the sense of ‘community’ is enhanced when barriers to social interactions are removed and opportunities for people-to-people experiences are encouraged.

Planning can play a significant role in assisting these outcomes: • Most Councils actively seek to increase parkland and enhance spaces within their municipalities to make them more attractive and appealing for community activation • Designs for new estates by the large developers are, more and more, incorporating community hubs, providing parks and recreational spaces, and establishing community groups as part of their sales process to expedite the social connections of residents and a sense of community, and • At the micro level of individual planning applications, design responses can provide enhanced opportunities for greater social contact with other residents/tenants/colleagues and foster ‘community building’. These include: common bin enclosures; common access ways; common entrances and parking areas; a lack of fencing; provision of casual overlooking and surveillance; communal open-space areas; communal recreational spaces; and other such characteristics.

Step 1 The one critical consideration to achieving better planning outcomes is to ensure you fully review and understand all the relevant planning considerations pertaining to your project. Only with a detailed understanding of ‘all’ the relevant planning policy and legislation, permit triggers, decision guidelines and related considerations, can a design response and application be prepared that appropriately addresses those considerations.

Step 1a Understanding all that is relevant provides important insight into how the Council planning officer will assess your application. All too often, inexperienced applicants fail to make submissions on issues such as: significant local policy; cultural heritage; best-practice environmental management; environmentally-sustainable design; potentially contaminated land; parking and traffic; vegetation protection; coastal inundation; specific decision guidelines in DDOs and other overlays; specific provisions; referral requirements; seriously entertained planning scheme amendments… just to mention a few.

I t is difficult to convince Council that a proposal has been carefully resolved if the applicant has completely overlooked one or more important relevant considerations. There is plenty of scope for creative design in most planning applications but omitting critical planning considerations will not shine a positive light on your proposal.

Step 1b Perhaps more importantly, a strong understanding of the relevant planning considerations will provide practitioners with a solid basis from which to set realistic expectations for clients - realistic timeframe, process and outcome expectations. Success at Clause 1 means ensuring that the expectations of our clients are met or exceeded.

Only with experience and a solid understanding of the relevant requirements, can such expectations be established early in the process.

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Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes

VCAT Reforms in 2020 On 1 July 2020, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) announced new initiatives as part of its Planning and Environmental Division (PED) reforms. The reforms are part of the PED’s digitising processes to transition from existing manual and hardcopy-based systems to digital solutions. VCAT suspended all in-person hearings in March 2020 to safeguard the wellbeing of its staff and the general public and have since implemented telephone and virtual online hearings and conferences.

These tidbits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to INTERSECT. For more information, visit www.clause1.com.au

The most recent reforms are summarised here: Application forms New application forms have been prepared for application in the Planning and Environment Division, designed to be more user-friendly. A separate application for the Major Cases List is no longer available rather, the new application form allows the applicant to elect to enter the Major Cases List or the Short Cases List. It is also planned for the application forms to be ‘smart’ forms once the PED digital project is complete. New forms have been prepared for applications for enforcement orders and costs, which will be available soon.

Initiating orders New initiating orders have been simplified. Much of the information previously provided on the orders will now be located on the VCAT website. Initiating orders will include the requirement to provide submissions before the hearing to assist in streamlining hearings.

Practice notes The number of practice notes will be reduced to six, with PNPE2 and PNPE9 revised. Important information from the repealed (deleted) practice note information will be on the VCAT website.

Fact sheets A series of fact sheets has been prepared, addressing matters including the amendment or cancellation of permits, enforcement orders, and environment and resources cases. Fact sheets addressing applications under various Acts (e.g., Heritage Act 2017, Gambling Regulation Act 2003, and Subdivision Act 1988) in planning disputes will be available in due course.

