Design Matters National INTERSECT Q2.21

HOUSE ON THE HILL, BEVERLEY, WA

by Coveney Browne Design.

2020 winner, Best New Residential Design <$500K & Best Rural Design. Finalist, Overall Design Excellence

Q2.21

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2021 Building Design Awards STATE AWARDS VICTORIA

Save the date for Design Matters National’s night of the year!

01: Design Matters National Awards in Melbourne Location: The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne Date: Thursday 28 October 2021 Time: 6PM – 11PM Who’s invited: All Members from Victoria, SA, NSW, ACT, Queensland, and Tasmania.

About the venue: The Timber Yard is built on the philosophy of recycling, up cycling and bringing people together for amazing events. Located on 6,000sqm, comprised of indoor and outdoor space, in the Port Melbourne industrial precinct, The Timber Yard is a landmark Melbourne venue. The site has been restored remaining true to its heritage of second-hand timber storage and fabrication.

The Timber Yard is an urban sanctuary designed to bring the flavour and personality of the country into the city and the perfect venue for the event which will unite Members from the city and the regions, across five states and territories.

Tickets: Free for Award entrants. The price for non-entrants will be confirmed when tickets go on sale.

02: Design Matters National Awards in Perth Location: WA Museum – Hackett Hall Date: Friday 15 October 2021 Time: 7PM – 11PM Who’s invited: All Members from WA, and NT. About the venue: The new Western Australian Museumis a dramatic and bold landmark located in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre. Conceived and designed by the international architectural consortium of Hassell + OMA, its clean lines and dramatic spaces both promise and deliver exciting experiences. The soaring spaces, stunning details and metallic finishes reflect the vast and sweeping landscapes of Western Australia. Thoughtfully selected materials and textures reflect Western Australia’s diverse natural resource, culture and history. Hackett Hall’s grand open space beneath the Museum’s blue whale is an incredible setting for this years’ State Building Design Awards.

Tickets: Free for Award entrants. The price for non-entrants will be confirmed when tickets go on sale.

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Contents

What’s Up From the President & CEO

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News from around Australia

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Taking a stand

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Planning Tid Bits by Clause1 14

What’s In

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Small Project Big Difference: The Triumph of Williamstown, by Rhys Davies, Rhys Davies Building Design 18 Is BIM now BAU? We ask the experts

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Cool can be beautiful

by Rebecca Steffanoni, Big Ass Fans Australia

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Renders that wow

by Chris Barnett, Box Brownie

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Illuminating Residential Design

by Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

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King of the code

by Keith Anderson, Kingspan Insulation, Perth, WA.

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What’s On

Editor: Danielle Johnson Art Director: Owen Walsh Printing: Southern Impact

01 How To

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2021 Building Design Awards

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Presenters & Events in June, July, August

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FR5 v5.3.1 is alive

by Govind Maksay, Gerard Turnbull & Ian McNicol, Sustainability Victoria

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Light-bulb moment

by Leo E, Electrical Engineer, CSR Limited

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Ask the VBA by a Victorian Building Authority spokesperson

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Insulation conversation

by Theresa Braunsch, SPECTrum Building Energy

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Student Advice: How to succeed as a built-environment professional

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Who’s Who Five by Five: Five minutes with...

Andrew Barrett, TPA, Smithfield, QLD Ian Fry, TPA, Castle Hill, NSW Lee Pattinson, Building Designer, Fitzroy, Vic. Adam Butcher, Building Designer, Ardross, WA Irene Coveney, Building Designer, Stoneville, WA

Nuts & Bolts

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Opinion: Why we need registration in Western Australia

by By Douglas Paton, D4 Designs, Shenton Park, WA. 92 Sketchbook

by Tom van den Berg, Tropique Building Design 94

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

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By Ingrid Hornung, President, Design Matters National, 2020-2022

We haven’t looked back since - when you have a shared vision (and values) and you’re focused on moving towards its manifestation, there’s no time for gazing into the rear-vision mirror.

01 What’s Up

From the President

About six months ago, on 16 December, the amalgamation of Design Matters National with the BDAWA occurred.

A week before that, the pool of talented, NT-based colleagues at the BDANT also voted unanimously to join Design Matters National.

Our vision for a truly national body with the capability, capacity and standing to represent the best interests of Building Designers, Thermal Performance Assessors, Interior Designers, and associated professionals, is coming to fruition.

The signs are everywhere. Entries into the 2021 Awards are coming in from all corners of Australia. Webinars are streaming into offices in every state and territory.

Face-to-face events are seeing Members gather in NSW, WA, NT, and Victoria every other week. Publications are being perused in tropical Darwin and frigid Melbourne.

And the conversation and camaraderie on the Member-only Facebook group has no boundaries.

Of course, six months is just a small fraction of the 37 years that we’ve been around; we have always valued our Members’ diverse voices and ideas and honoured their work ethic, professionalism and commitment to enhancing their clients’ lives with their skills.

What has become apparent in recent months is the collective openness to welcoming change and embracing the benefits of drawing on 2,000+ colleagues’ expertise all around Australia.

If you could do with some support to thrive and survive in these challenging times, and you are not yet a member, please join us on this exciting journey. There’s plenty of room inside this deep talent pool.

While our members are changing lives for the better, Design Matters National is committed to securing their future, and a better future for the next generation of built-environment professionals.

Our vision for a truly national body with the capability, capacity and standing to represent the best interests of Building Designers, Thermal Performance Assessors, Interior Designers, and associated professionals, is coming to fruition.

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From the CEO

01 What’s Up

By Peta Anderson, CEO, Design Matters National

As the entries for this year’s DMN Building Design Awards #DMNAwards pour in, I cannot express how exciting it is to see more and more participants from NSW and ACT ‘throwing their hats in the ring’ and showcasing their incredible work.

The Awards are a time to show the world the exceptional work of Building Designers.

Not only the big projects but also the smaller projects that really make the biggest difference to peoples’ lives are all presented to display the full breadth of our Members’ expertise.

From magnificent homes to alterations and additions, there’s a category for every Building Designer right across the country.

Some participants have entered one large project across multiple categories; others, a stunning bathroom, kitchen, alteration, or multi-residential project, or one of my favourites - materials excellence. So, if you have a project demonstrating how steel, glass, bricks, timber, concrete, lighting, natural stone, or light-weight or recycled materials can be beautifully used, now is the time to get your design out there.

Most (if not all) Building Designers are extremely time poor and in the past we have found Members have not entered the Awards because of the work it takes to pull an entry together, mainly in writing the brief.

We’ve made that part easy this year by offering a free service to all entrants, whereby they simply tell the DMN team (in a meeting or over the phone) about the project, and the team will send back a transcript ready for editing then entering. After that, all that’s left to do is collate the photos and you’ll be ready to submit by 2 August.

The DMN Awards are Australia’s biggest awards celebrating Building Designers.

I look forward to sharing this spectacular event with all of our Members, their families, colleagues and friends. And remember, all entrants receive a free ticket to the gala evening.

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01 What’s Up

Best Kitchen Design is one of the 24 Residential Design Awards in the 2021 Building Design Awards. There are a record 51 Awards on offer this year.

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National

News

01 What’s Up

Automatic Mutual Recognition Legislation passes the House of Representatives The Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021 introduces a uniform scheme of automatic mutual recognition into the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth).

Automatic mutual recognition will enable an individual registered for an occupation in their home State to be taken to be registered to carry on, in a second State, the activities covered by their home State registration.

Advocacy updates:

Funding for Interior Design courses secured We celebrated an important advocacy win this quarter: securing funding for Interior Design courses in Victoria. DMN’s active involvement in a government-lobbying campaign to have funding reinstated for the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design paid off. According to Mark Boyle, from Swinburne University of Technology, “Skills First Funding will be restored … this year at the previous rate.

This is a great result and we couldn’t have done it without [Design Matters National’s] efforts. In particular, in cases like this, it is support from industry bodies that has the greatest weight. Thank you for your help – you really made a great impact.”

Minimum housing accessibility standards to be adopted Minimum accessibility standards for residential housing and apartments will be part of the National Construction Code from 2022, Australia’s buildings ministers decided at a national meeting in April. A majority of building ministers agreed to include the standards in the NCC at the annual National Building Ministers Meeting. The standards will be based on the Livable Housing Design Guidelines silver level.

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WA registration DMN has formed an informal subcommittee with WA Members to reignite the passion and support for the introduction of a registration system for building designers in WA. Read more about this in the Nuts & Bolts section.

01 What’s Up

Western Australia

Victorian Members are invited to submit questions DMN can put to the VBA. The Victorian Building Authority has agreed to endeavour to answer DMN Members’ questions on any topic.

Members should email their questions to d.johnston@designmatters.org.au or post them on the DMN Member-only Facebook group.

VBA answers will be published in the next “INTERSECT” magazine. The VBA “regulates for a quality-built environment in Victoria, by: registering, regulating and disciplining building and plumbing practitioners; undertaking inspections, investigations and audits to enforce compliance with relevant legislation; and providing expert technical advice and informed solutions to industry”.

The PIN UP is BACK. DMN Style. The Pin-Up is the most feared element of all the design and architecture courses, but it is also a way to open one’s mind to healthy critique, different ideas and a whole range of new experiences.

Two Members will present a design / design challenge they’re wrestling with, the group ask questions and discuss. Pin-Ups are a great way to gather new solutions to tricky problems and have a laugh at the same time.

Changes are coming to the residential building industry in NSW. The NSW government has said that, from 1 July 2021, changes will be introduced to the residential building industry “to restore consumer confidence and make sure that apartments being built are trustworthy.

We are starting with class 2 buildings. These are typically multi-unit, multi-storey residential buildings where people live above and below each other. We see class 2 as the highest priority right now, but the NSW Government will expand the reforms to other classes of construction in the future. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on any future reforms.”

DMN’s first immersive experience in NSW - a tour of Dowell Windows in Smithfield - could not have gone better with attendees giving the tour ‘5 out of 5’, and requesting more tours in their region. The fully-booked, half-day private tour of the Dowell Windows factory gave DMN Members insights into window systems, opportunities to ask questions of the experts, and a chance to see the end-to-end manufacturing process from product initiation, warehouse to dispatch. Dowell’s National Product Commercialisation Manager, Mark Dandridge, presented on energy efficiency for windows and doors, WERS and NatHERS specifications and the ThermaLine product range. Dowell is working on its product development in readiness for the increased stringencies that will apply out of NCC2022.

Join us to learn how to: identify the standard for thermal comfort compliance; name the 6 factors that affect thermal comfort; understand the use of elevated air speed to improve thermal comfort, air distribution, and energy efficiency in conditioned spaces; describe the design benefits of minimising ductwork, lowering HVAC first costs, and improving ventilation rates; and explain stratification and the energy saving potential of de-stratifying a large, open space.

Event: Pin Up & Networking, on Thursday 22 July 2021 from 4PM - 6PM AWST at The White Room, Home Base in Subiaco – FREE.

Class 2 building industry reforms

DMN NSW Members rate Windows tour

Event: Learn & Lunch. Air movement for energy efficient comfort, on Tuesday 6 July 2021 from 12PM - 1PM AWST at The White Room, Home Base in Subiaco – FREE.

Register: http://bit.ly/Learnandlunch0607

Register: http://bit.ly/Pin-upNetworking

Victoria

Victoria New South Wales

Ask the VBA

Event: Happy Hour Member Networking, on Thursday 26 August from 5PM - 7PM AEST at Stiebel Eltron in Port Melbourne – FREE. Join us at Stiebel Eltron’s Melbourne Showroom for networking, and hear from an industry leader in Hydronic heating space presenting on radiators and floor heating, etc..

Learn all about hydronic heat pumps from Stiebel Eltron and after the presentation, enjoy food and drinks and networking.

Register: http://bit.ly/HappyHour260821

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01 Project 01 What’s Matters Up

2021 Awards News

Submission deadline extended to 2 August DMN has responded to Member calls for an extension to the Awards submission deadline by relaxing the rules to enable all Members to register project entries beyond 1 June. This means Members have until 2 August to complete an Awards entry in the Award Force platform.

To read the Building Design Awards Guidelines, visit: bit.ly/DMNAwardsGuide To enter the Building Design Awards, visit: bit.ly/2021DMNAwards

Completion period extended to three years Due to COVID’s effects on our built environment professions, in 2021 we’re increasing from two to three the number of years a project’s Certificate of Occupancy must have been issued within, to be eligible to be entered in the 2021 Building Design Awards. The period has been revised down from the previously-announced five years because of the increase in building material costs in recent years. To register interest to submit an entry, visit the Awards platform. Only Full DMN Members may enter the DMN Building Design Awards so, if you’re not yet a Member, please join via the website.

Free flights to Perth or Melbourne for NSW, ACT, QLD, SA, Tasmania & NT Award winners In 2021, winners of state Awards outside Victoria and WA will be flown to their respective east or west Awards capital to attend the Awards ceremony. For the first time in DMN’s history, BD Awards are being run in every Australian state and territory in 2021 and there will be two cities where Awards ceremonies will be held: Melbourne and Perth.

Melbourne will be the venue for announcing Award winners in Victoria, and the states of NSW, ACT, SA, Tasmania and Queensland; and Perth will be where Award winners from the west, namely WA and NT, will be awarded.

Interstate projects welcomed If you’ve managed to get any interstate projects under your belt over the past two years, you can register them, too, and throw your hat into the ring for the DMN BD Awards programs happening in every state and territory in this year. DMN BD Award winners in all states will go on to compete in the DMN National Awards in November. With projects representing Members located all over Australia, in 2021, we’ll have a truly national Awards competition.

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To read the Student Design Awards Guidelines, visit: http://bit.ly/DMNStudentGuidelines

Member Tools

To enter the Student Design Awards, visit: http://bit.ly/DMNStudentEntry

Pay guides on DMN Members’ Portal Newly updated pay rate tables for building designers and architects are now available to Members on the DMN website. For building designers, the rates have been taken directly from the 2021 Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Pay Guide on the Fair Work website however, for ease of reading, we have only included the rates for building designers (i.e., engineers and other professions have been deleted). This information is up to date at time of distribution however, it is every Member’s responsibility to ensure employees are paid correctly so Members should refer to the most up-to-date pay rates at fairwork.gov.au to ensure compliance with the Awards.

Links to building designer pay rates: http://bit.ly/BDPay; and architect pay rates: http://bit.ly/ArchPay

Log Book on DMN Members’ Portal The log book assists building designers to record practical experience and knowledge as an architectural draftsperson, to validate experience and knowledge with prospective employers, clients, government agencies or when making an application for registration to the relevant industry authority (i.e., VBA in Victoria).

For the purposes of Registration as a Building Practitioner, you should ensure you obtain a current understanding of the registration process by contacting your local industry authority.

Member-Only Facebook Group a success story in building a trusted community The number of subscribers to the DMN Member-Only Facebook Group, an online networking forum solely for the use of DMN Members, has grown by 177% in just one year to 775 subscribers at last count. DMN Members use this group to ask and answer questions about building design; share knowledge and resources with peers; share and discuss examples of building design in Australia and around the world; network and connect with like-minded professionals; participate in positive discussions; and share call-outs for products, services and other items that may be of interest to Members. Join now.

01 Project 01 What’s Matters Up

DMN works hard to support the next generation of building designers and interior designers which is why we have never charged students to enter the DMN Student Design Awards nor do we charge students to join DMN. The Student Design Awards are completely free to enter AND students receive all the benefits of entering the Awards that the professionals receive, including a free ticket to the Awards night celebrations, being published in the annual “AWARDED” magazine distributed to Members, and so much more - all of which is invaluable for students building their resume. Entries close 12 July 2021. Good luck!

TPA News

Student News

Design students open the door to greatness for FREE!

Chit-Chats popular among TPAs TPA Chit-Chats have proved very popular with TPA Members over the past few months and DMN has already scheduled more TPA Chit-Chats for 10 June and 8 July. Register for the FREE online networking via the DMN Resources/CPD page on the website.

TPA TASC force: a new horizon for TAC & ESH DMN’s TPA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Environment & Sustainability Hub (ESH) have been merged and restructured to form the new Technical Assessor Support Community (TASC). Considering the vast, existing knowledge among these TAC and ESH groups, invitations were also extended to TPAs across Australia to reflect DMN’s representation of TPAs from around the country. The TASC force is focussed on issues directly impacting and elevating TPA professionals. Members of the TASC are: VIC: Andrew Hooper, Fiona Gregory, Jan Talacko, Jeremy Spencer, Russell Stork, Tim Adams, Tony Isaacs, Jim Woolcock, Matthew Graham; NSW: Ian Fry, Rebecca Robins; WA: Tristan Stanley-Carey (Tee Carey); QLD: Tori Walker; TAS: Wayne Gorman.

Got a tricky technical question?

Help is at hand! Simply email TPAsupport@designmatters.org.au or post it on the Member-only Facebook page. You may also like to refer to the TPA FAQs page on our website which has all the questions and answers the TPA helpdesk has answered to date. The TPA Helpdesk is a free service for DMN Members.

TPA CPD Intensive The June TPA Intensive will feature four consecutive days of webinars, scheduled from 12PM-1PM AEST, from Tuesday 15 to 18 June 2021. The webinar topics are: • Tuesday: 15 June: Thermal bridging in relation to NatHERS & residential buildings • Wednesday 16 June: Can VURB for residential buildings ever be a good thing?

• Thursday 17 June: Window film, NatHERS & WERS for film • Friday 18 June: Best practice in NatHERS software modelling

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01 What’s Up

Taking a stand Get in front of thousands of potential customers in 2021 and join us as we take a stand at three trade shows this July/August DMN’s Building Design and Interior Design Members are invited to be on the stand at the Décor + Design show in July; and DMN Members who enter the 2021 Building Design Awards will have their work displayed at the Melbourne or Perth Home Shows, AND have an opportunity to be on the stand at either Show.

Décor + Design Friday 15 July - Sunday 18 July 2021 Melbourne Exhibition Centre decordesignshow.com.au Decor + Design, in its 18th year, invited DMN to host the newly-created Sustainability Hub, which replaces the Trends Hub at past shows, reflecting the move as a design industry and society towards more conscious, considered living. The Hub will actually be a stylish tiny house, with designer-quality finishes, provided by Luxe Tiny Homes. The Tiny Home is designed for living as eco-friendly and off-the-grid as you’d like, which is why DMN chose to wheel it in, rather than send a custom-built stand to landfill after the show ends. The 2019 show attracted 11,000 visitors and this year, attendees will be invited to tour the Hub’s Tiny Home; meet DMN Interior Designer and Building Designer Members on the stand; plus, chat with the Luxe Tiny Home crew and other contributors of sustainable interior, building and exterior products featured in the Hub. This show is free to attend however registration is limited to trade/industry professionals only.