Tribunal books In cases involving multiple parties and expert witnesses, VCAT may direct the preparation of a Tribunal Book. This is a document prepared by the parties, containing documents on which the parties intend to rely. It may be required by VCAT order or at the parties’ initiative. One party (usually the applicant) should co-ordinate the preparation of the Tribunal Book. VCAT must be provided with an electronic copy and one hard copy in colour, with specific format and layout requirements.

Revamped Short Cases List The Short Cases List was revamped in May 2020, to deal quickly and efficiently with cases which have limited parties, limited issues and which can be determined within three hours. Hearings for the short cases list are to be listed at approximately 12 weeks from lodgement to VCAT. Parties will be required to give VCAT and each other their submissions ahead of the hearing. Parties are encouraged to use a template for the preparation of submissions, which identifies the issues in dispute.

Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au

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Major Cases List Practice day hearings will not be listed in applications in the Major Cases List unless requested by a party and determined to be necessary by VCAT.

04. Planning Matters

Section 82 Applications (appeals by objectors, referral authorities and affected persons) Compulsory conferences are now listed in all applications under section 82 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Further details of VCAT reforms, including links to the resources referred to here, can be found at https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/news/planning-and-environment-division-reforms VCAT Planning and Environment Division COVID-19 Digital Response Program In April 2020, VCAT received funding to implement digital solutions to support the PED recovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow it to resolve matters remotely.

The following changes will be made over the coming months: • Physical case files will be replaced with digital files • Users will be able to enter details directly into Smart Forms for efficient submission of applications and forms, and • Since 18 May, 2020, a new technology platform has allowed matters to be heard virtually.

Further details are provided on the VCAT website at https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/news/vcat-hearings-during-coronavirus-restrictions All listed matters which can only proceed face-to-face are being adjourned to a future date.

VCAT Fees And lastly, unlike in previous years, fees for VCAT services did not increase on 1 July, 2020. The Victorian Government has placed a freeze on fees and fine increases for 2020-21 and will maintain the 2019-20 values of fee and penalty units for this period.

Getting an Exemption to the Garden Area Requirements In May 2018, we wrote two Tidbits on Amendment VC143, Garden Area Clarification-Kind of... and New Garden Area Changes: Puts a lid on one can of worms & opens another.

Practitioners may recall VC143 sought to clarify the previously ambiguous definition of what constitutes part of the mandatory ‘Garden Area’ (GA). Amendment VC143 also introduced new GA exemptions into the Neighborhood and General Residential zones.

The exemptions to the GA requirements at Clause 32.08-4 include: An application to construct or extend a dwelling or residential building on a lot if: – The lot is designated as a medium density housing site in an approved precinct structure plan or an approved equivalent strategic plan; – The lot is designated as a medium density housing site in an incorporated plan or approved development plan;…

In May 2018, we wrote: We note that there is currently no definition within the Victorian Planning Provisions as to what constitutes: “medium density housing” or; “an approved equivalent strategic plan” We expect the interpretation of these two terms will have significant ramifications for how widely this exemption to the Garden Area requirements will be cast.

We are hopeful that VCAT will be given an opportunity to clarify the definition of “medium density housing”, “an approved equivalent strategic plan” and the extent to which this exemption can be applied, sooner rather than later.

In a recent VCAT case, Barnes Capital Pty Ltd v Surf Coast SC (No. 1) [2020] VCAT 449, the Tribunal provided the clearest guidance, yet, on this issue.

In Barnes the Tribunal was asked to provide a legal interpretation confirming whether or not a site was exempt from the mandatory Garden Area requirements specified in Clause 32.08-4 of the GRZ. The application was for a residential hotel, which would normally be subject to the mandatory GA requirements. Council refused the application on a number of grounds, one of which was that the application did …not provide the mandatory minimum garden area required by Clause 32.08-4.

The permit applicant contested that the application fell within the exemption at 32.08-4, and that the mandatory GA requirements were not relevant to the application.

The following question of law was put to the Tribunal: Is the review site exempt from the minimum garden area requirement in clause 32.08-4 of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme on the basis that the subject land is designated as a medium density housing site in an approved precinct structure plan or equivalent strategic plan?