Interested in being on the DMN stand? Contact Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.org.au

Melbourne Home Show & Perth Home Show With hundreds of innovative home products, exclusive Show specials, FREE seminars, expert advice and some of the best homegrown Aussie renovation businesses, the Home Show is the place to start when considering a home improvement project, which is why DMN is taking a stand for our building designers in 2021. We’re going to showcase your entries in the 2021 Building Design Awards, and give you an opportunity to be on the stand for a session and interact with visitors at the Melbourne or Perth Home Show.

Melbourne Home Show Friday 13 August - Sunday 15 August 2021 MCEC, South Wharf melbournehomeshow.com.au If you are located in Victoria, NSW, ACT, QLD, SA or Tasmania and you have entered the Awards and you are interested in being on the DMN stand for a session, please contact Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.org.au Perth Home Show Friday 6 August - Sunday 8 August 2021 Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre perthhomeshow.com.au If you are located in WA or NT and you have entered the Awards and you are interested in being on the DMN stand, please contact Hayley Sims at h.sims@designmatters.org.au

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DMN will utilise a tiny home (like the one pictured) in lieu of building a stand and sending it to landfill after the Decor + Design show in Melbourne.

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Planning Tid Bits

01 What’s Up

Council made a request to the Tribunal under Section 149(1)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act). Such an application seeks a determination relating to the interpretation of the planning scheme in relation to land or a particular use or development of the land.

This particular application was made in relation to six properties at various locations in the Mornington Shire, all constructed by one building company for the purposes of DPUs. Council’s position was that these dwellings did not meet the definition of “dependent person’s unit” or “movable buildings” and that over time, the type of dwelling that was being constructed under the guise of a DPU was getting larger and beyond the intent of planning provisions, to become second dwellings.

The Tribunal noted in their decision that:

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

Dependent Person’s Units and Movable Buildings A recent Red Dot decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) in Mornington Peninsula SC v Premier Homes Pty Ltd [2021] VCAT 9, considered whether six dwellings constructed as ‘dependent person’s units’ (“DPUs” - otherwise known as “granny flats”) met the planning scheme definitions of a ‘dependent person’s unit’ and a ‘movable building’. Such buildings which meet the Planning Scheme definitions are exempt from the requirement for a planning permit for buildings and works, under the zone provisions.

4. A ‘dependent person’ is not limited to the elderly or people with disability. However, in practice, a DPU provides a diverse and affordable housing option for these two groups in particular. In accordance with the government’s planning policy framework, a DPU commonly does not require a planning permit for either use or development. Under clause 62.02 of Victorian planning schemes, a DPU is exempt from the need for a planning permit for buildings and works unless specifically required by another provision of the scheme. This can be contrasted with a second dwelling on a lot that is not a DPU, where a planning permit will often be required, or where specific design and/or siting requirements apply.

The definition of “Dependent Person’s Unit” in the planning provisions is: A movable building on the same lot Accommodation as an existing dwelling and used to provide accommodation for a person dependent on a resident of the existing dwelling.

The definition of “Movable Building” in the planning provisions is: A structure, other than a tent, caravan, or vehicle, which is designed to be moved from place to place on more than one occasion.

The Council sought declarations from the Tribunal that the six subject buildings were:

These tid bits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to Design Matters National. For more information, visit clause1.com.au

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

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• not, for the purposes of the Scheme, movable; • not, for the purposes of the Scheme, dependent person’s units; and • not exempt, pursuant to clause 62.02 of the Scheme, from the need for a planning permit for buildings and works. Council submitted that the buildings were not “movable” due to the level of deconstruction and reconstruction involved, whereby each building had to be almost completely dismantled before being moved, and therefore not “designed to be moved”. The Tribunal found that: • the proceeding should not be determined on prescriptive criteria drawn from previous VCAT decisions, where no rigid test exists in the planning scheme;

01 Project Matters

During the hearing, the Tribunal considered lists of individual items which parties believed were important in designing a building that could be considered as designed to be moved.

We may see further changes to the DPU provisions to improve the uncertainty, following a case involving the shire council on Melbourne’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula, pictured here.

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01 What’s Up

• The phrase “designed to be moved” does not prescribe how, or in what state the building is to be moved from place to place; • There are no strict criteria as to the minimum number of parts or the process or time the moving of the building may take; • There is clearly an emphasis on design in the definition of “movable building”. Relevant to the outcome of any case may therefore be:

The Tribunal found that, given it was Council’s application for declarations, that Council bore the persuasive burden of satisfying us that the buildings have not been ‘designed to be moved from place to place on more than one occasion’. The Tribunal found that submissions had not provided conclusive evidence that the six subject buildings had not been designed so as to be moveable, and that the lack of fixed criteria in the planning scheme made this determination difficult.

During the hearing, the Tribunal considered lists of individual items which parties believed were important in designing a building that could be considered as “designed to be moved”. Some items were not considered determinative, such as sheet roofing secured by screws, because that was in very common usage in colorbond roofing fixing in non-DPU buildings. The Tribunal noted that three elements identified during the proceeding were more important, at least in the facts of that case, in differentiating dwellings which may not have been designed to be move. They were:

- evidence about the design process and intent, - the nature of the component parts - the level of wastage or reuse - construction techniques - the level of retrofitting - the ease or timing of deconstruction, transportation and reconstruction - whether the design includes the objective that the building be moved at some point - how it is constructed to enable disassembly and reconstruction or whether it is constructed in an ordinary way

• The DPU must be designed so that it can be moved more than once – that is, capable of being relocated within its lifespan on at least three separate sites, with at least two possible processes of disassembly, transportation and reassembly.

DPUs require a registered Building Surveyor to approve the building permit, which in practice means demonstrating that the building meets the exemption tests for a DPU in the Planning Scheme. By expert evidence, in this case, the Tribunal found that the preparation and approval of building plans for DPUs was very general and did not include design features which demonstrated whether the building was “movable” (and therefore exempt from a Planning Permit).

The Tribunal also provided commentary on the existing regulatory framework in the Planning Scheme which made it difficult to “draw the line” when making a determination as to whether a building had been designed to make it a “moveable building”, either looking at separate components individually or the design as a whole, noting: ….the fundamental basis upon which the planning permit exemption arises for a DPU is not transparently assessed through the building permit process nor made clear in the issue of the building permit itself.

• the manner of the construction of the wall segments.

• the manner of the wiring –to ensure that all electrical cables come to the top plate to facilitate the segmentation of the walls.

• the way in which all the plumbing goes through the floor and not the walls.

The Tribunal considered that these three items supported the view that Council had not made out its case, however, they were still not conclusive of the contrary view. The Tribunal noted that the process of determining whether a planning permit was triggered or not should be simple and that the current definition for “Movable Building” had an emphasis on whether the building was designed to be moved, rather than whether it is actually constructed in that way, or whether the building is actually moved (or required to be moved) once it ceases to be occupied by a dependent person, or at all.

The Tribunal did not make alternative declarations and dismissed the case, the order including a direction that the decision be sent to the Minister for Planning, to consider whether any regulatory reform or clarification was warranted. Given that the State Planning Department is currently trialling a program of code-compliant second dwellings through the VicSmart process, we may see further changes to the DPU provisions to improve the uncertainty identified in the above case.

These tid bits are part of the regular contribution made

by Clause 1 Planning to Design Matters Intersect. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au

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01 Project Matters

Small Project BIG DIFFERENCE

02 What’s In

The Triumph of Williamstown Interview with Rhys Davies, Rhys Davies Building Design, and his client, Anne

We want to celebrate the ‘small’ projects we do, which have made a big difference to a client’s life.

What’s important is not the object we’re making; it is the life we’re making new possibilities for.

Until now, the difference we make to our clients’ lives through these projects has gone largely unacknowledged. This year, we’re sharing these feel-good stories in every issue.

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“Anne lives in Melbourne’s inner west with her younger brother, John, who has special needs.

John, who had been living independently, was getting to a stage where he was starting to struggle, even with some external assistance. Anne wanted to bring John home to live with her, while helping him to maintain his independence.

John, happy to call Ray’s Shed his home.

There wasn’t suitable accommodation inside her absolutely gorgeous timber Victorian (c1880) home in which she’s lived since 1996.

However, to the rear of the block, was a double-storey man cave which Anne’s late partner, Ray, designed and built to house his classic cars, and tinker in.

Ray’s original construction method was post and beam, utilising reclaimed timber power poles. The garage had two entrances: a roller door on to the rear laneway, and another which opened on to the shaded garden at the rear of Anne’s main house. Anne wanted to convert some of the space in the garage into

studio-style living quarters for her brother.

She also wanted to future-proof it by improving the garage’s accessibility to ensure John could still live in it even if he was struggling to walk.

02 What’s In

Small Project: Rhys

The brief was to convert the existing double garage with a mezzanine floor, into a modern living space with scope to improve accessibility as time progressed. Anne’s architect friend did the original sketch work for the renovation of the garage and these sketches, and the copyright to go with them, were given to me and it was my job to see if I could make this work and get it compliant.

The garage had a concrete slab, and all the structural work, such as really chunky postand-beam trusses, was reclaimed and had a very industrial quality. It was fantastic. I was exceedingly jealous of it because it was just full of fantastic mementos and collectable pieces; plus, inside the garage, was a Triumph Herald classic car, in immaculate condition.

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Small Project BIG DIFFERENCE

02 What’s In

One car space was kept for the Triumph, and the other was converted into living quarters for John. The mezzanine floor was where the bedroom and bathroom would go.