The permit applicant argued that the Torquay and Jan Juc Structure Plan 2007 was an approved equivalent structure plan.

Council and a number of objectors opposed this submission.

Finding in favor of the permit applicant and determining that the site was exempt from the mandatory garden area requirements, the Tribunal provided the following useful insights into what constitutes “an approved equivalent strategic plan” and a “medium density housing site” (as required by the exemption).

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04. Planning Matters Approved Equivalent Strategic Plan In looking to provide some clarity as to what constitutes an approved equivalent strategic plan the Tribunal noted that the main function of a ‘precinct structure plan’ is as follows: 23 I therefore accept that the main function of a PSP is to address housing and employment demands for particular greenfield areas created by population growth as part of broader urban consolidation objectives.

The Tribunal then looked at the ‘purpose’ of the exemption and noted: 31 In construing the Exemption, I should have regard to its purpose. Its stated purpose is: [To c]reate exemptions where significant strategic planning has been undertaken and areas or sites have been identified for more intensive housing outcomes on smaller lots or designated medium density housing sites. This includes, precinct structure plans, incorporated plans and development plans.

Regarding the facts in this case, the Tribunal noted: 57 The Structure Plan adopts a hierarchy of activity centres, adopts a hierarchy of roads and a pathway network, identifies environmentally significant sites, identifies community and recreation facilities and includes an infrastructure distribution plan. It also facilitated the preparation of an approved development contributions plan for the Structure Plan area.

In summary, the Tribunal found: 79. …the Structure Plan in conjunction with clause 21.08 of the Scheme is an approved equivalent strategic plan for the purposes of the Exemption.

Medium Density Housing Site Turning now to what the Tribunal said when determining if the site was designated as a ‘medium density housing’ site under the equivalent plan. Our interpretation of the main points from the decision are listed below:

• ‘Medium density housing’ is not a defined expression in the Scheme • The Structure Plan identifies the subject land as an area for ‘urban consolidation’ and such an area is generally suitable for medium density development • Even if the permit application is not for medium density housing, the relevant consideration (under the exemption) is 32 The author of the Exemption therefore intended the Exemption whether the ‘land’ is designated for medium density housing to apply if an approved equivalent strategic plan consisted of ‘significant’ strategic planning. They also intended that the • Just because a site is not suitable for medium density housing, doesn’t mean that the exemption will not apply to the lot, plan could identify ‘areas’ as well as sites for ‘more intensive and housing outcomes’. Neither the Exemption nor the purpose sought to limit the size of an area or the degree of intensity in • Support in local policy and other site-specific controls, may add weight to the land being designated as a medium density an equivalent plan that might qualify as an equivalent plan. housing site.

Turning to what could be considered ‘equivalent’ to a PSP for the The Tribunal concluded: purpose of the exemption the Tribunal provided: The changes … recognise sites identified for more intensive residential development should be exempt from the minimum garden area requirement to ensure an adequate supply of housing opportunities across Melbourne.

37 ‘Equivalent’ is neither defined in the Exemption nor defined for any other purpose in the Scheme or PE Act. Its relevant ordinary meaning is equal in force, effect or significance, or corresponding in function.

The Tribunal goes on to note that to be ‘equivalent’, the relevant document/plan: • Must be equivalent in function to a PSP • Does not need to relate to a greenfield site • Does not need to be incorporated into the relevant scheme • Should be approved by Council and ideally identified in the scheme as a reference document or background document • Should apply to a distinct area or precinct, rather than the entire municipality • Should allow the reader to ascertain the planning-intention for the subject site, and • Would ideally inform (and permeate through) the local policy and other relevant provision such as overlays, that effect the site.

100 The subject land is a lot designated as a MDH site in the Structure Plan.

Like in all decisions, the Tribunal was careful to emphasise that the outcome in this matter was based on the facts of this matter.