The combined floor space of the completed, two-level garage was 85m2; about 70m2 for the ground floor, including the single garage, and a living space; and 15m2 for the bedroom and bathroom on the mezzanine level.

Accessibility was one of the key things Anne and I both knew would pose a problem down the track. The existing stairs were an old metal spiral staircase which would have been impossible for John to use and retrofitting a stair lift would not be feasible. Anne knew a time would come when John may not be able to get up any stairs at all so there had to be an allowance made for installing a chair lift or stair lift later. In response to this brief, the replacement stairs were designed to be wider than required. It seemed odd that the National Construction Code didn’t specify the width the stairways should be so I had to go to the accessibility standard to work things out there.

To put it into layman’s terms, I overcooked the stairs and sent off the designs to a couple of stair-lift manufacturers to validate that the design would work if they needed to be retrofitted. The doorways were also made wide enough (920mm) to get a wheelchair through.

Designing the toilet, shower and vanity was probably the most complex part because it was within an attic space and head height was severely restricted. The original design had no insulation and seemed very open but once I started putting insulation in and trying to align everything, it ate away a lot of ceiling space, especially for the en-suite.

As well as the post and beam, there was cladding and an external stone nib wall, with timber weatherboards and a concrete block boundary wall on the side. Another part of the job was to disguise the concrete blocks because they’re not particularly attractive to look at internally, and they’re thermally inefficient.

Anne wanted skylights to improve the lighting so I installed three Velux skylights, which are remote-control openable, with automated blinds and rain sensing; top of the line windows. A couple of AC units were fitted to provide more thermal comfort. The hardest thing was to make sure that the thermal performance was accurate so NRG did the thermal assessment and confirmed a 6-star energy rating.

I started the project in mid-2018 and finished in late 2019. The ‘after’ photos were taken in February 2020 – just prior to Melbourne’s first lockdown. The project came in within the budget of approximately $110,000. I effectively did this project pro bono; my fees were just enough to cover staffing costs because I saw this as a strong social justice project.

My favourite features of the project were the original, beautiful timber rafters and trusses, preserved on the mezzanine level. Even with all the new insulation sealing lines, the bottom cords and the remainder of the top cords, and the webbing of the trusses, remained visible.

For me, it was really important to not plaster over everything because I wanted to honour Anne’s late partner Ray who designed and built the garage but sadly passed away not long after it was constructed. The original, rustic, big, bulky, unshaved, rough-as-guts style was all Ray’s and it was really nice. In fact, I liked it so much that I use an image of the completed project on the home page of my website www.rdbd.com.au. I see it as probably one of the best architectural photos I have ever produced. I just love the images.”

Ray cruising in his 1965 Triumph Herald Vitesse.

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Thank you to Member Rhys Davies for submitting this story about a completed project which fits this brief perfectly.

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Big Difference: Anne “It’s been eight years since my partner passed away and 16 months since the project was completed, and I can now confidently talk about what this has meant to me, and my brother. It’s made a huge difference, because it’s enabled me to have my brother, John, who has special needs, come and live in an independent space.

It’s also given new life to what was my partner’s workshop, a space which was never built to live in.

It’s also given me a real, meaningful reason to stay on. I started to think it was all too much for me so, on a very personal level, this project means so much more than just the bricks and mortar, and what it looks like.

It’s enabled me to continue to live in my home, which I love, and it’s enabled me to create a new, independent-living space for my younger brother.

It’s a lovely space. I became an owner builder to do the project and each tradie who worked on it said, ‘I could live here’.

It’s very lived-in now.

Who knew that we were going to face a pandemic? John moved in in December 2019 and by March we were in the midst of the pandemic and John was stood down. So, on a very human level, as to the benefits of this project, it goes deep for me.

It was a project that was my partner’s.

He designed it and he was the owner-builder for the original shed, which was to be his workshop. And then, when he died, I couldn’t face it. I sort of turned the key and I really didn’t go in there. Ray restored classic, Triumph cars. So, it was hard back then, to see what the shed could possibly be. It took a number of years for me to be in the right emotional headspace to tackle the project.

When the project was underway, even in its very early stages, I knew I was making the right decision and that it made sense. It took a lot of preparation to get to the stage where we could get the work underway – or even get Rhys to come and give his feedback and share his ideas – because I had so much to clear out. It was a whole workshop full of car parts and I didn’t know what any of the car parts were.

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I love it now but, initially, it was really hard to see the outcome and what I was trying to achieve. There was a day in the project that I remember standing up in the mezzanine floor and in that moment – when the en-suite was going in – I got quite emotional because I really felt that Ray would have been absolutely thrilled with what we were doing with his workshop. I just sort of felt he was part of the project. Once Rhys and I agreed on the plans and all the right approvals were through, and we started to see the framework go up, then I thought, ‘This is real; this is going to be good’.

And I had great tradies on board and Rhys was amazing. I was pretty blessed actually, that through the whole project I engaged good people who cared about the project.

Rhys really connected with me, and was very interested in the history of the work. It wasn’t all about just the plans, the drawings; it was about understanding the history and what my dreams were for reimagining the space. So, I think from that very first interaction with Rhys, I felt confident that this is going to be okay. This is going to work out. I felt as if I was in safe hands actually.

Downstairs was one big workshop but upstairs was where Ray wanted to do his drafting and build model cars. It was going to be a real man cave. This was his dream and he got to enjoy it for a short time but certainly not for long enough. He ran out of time to finish upstairs off. He died way too early.

Ray was very creative he was forever designing things so it was just going to be his place to escape.

People probably think I’m quite cruel putting my brother in a shed, but it’s a pretty special shed! John got real enjoyment out of setting it up as his new home. He’s very respectful of the space and keeps it tidy. When people come to visit who haven’t seen John’s place, I know he’s proud because everyone is so complimentary of what we’ve done. It makes John feel good. I know he’s happy.

Through that COVID year, when we were so restricted, if John wasn’t living here, it would have been incredibly difficult. We provided much-needed company for each other. He still loves the space. He’s an adult man who likes his independence and I give him that, and he gives me that, but, you know, we come together for our evening meal, and he helps out in the garden. The timing was perfect, actually, because it meant I could also help him. John can’t navigate things like Telehealth to keep his health appointments going. He’s not computer literate so if I wasn’t living with him, I’m not sure how we would have managed at all that last year.

I felt by the end of the project Rhys knew Ray and I know that Ray would have liked Rhys and would have trusted Rhys. That’s how I felt.

That’s where Rhys was phenomenal: at making that connection with the client and allowing time in our interaction to understand my story, and what we were hoping to achieve. I never felt like he was rushing me through the process. He was genuinely invested in that client relationship. If he hadn’t done the project, I’m not sure the results would have been as great as they are.”

Share your ‘Small Project, Big Difference’ stories with us!

We’d like your words and pictures telling feel-good stories about small projects which made a big difference, to publish in this magazine. The project must be in Australia, under $350K (not including land), have its certificate of occupancy, and the client must agree to be profiled (though anonymity is OK). Simply email a sentence or two about your project to editor@designmatters.org.au and we’ll get back to you.

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24 Is Building Information Modelling (BIM) becoming Business As Usual (BAU)?

Is BIM now BAU?

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01 Project Matters

We seek to answer this question by asking Members if and how they use BIM, and consult experts in BIM education who shed light on: Why BIM; What BIM means to the Australian construction industry; Why building designers care about BIM; The three most important things about BIM a building designer needs to know right now; Beginning the journey of change; and Getting to know BIM, through education.

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02 What’s In

Why BIM?

By Xavier Papuraj, Senior Teacher – Building Information Modelling (BIM), Faculty of Trades, Box Hill Institute of TAFE There has been a significant global focus on the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) to drive improvements from facility design to management throughout the lifecycle of a building project. There is substantial evidence to indicate that BIM is an emerging and ongoing building industry trend.

BIM can be defined as the digital description of every detailed activity of a construction or engineering project.

The adoption of BIM technologies results in the creation of an entire 3D model with inter-related and cross-referenced information.

The implementation of BIM on projects provides greater opportunity to analyse, improve and test designs against any number of project objectives and corresponding benefits realised by the supply chain, client and building operators. There are well established objectives often referred to as ‘dimensions’, such as building simulation (4D), cost analysis (5D) and using BIM for Facilities Management (6D). However, there are many more project objectives that may be relevant such as energy efficiency and sustainable design (ESD). As such, BIM is now beginning to gain momentum in Australia (Jacobi, J. PE 2011).

The Victorian construction technology strategy recognised the importance of BIM in driving productivity, improving building optimisation and improved asset management.

In 2018, the Victorian State Government was concerned with the gap between industry needs and TAFE course outcomes. It wanted to address the emerging skill gaps and introduced the Workforce Training and Innovation Fund (WTIF) to deliver innovative strategies that improve training outcomes and increase the relevance of training to industry. Box Hill Institute identified a need to educate industry in the technological advances being made in building construction around the world, particularly in BIM and prefabricated construction. Two pilot courses were developed and successfully delivered to industry personnel on a trial basis. These government-approved courses are now being offered to address the emerging skill gaps. *Jacobi, J. PE. 4D BIM or Simulation-Based Modelling, Insights Structure, p 17 – 18, April 2011.

To read the full article: https://www.boxhill.edu.au/news/advanced-diploma-and-course-in-building-information-modelling

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BIM can be defined as the digital description of every detailed activity of a construction or engineering project.