And each case will be determined on its own merits.

In addition, just because a site may be exempt from the ‘mandatory’ garden area requirements, considerations such as neighborhood character and landscaping are still relevant to the decision maker.

However, permit applicants should consider carefully the principles used to apply the garden area exemptions in Barnes.

Clause 1 is of the view that the reasonably flexible interpretation given to the term ‘an approved equivalent strategic plan’ may have significantly wider application. Most notably: locations within or adjacent activities centres, areas that have been included in strategic framework plans, structure plans, outline development plans, master plans and similar may meet the exemption test. Applicants should look carefully at reference, incorporated and Council approved documents to confirm if the exemption can be applied.

For further information regarding the garden area exemptions please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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Ensuring quality with standards

By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

On 14 June this year, London commemorated the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The fire, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, caused 72 deaths. Its speed and ferocity were largely the result of the multi-storey tower's highly flammable cladding.

This cladding was made of aluminium composite panels: two sheets of aluminium sandwiching a polyethylene core. Cladding is generally used for noise control, to improve weather resistance and thermal insulation, as well as for aesthetic reasons. It can be made out of a variety of different materials, including wood and metal, but the lightweight, aesthetically pleasing and relatively cheap composite cladding panels have become increasingly common around the world. They can, however, be particularly dangerous when used on multi-storey buildings.

The Grenfell Tower has 24 storeys. In June 2017, the fire began in a flat on the fourth floor and, within half an hour, had spread to the fifth and sixth floors. Eventually, the majority of the building was affected. Seventy Grenfell residents died that night; two more died later in hospital.

In Australia, cladding is most infamously associated with the Lacrosse building fire, which occurred in Melbourne, in November 2014. In a similar fashion, an accidental fire began on the eighth floor and spread in under 15 minutes to level 21 of the 23-storey tower. Fortunately, there were no deaths.

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05. Industry Matters The Lacrosse building fire instigated change. States and territories began audits of buildings with potentially flammable cladding; a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal apportioned liability for the damage caused by the fire between the builder, building surveyor, architect and fire engineer; and the Building Confidence report presented 24 recommendations to improve regulatory enforcement in the Australian industry.

In an ongoing inquiry, the UK government is examining the circumstances surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire, including regulatory compliance, the building's design and construction, and the way in which the fire spread to the whole of the building.

Grenfell and Lacrosse are grave examples of how a lack of adherence to standards and regulations can turn a building into a disaster site.

In Australia, standards set out the way products and materials should be made and used, whether that's olive oil or roof tiles.

Standards are written by Standards Australia. The standards they publish are voluntary, but many are incorporated into legislation by federal, state and territory governments. Australian Standards are written for the national scale, making them applicable around the country. As such, standards are a major contributor to the harmonisation of the design and construction industry.

Harmonisation has practical benefits – for example, facilitating a building professional's move interstate – as well as economic

benefits such as lower production costs and economies of scale.

This improves efficiency and productivity. Australian Standards complement the National Construction Code (NCC), in which they are often referenced. The NCC contains harmonised, compulsory regulations for the national construction industry.

In Volume One of the NCC, for example, a material's combustibility is determined according to the fire testing regime specified in AS 1530.1. Depending on their class and number of storeys, buildings are classified by the NCC into three types: Types A, B and C. High-rise structures are generally included in Type A or B. This means they are at a higher risk of fire, requiring the highest fire resistance.

The ultimate way of ensuring that a design is made to Australian Standards is by referring to the relevant standards in specifications. The National Building Specification, maintained

by NATSPEC, is a high-quality, customisable specification system made for all building professionals and all types of design and construction around the country. The TECHnote GEN 002 NATSPEC's Use of Standards outlines how NATSPEC specifications incorporate Australian Standards by referencing a standard's number and providing guidance when a standard includes options.

The National Building Specification, and its use of relevant Australian Standards, allows building designers to manage the quality and compliance of their work. The documentation is indispensable.

NATSPEC is a not-for-profit, governmentand industry-owned organisation. It maintains the National Building Specification and has been a valued part of the Australian construction industry for 45 years.

For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au

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Maximising value using Residential Efficiency Scorecard

By Danielle King, Green Moves Australia

Background For over a decade, there has been talk of introducing disclosure of residential property energy efficiency at the point of sale or rent.

Apart from being implemented in the ACT (using the now unsupported First Rate 4 in 2004), disclosure for existing homes elsewhere, sadly, never progressed, partially due an appropriate tool not being available.

Using the existing NatHERS suite of tools to rate existing homes for disclosure was investigated. However, the cost of having plans drawn up (for homes without them) to provide a rating using First Rate, Accurate or BersPro made it too much of a financial burden for the average householder. A cheaper solution needed to be found for existing homes.

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard (or Scorecard) was created for the purpose of rating existing homes in Victoria, initially for disclosure, but it can be used for so much more. Furthermore, its capability to become a national tool has now been trialled and proven and, in July 2020, it was announced that Scorecard would become part of the NatHERS suite of tools to provide ratings for existing homes.

The Scorecard provides a governmentbacked trusted tool to measure and quantify the energy efficiency of a home to fill that gap. This is significant because it creates new opportunities for existing residential efficiency assessors, building designers, and

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Things in the residential efficiency arena are finally changing for the better. Householders are realising the value of comfortable and highly efficient homes; banks are offering efficient home loan discounts; and now the Residential Efficiency Scorecard is being incorporated into NatHERS providing a way to reliably rate existing homes.

Here is my perspective on what Design Matters National Members should know.

thermal performance assessors to expand services and further improve the housing stock they are working with. It is also likely to be used to inform future policies and provide a tool for disclosure purposes when that becomes a requirement.

About Scorecard The Residential Efficiency Scorecard was designed to help households better understand the energy performance of their homes by allocating a rating between 1 and 10 stars. The star rating covers both the building shell and fixed appliances and is based on cost to run. So, a 1-star rated home would be expensive to run, and a 10-star home would be very cost efficient to run.

The Scorecard certificate also shows: • The star rating out of 10, with and without solar PV • How your fixed household appliances (such as heating systems, air conditioners, lighting, hot water, pools and spas) compare to the best-in-class • How much energy is covered by solar PV, if you have it • Ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, and • The home’s hot and cold weather rating (whether it will stay comfortable during those seasons without using significant active heating or cooling).

To view an example, click here

Assessments can be performed on existing houses and off the plan. Apartments can also be assessed if the property has its own heating, cooling, hot water and other services.

The recommendations on the certificate are generated by calculations based on the current features and equipment in the home.

Certificate recommendations are impartial and tend to be general, and it is the role of the assessor to talk through the priorities of any recommendations taking into account the specific needs of the situation.

A Scorecard rating represents the performance of the home at the point the assessor undertook the rating. If the home is upgraded or renovated the initial certificate will no longer be valid. The assessor can update the existing rating, or create a new rating, depending on the requirements.

What can it be used for?

• Showcasing the efficiency of a home you have designed and/or built • Identifying the level of efficiency of an existing home • Identifying how to improve the cost efficiency of the home • Quantifying improvements of renovation and appliance upgrades (i.e., if x is upgraded, the impact on the rating is y) • Comparing one home with another (in terms of cost efficiency to run) for buying, selling or renting

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05. Industry Matters The Residential Efficiency Scorecard was designed to help households better understand the energy performance of their homes by allocating a rating between 1 and 10 stars.

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• Obtaining discounts on home loans (currently via Bank Australia) • Potentially qualifying for Environmental Upgrade Finance via councils (coming soon), and • Demonstrate cost efficiency to run (see notes under Valuing Efficiency, later in this article).