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There is substantial evidence to indicate that BIM is an emerging and ongoing building industry trend.

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02 What’s In

Why Building Designers care about BIM

By Michael Goss, Program Manager, Building Design at RMIT University, & Catherine Ciavarella, Program Coordinator of Building Design, RMIT University RMIT acknowledged the emergence of BIM platforms as early as 2006, undertaking an international research project that informed the development of the first BIM studio for teaching the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). Below is an excerpt from that paper of 2008 that is still accurate today.

“In Australia today, building designers are in high demand and this demand continues to grow. The industry is currently undergoing a period of transition and discourse is taking place regarding what skills will be needed to ensure demand from the marketplace is met. Central to these discussions is the issue of Australian building designers increasingly looking to extend the scope of their practice by tendering for overseas projects.

“The notion of a global economy is fast becoming a reality for industries in Australia, and the AEC (architectural, engineering and construction) industries are poised to leap into this economy. Australian building designers will need to have the capacity, skills and knowledge to compete and/or collaborate with leading local and international architectural practices to be part of this global economy and more so, be adequately positioned to ensure continued innovative development in the Australian marketplace.

“Designers will need to explore and engage in process innovation, afforded by advances in technology (i.e., BIM systems) to better manage systems and adopt effective delivery process for building design and documentation, to provide clients with what they want and more so, what they expect. Our current observation of the Australian context suggests that the industry is still faced with delivering a rapid response to clients and developers in a competitive market both locally and internationally which is demanding new forms of cooperation and communication through advanced design-build models, more sophisticated forms of internet project management, and teaming models. BIM systems and the skills to fully utilise their potential will make our local industry competitive and viable.”

Read their full report: http://bit.ly/EmergingBIM [https://www.issinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ ISS-FEL-REPORT-Di-Giangregorio-Goss-LOW-RES.pdf]

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How DMN Members use BIM DMN conducted an online poll on the MemberOnly Facebook Group, which asked: Are you using BIM software? Sixty-three Members responded and the result was: No: 20 votes; Yes: 43 votes. The poll also asked Members who answered ‘yes’ to describe the project context in which BIM is used. This is a snapshot of how Members responded: • Mostly residential (including single dwelling, dual occ., apartments, renovations).

• Concept design, design development and documentation of residential homes, additions and alterations, multi residential and interiors.

• Single dwellings, units, apartments.

Consultant model swaps.

• Building thermal simulation and energy efficiency/evaluation (ArchiCAD).

• General architectural drafting domestic and commercial.

• Passivhaus design and analysis.

• For me it’s in-house useful, but consultants aren’t yet up to speed. For example, the structural engineer just wants a 2D DWG plan, and the builders just want PDFs. • Archicad v24: Some of the BIM features I use, aside from general drafting and modelling include: Material Thermal Performance data outputs (to help us with Passivhaus/PHPP); Material takeoffs for accurate project costings; Collision detection between all MEP services; Collaboration with structural engineer’s by modelling all structure systems; Construction system modelling (hoping to look at the thermal bridge stuff in greater detail); Output to Twinmotion for clientwinning presentations (This has been instrumental as a small D&C firm); Honestly, BIM and Passivhaus (energy efficient design, in general) are already a match made in heaven and have a huge future!; We mostly do all residential scales (except high-rise) and some light commercial classes.

• Design, documentation, scheduling, specifications.

• Running archiCAD. Use BIMx for onsite builders meaning if we change anything it auto-updates them (when they use an iPad). All interactive - if they click on a wall it links to say the install details off a James Hardie website, etc..

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BIM: The Good, the Bad and the…Challenging

Right: Box Hill Institute BIM model.

By Will Joske, Principal Advisor for BIM, Swinburne University of Technology

Will Joske has been on the trail of learning, implementing, consulting and teaching Building Information Modelling (BIM) for 10 years or more, and a Revit user for longer.

Based on his own experience as a building designer, these are the three most important things about BIM a building designer needs to know right now.

BIM for building designers already delivers Revit and ArchiCAD were by far the preferred software in the Design Matters National poll from November 2020. Using BIM-capable model-authoring software opens up the possibilities for increased efficiency, communication and quality of delivery.

Sharing models with engineers removes risk, speeds coordination, and again raises the quality of service and product. These activities are agreed and managed through what we call ‘BIM Uses’ and include: 3D model authoring; visualisation from line perspectives to realtime VR walkthroughs; coordinating and clash-testing models combining design engineers; among many others. Like all worthwhile disruptive technology, BIM will become business-as-usual over time. BIM is a multi-faceted concept though, and while we have been good at adopting some aspects, other challenges are still to come.

BIM has a language problem BIM and other technical terms get thrown around and yet it’s not uncommon to wonder if we agree on the same things. Put two BIM models together for comparison: Do they have the same qualities? Is a BIM manager a standardised job description or does it change from office to office? When it comes down to it, did a debate about (BIM level of development) ‘LODs’ change the way you documented your last project? Your youngest

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employees are not the ones negotiating tenders and contracts, drafting office policies and procedures, or managing client relationships. These are the times when innovation and your competitive edge can best presented. Everyone from the company director to the new drafty needs to know BIM well enough that they can dig below the ‘catch phrases’ and have conversations and agreements which are mutually understood.

BIM for compliance is a game changer Recently, the Victorian government established the Building Reform Expert Panel to review the building legislative and regulatory system. Interestingly, one of those on the panel is Dame Judith Hackitt who authored the UK’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Published in 2018, and spurred on by the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, it recommended greater accountability enabled by a ‘golden thread’ of information management.

Similarly, Australia’s Shergold Weir report Building Confidence also examined problems in compliance and enforcement in construction. Our industry is starting to turn a corner. The ISO 19650 suite of standards for BIM, the Victorian Digital Asset Strategy (VDAS), and this latest review will result in a new legislative framework for our Building Act. These documents talk about the Golden thread, collecting data, and a digital set of records. Beneath all these terms lies BIM as the enabler for a higher standard of digital project handover.

While there is a focus on higher-density housing, I suspect we will see this expectation broaden as clients are compelled to implement more stringent standards for their projects. Is this next level of BIM coming to you?

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Beginning the journey of change

By Catherine Ciavarella, Program Coordinator, Building Design, RMIT University & Damien Ferlazzo, Senior Industry BIM Lecturer, RMIT University The value of a Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment is the communication it brings to the multi-disciplinary data for the entire lifecycle of a project. The linking of consultant documentation identifies clash detection issues, quickly saving a significant amount of value management in a project.

We have known for a long time that we need to deliver projects more effectively within the AEC industry. BIM is often described as encompassing many things, including technology, information management and improved processes. This is all aimed at contributing to a more sustainable future in project delivery.

We can no longer afford to deliver projects with such high percentages of waste and delays costing our economies millions of dollars annually. A better, smarter, more sustainable future will require us to look at more effective ways to deliver energy-efficient built environments to our towns and cities.

Every practice should begin the journey of change and enable new generations to deliver better projects.

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BIM education needs to be a holistic process of producing an informed model of a project ensuring documentation collaboration, resulting in accurate data being available on a project at any stage of documentation development. Our projects now will have accurate added value informing the construction process.

RMIT has developed and delivered BIM programs from short courses for beginners to programs for specific industry practitioners.

The programs include on site tailored training for the transition to the BIM environment for major building groups.

The RMIT approach is to continue exploring the multi-faceted functionality of the platform to inform and connect with the relevant areas of the RMIT programs both vocational and higher education.

In the area of Building Design (Advanced Diploma of Building Design architectural), it offers an opportunity to explore the knowledge that is required to produce an informed BIM model. Every area of the model production is addressed from sustainability, design and construction processes.

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Getting to know BIM To search for Informal Online Courses, TAFE Courses, Units from Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses, Externally Provided Courses, Digital Engineering/BIM broad knowledge and skills, and Digital Engineering/BIM individual software skills courses, go to: http://bit.ly/VDASBIM Courses suggested by contributors to this article: Above: Image by Soroush Magsoudi, Box Hill Institute Building Design student, and winner of Design Matters National Student Award for Best Digital Presentation Award 2018, and Drafting Excellence Award 2018.

Below: Image by Will Joske, Principal Advisor for BIM, Swinburne University of Technology.

• B ox Hill TAFE: Advanced Diploma and Course in Building Information Modelling, by Xavier Papuraj; This course in Building Information Modelling (BIM) will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to manage the detailed activity of a building construction or engineering project using BIM compatible software to achieve the best possible project workflow from start to finish.

More information: https://www.boxhill.edu.au/courses/advanced-diploma-ofbuilding-information-modelling-bim-adbim-d/ • Swinburne University of Technology: 2 Days to BIM,

by Will Joske; Designed for those in management and strategic roles, this engaging workshop will give you the knowledge and skills currently needed in Australia.

More information: https://swinprofessional.swinburne.edu.au/coursedetails/?course_id=70315&course_type=w • R MIT University: The whole package of BIM and Building Design Industry skills. Ready for the Victorian industry registration process.

More information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/ vocational-study/advanced-diplomas/advanced-diplomaof-building-design-architectural-c6161 DMN is holding a free webinar called ‘Get to know BIM’ for Members, on Wednesday 7 July 2021, with Xavier Papuraj from Box Hill Institute as the Presenter. See the What’s On section for more details.