A key benefit is that for customers whose homes have obtained a high Scorecard rating, not only will they be proud of a highly-rated home, they would also realise the value of a house that is low cost to run, and be even happier when they come to sell in the future.

The price of assessments is set by the market and ranges from $250 to $500.

The actual cost will depend on the size of the home, location and the complexity of the assessment. Scorecard assessments are delivered by government accredited assessors. There are also Scorecard Accredited assessors in the major capital cities around Australia.

If you need to confirm the validity of a Scorecard rating, check the address on the certificate matches the address of the home, look at the date of assessment to check currency, and that the assessor name and identifying accreditation number is listed.

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If you are still concerned or would like further information, contact the Scorecard Assessor or the Scorecard Team at help.scorecard@ delwp.vic.gov.au TPAs would find it relatively simple to add Scorecard Assessments to their services as they already have the building shell knowledge. As long as they can demonstrate solid knowledge in the key energy efficient appliances, the training and exam is likely to be a straightforward process. Accreditation requirements for Scorecard Assessors can be found here https://www. victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/saveenergy-and-money/get-a-home-energyassessment/deliver-assessments Builders, building designers and architects already know there is a strong business case for energy efficient homes. Now there is a reliable way to communicate the cost efficiency of a home, using Scorecard.

The difference between Scorecard and the NatHERS rating system Currently, the best-known tool for rating homes is the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

Like Scorecard, NatHERS uses a star rating from 1 to 10.

05. Industry Matters

NatHERS predominately rates the building shell, its unit of measurement is MJ/m2, and it can be used for building compliance.

Scorecard rates the building shell and key fixed appliances based on cost to run.

It is not currently used as a tool to demonstrate compliance but that may change in the future.

The key differences between NatHERS and Scorecard are in the table to the right.

Both tools treat the building shell similarly and the Scorecard will soon take NatHERS ratings as an input field. The Scorecard has been correlated against NatHERS to confirm the two tools are consistent. A home with a good NatHERS building shell rating should also rate well under the Scorecard building shell elements but with Scorecard it’s possible to achieve 10 Stars through including highly efficient appliances and adding solar PV. About the National Scorecard Pilot As notified in the Scorecard Update: Bulletin #21 - A national version of the Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard Program (the Scorecard) will be incorporated into the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), so that NatHERS can provide energy ratings for existing homes. This will require further work and consultation with

NatHERS

Scorecard

Out of 10 stars

Out of 10 stars

Housing type

Predominantly new build or renovation

All houses, new or existing

Measure

MJ/m2 Normalised to floor area

Energy costs for fixed appliances

Data source

Information taken from detailed plans

Information must be discoverable on walk through

Includes

No appliances

Fixed appliances (heaters, coolers, hot water systems, lights, PV systems, pools). Also includes hot weather rating.

Customer interaction

Often customer is a designer or architect, sometimes householder interaction can occur

Assessors provide tailored advice for each customer, answers any questions that they have about their house

Uses

Often used to meet minimum standards, occasionally for above standards

Improvement options are generated by the tool and included in the certificate. Easy to run upgrade scenarios

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key stakeholders to establish the NatHERS requirements for existing homes, followed by refinements being made to the Scorecard to ensure it fulfils these requirements and is fit for purpose for potential programs.

How Scorecard can benefit your business and clients • Additional service for assessors/ designers – providing a Scorecard rating with the plans • Guiding and quantifying upgrades for renovations and key appliance selection • Can assist with finance – Environmental Upgrade Finance or discounted bank loan applications • Rating can be promoted to sell/rent the property, and • Increases market value.

Valuing Efficiency There have been several pieces of research conducted over the past 10-15 years on the effect of energy efficiency and sustainability on both residential and commercial property market prices. It is now well known in the commercial sector that high NABERS or Green Star rating can increase the property value from between 3% to 22% depending on the property and location. Similarly, in the residential sector, market value has shown to increase if the home has energy efficiency features or a high star rating from a reputable source.