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02 What’s In

Cool can be beautiful

By Rebecca Steffanoni, Territory Sales Manager (Western Australia & Northern Territory), Big Ass Fans Australia

With rising energy costs and the increased accountability to operate efficiently, business owners, facility managers, home owners, architects and designers are all looking for innovative ways to cut energy costs without cutting corners. And let’s face it: not everyone can afford air conditioning or tolerates its negative environmental impact.

One energy-conscious cooling alternative harkens back to the pre-air conditioning days — the ceiling fan. But this is not your grandmother’s version; the traditional ceiling fan has been reinvented for large industrial, commercial, and residential spaces. The latest technology in industrialgrade air movement has been custom-engineered for shopping malls, offices, churches, schools and other sound-sensitive environments. Moreover, it has been executed on a scale large enough to make it a significant component of a cost-effective, energy-efficient building design.

Large, low velocity ceiling fans, also known as high volume, low speed (HVLS) fans, operate on a different principle than their conventional ceiling fan counterpart. These fans are significantly larger and operate at slow speeds to minimise power usage. The fans use aerodynamic, extruded aluminium airfoils designed to provide the optimum airflow at the lowest possible operating cost.

Because they move vast volumes of air, the fans can create a cooling effect over large areas.

Today’s large, low velocity ceiling fans make the statement that it’s possible to create a beautiful environment utilising serious energy-saving products. With Big Ass Fans, architects and designers have the opportunity to implement sustainable products that are not just eco-friendly but also cost effective.

These large fans are used for cooling, heat recirculation, air distribution and as alternatives to air conditioning in large facilities. They are vastly more effective than high-speed fans, moving up to 36 times as much air.

Also, due to their low operating speed, large, low velocity fans are very quiet.

Today, HVLS fans are recognised as a technology with wide application and proven results in reducing or eliminating the cost of mechanical cooling for large spaces. In a building with an HVAC system, the large, low velocity fan is part of the system, not the primary means of cooling.

In many cases, large, low velocity fans can be used to help distribute the HVAC system air more evenly throughout the space, minimising the need for extensive distribution ductwork, which can save on the HVAC system’s initial cost and energy usage.

Heeding the current focus on sustainable, energy-efficient design, large, low velocity ceiling fans offer a number of cost-effective cooling options that can work well aesthetically in any environment. Visually striking fans that are silent and capable of moving air effectively in summer, winter and transitional seasons can form a viable part of any sustainable building design.

For a more detailed discussion of the principles outlined, Big Ass Fans are running a CPD presentation on Tuesday, 6 July at Home Base Subiaco.

For more information, call 1300 BIG ASS or email rebecca.steffanoni@bigassfans.com.au or visit bigassfans.com.au

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Partner Promotion – Big Ass Fans

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Renders that wow

By Chris Barnett, BoxBrownie.com

There are generally three types of mistakes you could be making in producing realistic External Renders.

You’ve got a stunning new property design.

You need someone to buy the design, or someone to ‘buy’ your new off-brief ideas.

A render will do the job. But not just any render. A high-resolution detailed render that showcases all your chosen finishes and fixes, from a perspective that makes your design pop.

If what you’ve currently got in front of you is not ticking these boxes, or it’s not going create an emotional connection between your and your design, then you need to re-examine a few things.

Mistake 01 Using rendering software that doesn’t live up to the latest standards Render portal BoxBrownie.com describe this all-too-common situation, where clients show up with a reference render that hasn’t hit the quality level necessary to ‘wow’. These types of renders have been created with an extension program to the architectural design software used. This software has limited texture packages.

Instead, designers should look for a render provider company that uses 3D modelling software with lighting and rendering engines to take an image to the next level. This is why specialist rendering studios exist. To save you time mastering all capabilities and focussing on what you’re good at.

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Partner Promotion – Box Brownie

01 Project 02 What’s Matters In 01

A render becomes so much more realistic when using 3D modelling software with proper textures and lighting.

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02 What’s In

Mistake 02 Underestimating the importance of realistic landscaping

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We’ve all seen it. Those squiggly looking green circles parading as shrubs and a lawn that could have been created with the Microsoft Paint spray can. Again, not using the latest software can see your design fall down because of amusing landscaping incarnations.

Your render should have realistic looking trees, shrubs and grass to frame your design, and bring it to life.

Just like in real life, when a garden has a bit of proper maintenance, it really frames the house design and brings it to life.

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Partner Promotion – Box Brownie

Mistake 03

Overcoming these mistakes

Not using Interior Views

To make sure your external renders are not letting you down on the wow-factor, make sure a realistic output is a priority. To ensure your renders overcome these common errors, and exceed expectations, use a high-quality render production company like BoxBrownie.com.

You can still have your renders turned around quality and well under budget.

The third and biggest reason that a render doesn’t look realistic is that you can’t see through the windows into the house.

Often in play will be windows that look like mirrors, with reflecting sun, or curtains blocking the view to pretend the inside of the house simply doesn’t exist.

Renders that look real don’t shy away from the photo-realistic aspect of seeing into a house.

Instead, show off that bedroom, study, entertaining space, or kitchen through that beautiful full-height window, rather than hiding it away behind block-out curtains. Save these for your more discreet clients.

To ensure your next render is ultra-realistic, BoxBrownie.com has an exclusive offer for Design Matters National Members: two additional interior views to what’s already included.

Email renders@boxbrownie.com to claim this offer.

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Once you start making good use of interior views, it’s important to keep your furniture style in mind, ensuring it matches your design. Outdoor living areas shouldn’t be forgotten about, with appealing furnishing applied.

The difference between a house with furniture and without is night and day. Make sure your client can build an emotional connection with a property by giving it a lived-in feel.

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Illuminating Residential Design

By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications

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The aesthetic and functional aspects of lighting come together in residential design. You wouldn’t try preparing food in a dimly lit kitchen, nor would you want your bathroom constantly lit by a bright, white light bouncing off the tiles. In the home, like anywhere else in the built environment, we need a level of lighting that is appropriate to each space’s purpose and the task at hand.

Too much or too little lighting can affect visual acuity. This causes inconvenience and discomfort and can potentially be unsafe.

When applying the principles of universal design, lighting becomes an essential way to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone navigating the space. Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible and usable to all people of different ages and abilities over time, without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

In order to orient yourself in a home and navigate through it, you need a suitable level of lighting. Inadequate lighting lowers a person’s ability to identify hazards and obstructions, and can make wayfinding more complicated. It can also affect communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing if they rely on lip reading or sign language.

Different rooms in the home require types of lighting that correspond to their purpose.

The effect certain types and levels of lighting can have on different materials and surfaces must be taken into account. A space isn’t well lit if the light reflects uncomfortably.

Harsh, direct lighting can cause glare and visual fatigue. Diffuse lighting, anti-glare devices and shading devices are all useful ways to improve light quality. Colour temperature also affects visual acuity and comfort, as well as the atmosphere of a space. Privileging natural light where possible can make a space more liveable.

Rather than improving vision and providing visual cues, a lighting element can obstruct a person’s vision and become a hazard if it is not well positioned. For example, strip lighting installed under cupboards may be problematic for people with a lower vantage point.

Similarly, lighting controls should be located at an appropriate height. Push pads may be easier to operate compared to standard light switches. Dimmer switches allow the user to control illumination levels, which can improve visual acuity and allow lighting variation for different tasks.

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Lighting is a crucial design element. The wrong sort of lighting makes an otherwise pleasant space uncomfortable; the right sort of lighting enhances a space, lifting it to its full potential.

Motion sensor lighting is a useful solution in many spaces, both for safety and convenience.

Bathrooms, hallways, entrances and outdoor areas can all benefit from motion sensor lighting. However, as lighting requirements vary from person to person, as well as from activity to activity, it is important to have manual overrides for any automatic lighting.

As lighting is so important for safety, comfort and communication, stipulations must be included in project documentation. Specifying the type of lighting, required level of illumination, height of lighting elements and controls, and lamp colour temperature, among other considerations, reduces the need for future modifications and avoids additional costs. The new NATSPEC TECHnote DES 042 Universal Design: Lighting provides further useful information for designers.

Specifying universal design considerations from the very beginning of a project ensures the greatest number of people can live in a home with safety, comfort and ease.

Applying the principles of universal design when specifying lighting is a simple way to improve a home’s usability for everyone.

NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation owned by Government and industry.

It maintains the National Building Specification and has been a valued part of the Australian construction industry for over 45 years. For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au.

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02 What’s In

Kingspan’s dedication to the Commonwealth of Australia’s CodeMark building product certification scheme gives peace of mind to building professionals and consumers alike.

With over 40 years’ experience in construction materials and building insulation segments, I am proud to say I am at the forefront of insulation standards, accreditation, research and development as an active participant on numerous industry-standard committees and working groups.

Within Kingspan Insulation, I am responsible for product development and technical compliance throughout the Asia Pacific region and I am a committed advocate of third-party certification and accreditation.

King of the Code

By Keith Anderson, Technical R&D and Accreditations Manager, Kingspan Insulation, Perth, WA.

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Partner Promotion – Kingspan

I oversaw the insulation industrie’s very first adoption of the ABCB CodeMark accreditation scheme in 2006 when Kingspan’s AIR-CELL range became the first insulation products to be accredited under the new scheme.

Kingspan Insulation currently holds 12 registered CodeMark certificates across both its Kooltherm and AIR-CELL product ranges. All of these products are certified against the relevant insulation sections of the National Construction Code. Some of the Kooltherm and AIR-CELL product range can be verified on the JAS-ANZ CodeMark certification website.

Having our products CodeMark-certified by a thirdparty independent accreditor indicates our commitment to the highest international standards of production and design, benchmarking them against all relevant standards and codes, ensuring they comply with the world’s best practices.

Kingspan’s dedication to CodeMark gives peace of mind to building professionals and consumers alike. By specifying a Kingspan Insulation CodeMark-certified product, building designers and architects are specifying a product independently deemed fit for purpose by the highest accreditation scheme in Australia.

02 What’s In

CodeMark certification is the industry’s highest level of product conformance and is unique by global standards. The scheme audits the manufacturing, testing and installation of products, ensuring their suitability and conformity to the relevant building code for which they are certified.

To answer any queries you may have or to find out some more information on our Kooltherm and AIR-CELL products, you can get in touch with our Technical Services team on 1300 247 235 or email technical@kingspaninsulation.com.au The CodeMark Certification Scheme is a voluntary third-party building product certification scheme that authorises the use of new and innovative products in specified circumstances in order to facilitate compliance with Volumes One and Two of the NCC, also known as the Building Code of Australia or BCA.

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Open the door to greatness:

Enter the 2021 Building Design Awards

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It is the hard work of Design Matters National Members which proves to new clients and the greater industry that we are a building design community to be acknowledged and respected.

– Ingrid Hornung, President

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The Design Matters National Annual Building Design Awards have, since 1996, recognised and celebrated the best of the best designs created by Design Matters Members in the Australian built environment.

In 2020, the Awards went online (and STILL managed to finish in the wee hours!) and soon after, Design Matters National expanded its national footprint by amalgamating with the BDAWA and the BDANT. In 2021, the Design Matters National Building Design Awards have also expanded their reach and will recognise talent in EVERY state of Australia, raising the bar for building design across the nation.

As usual, judges will critique entries from every state, on how well they showcase design excellence, innovation and sustainability considerations, and how effectively they respond to the client’s brief.

The winners in each of the State Awards will automatically progress to the National Building Design Awards, which also include winning Members from the BDAQ, in November.

It’s an historic year for Design Matters National, so we’re calling on every Member of Design Matters National, wherever you are and wherever your projects may be, to be part of the 2021 Awards and open the door to greatness.

How to enter: Visit bit.ly/2021DMNAwards Questions?

Read the Building Design Awards Guidelines: https://www.designmatters.org.au/common/ Uploaded files/Awards/2021/April/NEW DMN 2021 State Building Design Awards Guidelines. pdf Email Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.org.au or Hayley Sims at h.sims@designmatters.org.au

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03 What’s On

What’s new in 2021?

Submission deadline extended to 2 August DMN has responded to Member calls for an extension to the Awards submission deadline by relaxing the rules to enable all Members to register project entries beyond 1 June. This means Members have until 2 August to complete an Awards entry in the Award Force platform.

New Award categories In 2021, Members will have more chances to win with the addition of several new, New Residential Awards which bring the total offerings to seven: Up to $300K; $300,001$500K; $500,001-$750K; $750,001-$1M; $1,000,001-$2M; $2,000,001-$3M; Over $3M. And we’ve drawn inspiration from WA and added Best Rural Design and Best Conceptual/ Unbuilt Design to every State Awards.

The Awards are open to full Members and it only costs $516 p.a. to sign up so call us on 03 9416 0227 to join.

Less writing required Entrants only need to answer the following four questions with maximum wordcounts totalling just 700 words: • What was your project brief? (up to 100 words) • What was your project solution? (up to 200 words) • What was the inspiration behind your project? (up to 300 words) • What were your sustainable design elements? (up to 100 words)

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01 Project 03 What’s Matters On Completion period now three years

In-person Awards nights

Due to COVID’s effects on our built environment professions, in 2021 DMN is increasing from two to three the number of years a project needs to have been completed within (i.e. since the date of the Certificate of Occupancy) to be eligible to be entered in the 2021 Building Design Awards. The period has been revised down from the previouslyannounced five years because of the increase in building material costs in recent years. To register interest to submit an entry, visit the Awards platform.

This year, (Covid-19-willing) we’ll be picking up where we left off (and then some) and gathering to hear the announcement of the Award winners at sit-down dinners, in person, in Perth and Melbourne in October. Every Member is welcome to attend and invite their partner, family, colleagues, clients, mentors and best mate!

All Award entries displayed at the Melbourne or Perth Home Shows With hundreds of innovative home products, exclusive Show specials, FREE seminars, expert advice and some of the best homegrown Aussie renovation businesses, the Home Show is the place to start when considering a home improvement project, which is why DMN is taking a stand for our building designers in 2021 at both the Melbourne and Perth Home Shows in August. We’ll showcase your entries in the 2021 Building Design Awards, and give you an opportunity to be on the stand for a session and interact with visitors at the Shows.

We’ll contact all Award entrants in August to book their timeslot.

State winners receive free flights to attend Perth or Melbourne Award Nights Winners of state Awards outside Victoria and WA will be flown to their respective Awards capital (Melbourne or Perth) to attend the Awards ceremony in October. For the first time in DMN’s history, BD Awards are being run in every Australian state and territory in 2021 and there will be two cities where Awards ceremonies will be held: Melbourne and Perth.

Melbourne will be the venue for announcing Award winners in Victoria, and the states of NSW, ACT, SA, Tasmania and Queensland; and Perth will be where Award winners from WA and NT will be announced.

More help on hand If you’re time-poor and need assistance to find a photographer or get your thoughts down by the 2 August deadline, contact Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.og.au.

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Which Award categories are best for your project?

This year, there are 51 Awards on offer including seven ‘New Residential Project’ categories - and we have expanded the time limit for projects to three years – up from two in 2020 – to reflect the times in which we live.

The best way to get an idea of the calibre of the competition is to read the magazine which contains words about and pictures of every 2021 winner: “AWARDED”. Read it here: http:// bit.ly/DMNAWARDED20 The 2021 Residential Awards: • New Residential Project Awards: Up to $300K; $300,001-$500K; $500,001-$750K; $750,001-$1M; $1,000,001-$2M; $2,000,001-$3M; Over $3M. • Multi-Residential Awards: Up to $6M; Over $6M. • Alterations & Additions: Up to $350K; $350,001-$800K; Over $800K. • Small Home/Dwelling 150sqm-250sqm • Best Heritage Design • Best Interior Design • Best Bathroom Design • Best Kitchen Design • Best Environmentally Sustainable Design • Best Outdoor Space • Best Group Dwelling Design • Best Small Works Project • Best Conceptual/Unbuilt Design • Best Rural Design The 2021 Non-Residential Awards: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

New Commercial up to $2M New Commercial over $2M New Industrial New Public Buildings New Unique Project Best Interior Design Best Heritage Design Best Outdoor Space Best Environmentally Sustainable Design Best Small Works Project Best Conceptual/Unbuilt Design Best Rural Design Best Group Dwelling Design

All entrants will have their work publicly displayed at the Melbourne Home Show or Perth Home Show in August.

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To see the calibre of entries these Awards attract, read last year’s “AWARDED” magazine: http://bit.ly/DMNAWARDED20

The 2021 Excellence Awards will also showcase excellence in the use of steel, glass, bricks, timber, concrete, lighting, light-weight materials, recycled materials, documentation, and natural stone.

• Excellence in the use of Steel • Excellence in the use of Glass • Excellence in the use of Bricks • Excellence in the use of Timber • Excellence in the use of Concrete • Excellence in the use of Lighting • Excellence in the use of Light-Weight Materials • Excellence in the use of Recycled Materials • Excellence in the use of Documentation • Excellence in the use of Natural Stone The 2021 Special Awards will recognise outstanding individuals, publicly-popular projects, and projects acclaimed by past Design Matters National Presidents. And of course, the Building Design of the Year will bestow the greatest accolade on a worthy winner.

• • • •

Past Presidents’ Prize People’s Choice Ronald Pickford Award Building Design of the Year

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Why you should enter the Building Design Awards in 2021 To increase your professional credibility With resources stretched, putting yourself forward for awards is not always top of the agenda but entering awards is vital because it acts as third-party endorsement for your business, signalling professional quality to clients and differentiating your company from competitors.

To gain nationwide recognition Entering awards is an inexpensive way of getting PR to improve brand awareness.

While winning Awards opens doors to new business, even if you don’t win, you can leverage the benefit of calling your project an entrant and promote your business to new customers.

Winners may be invited to present at the Annual General Meeting, at DMN’s trade show, InspoExpo, and may also be interviewed in a DMN podcast. Building Design of the Year Winners receive a trophy, while all winners receive framed awards.

DMN’s “INTERSECT” and “AWARDED” magazines, distributed among 2,000+ Members around Australia, and publicly available online, also showcase the talents of entrants and winners of the annual Awards.

To share your story Awards provide platforms for sharing the story behind your project with judges and potential customers. Make it compelling so you can reap the rewards of great PR and, afterwards, repurpose it for your marketing channels.

In 2021, your story will be shared across DMN’s Facebook & Instagram; “AWARDED”; Melbourne & Perth Home Shows; Sydney’s DesignBuild Expo; and via the multiple, far-reaching channels of our major media partner.

To benchmark your work against your competitors Applying for any sort of award forces you to look at your projects from a different perspective, and makes you compare your work against your competitors’. The benefits of competitive benchmarking are clear: you get a better understanding of your industry position, find new ways of doing things, and discover areas for improvement... all business benefits that could be more valuable than the Award itself.

To reward your team and have a great night out!

It’s not just the winning that counts! The Awards put all building designers on the map.