The first piece of research in Australia was conducted in Canberra after the ACT brought in mandatory disclosure for residential properties. The ACT Energy Efficiency Rating and House Price Report 2005 produced by independent researchers, found that at the point of sale or rent the market value increased by between 3-5% for each star above the norm that the property had.

PRD Nationwide have also researched the economic benefit in conjunction with the Queensland University of Technology (funded by the Australian Research Council) which found evidence that people will pay a premium for well-designed efficient homes of 10% and higher depending on the home and location.

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Internationally, studies have shown, in the UK, house market price increases of between 5-20% for homes that rate well (A or B grade) on their Energy Performance Certificate rating scheme. Again, depending on home and location results vary but increases were noted in all areas analysed.

Even the USA (UNC Environmental Finance Centre) have identified price premiums of high-performance homes of between 3 and 10% and on average such homes sold 10-30% faster.

And what about demand? In Western Australia’s Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), Chiara Pacifici conducted some housing research on this topic. She produced the ‘What Perth Wants’ report and found that 89% of respondents would like to see ‘more eco-friendly buildings that generate their own power, collect rainwater and use less energy’. There is clearly an appetite for efficient housing.

In short, there is demand, there is value and now there is a way to communicate in a trusted and simple to understand manner.

Finally, it's worth noting that efficient homes are not a fad, nor a temporary trend; they are the future of real estate and tomorrow’s market. Having a trusted mechanism to rate and promote such homes is key to recognising their true value.

Both NatHERS and Scorecard can now be used to demonstrate and promote a highly efficient home.

Residential Efficiency Scorecard • Solar panels • Air leakage • Hot water system • Curtains and external blinds • Floor material and insulation • Heating system • Cooling system • Ceiling insulation • Window size and orientation • Pools and outdoor spas • Showers

Danielle King is a highly qualified Sustainability Assessor and Energy Efficiency consultant.

She is the Founder and Director of Green Moves Australia, a company that provides a range of independent sustainability advisory services and education tailored for the residential and commercial markets. She is currently working with the Victorian State Government Scorecard Advisory Panel and is a long-term (7 years) member of the Sustainability Advisory Board at Design Matters National.

05. Industry Matters

What a Building Designer can do to help reduce defects

Joel Duncan from Bolthole Design & Drafting recommends a good builder and robust tendering for a builder.

Brendan Watkins of Builder Background Checks suggests getting a Builder Background Report www.builderchecks.com.au - and a Design Matters National Member, too!

Brett Seriani of Seriani Designs says commit to achieving LOD500 at the closure of the project, and ensure the supplied documentation to the Contractors, Fabricators, Suppliers and so forth equally support and is coordinated to achieve such an objective. Further to that, initiate ECIs as soon as feasibly possible and establish an integrated design team at the commencement of the project. This places all the key stakeholders into the planning stage of the project and will assist in mitigating potential defects within the project. Brett says that as we live and operate in an imperfect world, working collaboratively will help mitigate the imperfections inherent within our practices.

Lenny Sacco from Base Building Design & Interiors suggests collaborating with the builder, engineer and other stakeholders before construction to identify any potential issues to resolve before construction commences. He also says get involved during the building process to assist the builder with detailing and carry out inspections on site against the documentation throughout various stages of the building process to ensure compliance with the drawings and specifications.

Ramsey Abdalla from Buildpoint Australia recommends offering QA for every building stage.

Helen Hyatt of Helen Hyatt Design has made the following list from listening to Geoff Hoare’s seminars on documentation, and what the commission found lacking when they reviewed same a few years ago; as well as what insurers have found to be problems: • It’s good to refresh one’s memory before doing construction drawings.

• I don’t do contract management but aim to go on site regularly, especially as the insulation is going in, to check for gaps.

Otherwise, I call in and ask questions.

I work with great builders so mainly I’m learning from them.

• One of things I’ve learnt from builders is to firstly focus on the problem/defect, rather than whose fault it is. It also helps if the client does the same and doesn’t expect perfection. Of course, all this is easier if it’s hundreds of dollars involved, rather than thousands.

“All that said,” Helen says, “I take responsibility early when I have made a mistake and give my opinion when I think the builder needs to ‘Fix this please’ when we can’t find a compromise that the client is happy with.”

If you would like to share a tip for avoiding defects, please email editor@designmatters.org.au

I N D U S T RY M AT T E R S 

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Issue 29

05. Business Matters A mentor is someone with whom you will discuss many aspects of your business and whilst they may not be able to provide specific solutions, they will support you in finding the solution.

The Business Mentor

By Ian Geddes, Director, Dench McClean Carlson

COVID-19 has thrown many challenges at business owners. Here, Ian Geddes, makes the case for engaging a mentor for practical advice and support.

What is a business mentor?

A business mentor is a person with whom you develop a trusted long-term relationship and who will support you as you progress along your individual business journey.

Why would a business need a mentor?

There are no specific criteria which determine the need for a mentor nor the advantage in having one. People who elect to have a mentor do so with the goal of building accountability into their own practice and are prepared to be challenged by someone who isn’t going to say what they think they would like to hear.

A mentor will challenge your thought processes and decision-making criteria so you can move forward knowing you have considered more than your own perspective. They will also be there to debrief your successes and failures so you can build on the successes and avoid future failures.

How much time is involved?

The nature of the mentor-mentee relationship is that it is usually not highly structured, and the agenda is guided by the mentee. Some months there will be a lot of interaction, others there will be less based on the prevailing conditions.

At present, in the COVID-19 crisis, there would be many long calls with mentees as we face unprecedented conditions and discuss multiple scenarios to achieve the best possible outcomes.

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I N D U S T RY M AT T E R S

What is the difference between a mentor and a coach?

A coach is someone you engage with to introduce or enhance specific skills or expertise within your business. An example in the building and construction industry would be to have a coach specialising in interpretation of legislation to help you develop and enhance your skills in this aspect of your business. A coaching engagement is usually structured with specific goals and objectives.

A mentor is someone with whom you will discuss many aspects of your business and whilst they may not be able to provide specific solutions, they will support you in finding the solution.

A mentor may in fact recommend and help source coaches for specific needs based on the conversations you have.

What does a mentor charge?

This is dependent on the intensity of the relationship. Most mentors are engaged on a monthly retainer fee which is then reviewed on an agreed timeframe. The amount will be one that is mutually agreed based on the expected amount of time but with the understanding that the time required will not always be consistent.

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05. Business Matters

Ian Geddes

Ian Geddes is a Director of Dench McClean Carlson, a Melbourne-based corporate consulting group which has been operating for 30 years (www.dmcca.com.au). Ian has gained broad experience, on corporate boards, in management, and through consulting, which encompasses many industry sectors.

Ian has offered to provide a mentoring role to Design Matters National Members, to help in navigating your way through the COVID-19 mess. He is happy to meet on a one-on-one basis (telephone, personal or Zoom) to understand your business problems/issues and help you work through them.

Ian’s wife Helen is a building designer and member of Design Matters National.

Until recently retiring, she was one of three partners in a successful building design group in Melbourne.

After the initial meeting, you have the option of engaging Ian in an ongoing mentoring role for your business.

A percentage of any fee for that ongoing role would be donated to Design Matters National.

Ian understands what is involved in running a successful small business, and the impact a totally unexpected event such as COVID-19 can have on the best-laid plans and business strategy.

If you are interested in talking with Ian, please call him on 0438 693 455; and if you are interested in talking with a Member who has benefited from his guidance, please call Ingrid Hornung on 0410 689 163.

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Trusted experts / shaping the future MARK SHEPPARD

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We believe in improving the lived experience of all communities through providing integrated advice for urban planning and design challenges. www.kinetica.net.au I N D U S T RY M AT T E R S ďťż

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