They’re also an opportunity to recognise the contributions of your employees by inviting your team to the Awards and celebrating your collective efforts. Giving them a great night out will boost motivation and offers experiences and opportunities, like networking with sponsors and partners, which extend far beyond a single, winning moment.

PLUS… • The one-off entry fee includes a ticket to the Awards ceremonies event in either Melbourne or Perth.

• For one flat fee, you can enter your project in as many Award categories as you like.

• All Award entrants – not just the winners – will receive digital assets to use in their e-signatures, and on social media and websites.

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When construction cost is mentioned, it should include GST, and should be portrayed a realistic value of construction price, based on commercial rates.

The build cost is just for the building, and should exclude landscaping cost. Entrants should use “Rawlinson’s Guide” to assist in the correct allocation to categories.

Bathroom/Kitchen Entries must demonstrate innovation in design and appearance of the kitchen or bathroom.

Environmentally Sustainable Entries must demonstrate that various issues of sustainability have been combined in a cohesive and innovative fashion to achieve a low environmental impact, and must be supported by relevant technical information: • Energy rating by an accredited assessor • Greenhouse gas assessment (if using BERS Pro) • BESS/STEPS report (including STORM WSUD), or equivalent • Specify the building area • Passive solar design/thermal modelling • Successful re-use of second-hand materials • Successful re-use of recycled materials • Successful use of build waste management • Embodied energy • Operational energy indoor air quality • Summary of site-specific climate conditions • Schedule of materials - to identify recycled materials, materials sources, low WOC board products and coatings, etc.

• Summary of energy efficiency systems employed (e.g., energy saving appliances, lighting, power generation) • Summary of water efficiency measures employed (water usage from water utility accounts if connected to town supply).

Excellence in Documentation Entries must recognise an individual’s excellence in either computer-generated or manually generated documentation as well as assessment of the building scope for the purpose of costing, construction and permit requirements through the preparation of outstanding documentation for the nominated project.

Contenders must have worked for the Design Matters National Member at the closing date of the competition (1 August 2021), and must have made a significant contribution to the project. Contenders must demonstrate, in a written statement of up to 100 words, how they provided documentation excellence in the nominated project. Their nomination must be supported by two written testimonials from the builder, building surveyor, or engineer involved in the project. The submission must include four pages of drawings from the project, in PDF format.

Excellence in the use of materials Entries must reflect the significant role of and an innovative use of the respective material in the design solution.

Heritage Entries must involve an existing dwelling that either: • I s included in the Register of the National Estate; and/or is registered with Heritage Victoria or equivalent; and/or • Complies with the basic principles of the Burra Charter; and/or is listed with the National Trust; and/or • Is subject to a planning scheme heritage overlay.

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A to Z of BD Awards

Alterations & Additions Entries must differentiate between the pre-existing conditions and the alteration/addition.

New Residential Entries must demonstrate levels of innovation in progressing an understanding of quality rather than quantity, and future directions in domestic accommodation, as opposed to just ‘looking good’.

Construction cost should include GST and should be portrayed a realistic value of construction price based on commercial rates. The build cost is just for the building, and should exclude landscaping cost.

Entrants should use “Rawlinson’s Guide” to assist in the correct allocation to categories.

Non-Residential Entries can include any non-residential project. e.g., commercial, industrial, hospitality, entertainment, retail, medical, educational, religious, and public buildings.

Residential – Multi-residential Entries must demonstrate benefits of urban consolidation.

Small Home Entries must be a single dwelling less than 150sqm on a single lot. A dwelling on a multi-residential development is not permissible.

Small Works Projects Entries must be small structures which, when viewed as stand-alone elements, exhibit originality, inventiveness and architectural skill. Such structures may include: garages/carports, pergolas, decks, fences, letter boxes, cubby houses, pool facilities, wood sheds, dog kennels and other pet houses, etc..

Special Project Entries must be any project that does not fall within any other award category but is considered to be unique in nature. Residential projects may not be submitted for this category.

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AWARD-WINNING CHECKLIST I have included a Dropbox link with 12 x high-res photos.

I have included a photo of every design element that I have mentioned in the written entry. y photos show building design works, not just the interior finishes.

M My photos show the whole of the rooms/spaces, not just close ups.

My photos show both internal and external spaces.

I have included Floor Plans with North signs.

I have written my four answers (totalling a maximum of 700 words) in a Word document first, then cut and paste them into the relevant parts of the Awardforce online form, so I can re-use them.

I have included an existing floor plan and new works plans in renovations and extensions.

I have clearly defined new from existing.

I have included plans and elevations clean from amendment clouding.

I have included Elevations.

I have included Site Plans.

I have included, as attachments, the NatHERS energy rating for new homes (or the DTS report for renovations; ESD; BESS report; Passive House certification, etc.) under ‘Sustainability Considerations’.

I have included attributions.

I have downloaded the product spreadsheet template.

I have not identified myself anywhere on images, floorplans or written support materials, including within the amendment box. NB. To maintain anonymity during judging, no names of applicants or collaborating parties may appear.

I have considered other Award categories for my project and if I do not have time to enter the project in the other categories, I have sought assistance from Elaine at e.centeno@designmatters.org I have submitted the entry by 2 August 2021.

I have the up-to-date DMN logo on my website (and not the BDAV or BDAWA or BDANT logos).

My website/social media accounts have images of my latest work.

I am preparing to email staff, friends, family, past clients, etc. to vote for my entry in the People’s Choice Award.

I have searched for other awards I can enter my project into, now I have text and images to hand.

I have saved the date in my calendar for the Awards Night (Friday 15 October in Perth; Thursday 28 October in Melbourne).

I will prepare to be contacted by Danielle Johnston, DMN’s Ntl. Communications Mgr, who will need my biography and a statement about the project for the “AWARDED” magazine and other promotional purposes.

I have completed this checklist.

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Presenters Stuart Braine

Theresa Braunsch

Kingspan Insulation Australia kingspan.com/au/en-au

SPECTrum Building Energy spectrumbuildingenergy.com.au

Stuart is the National Specification Manager at Kingspan Insulation Australia. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry as well as an MBA, and has been working in a sales capacity within the commercial side of the construction industry for over 20 years. Combining his academic background and professional experience, Stuart possesses extensive knowledge of plumbing and insulation products, as well as compliance issues, A&D and on-site construction methodologies.

Working directly with architects, builders, sub-contractors, ESD consultants and homeowners, provided great opportunities for me to be involved in projects at various stages, experiencing different perspectives. Applying best-design practice, the following aspects have to be taken into consideration: Thermal Performance; Indoor Environment Quality; Acoustics; Product Structural Requirements; DDA Compliance; BAL Ratings; Aesthetics; Product suitability and performance; Product availability/Manufacturing Capabilities; and Project Budget. Design Matters National and the AIA have given me opportunities over the years to be involved in Continuous Professional Development programs by presenting to their members. I very much enjoy engaging with building designers, architects, ESD consultants, builders and students across Australia, sharing my knowledge regarding building compliance, regulations, and best practice.

Stuart’s event Critical NCC Changes - Designing for Thermal Performance Wednesday 9 June 2021, 11AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/kingspan0906

Theresa’s event TPA Chit-Chat: Airtightness Thursday 10 June 2021, 12:30PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/TPAairtightness

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Geoff Hoare

Robert Romanous

Graaph Design graaph.com.au

BCA Energy bcalogic.com.au/services/#energy

Geoff is a Past President and Life Member of Design Matters National. He runs Graaph Design, a successful, award-winning building design firm. Geoff served on the Building Practitioners Board for 11 years up to it being wound up in 2016, and still assists the VBA when called upon. During his BPB activities, he was involved in the audit of Building Designers, as well as inquiries involving Registered Building Practitioners, and also carried out more than 1,200 draftsperson registration assessments. He also prepared VCAT expert evidentiary reports on behalf of the BPB in defence of rejected application appeals. Geoff is a passionate advocate for ensuring all designers continually improve their professionalism, and all his presentations for DMN have always been highly acclaimed.

This is a great workshop opportunity to learn from a very experienced and highly-respected professional.

Robert is the ESD Manager at BCA Energy.

He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the University of Technology Sydney, with a Diploma in Engineering Practice, and Cert IV in NatHERS Assessment. During his study and consultancy work, he has focused on the sustainable design, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings. He also has experience in thermal and energy modelling software, including IES VE, BERSpro and FirstRate5, combined with an understanding of building principles. Due to the introduction of tighter thermal bridging restrictions into the NCC 2019 Section J, Robert and his team have been working with architects and Façade product manufacturers to streamline this transition across all building sectors.

Geoff’s events Contract Administration Workshop Tuesday 15 June 2021, 10AM AEST http://bit.ly/CAworkshop1506

Robert’s event TPA Intensive Thermal Bridging in relation to NatHERS & residential buildings Tuesday 15 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/ ThermalBridgingNatHERS

Pre-Registration Workshop Tuesday 22 June 2021, 10AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/BDPreReg2206

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Darren O’Dea

Rob Hamilton

Speckel speckel.io

WFAANZ wfaanz.org.au

Darren is a Director at Speckel, a start-up software company aiming to create better opportunities for building design and construction teams to work together to improve outcomes for the built environment via easy-to-use design tools. Over the past 20 years, Darren has developed a wide range of technical and business development expertise covering the assessment, delivery and management of Building Physics consultancy.

Darren has authored 50+ articles in blogs, in the media and in publications on the subject of Building Physics and its role in architecture and engineering. In addition, Darren has advised the ABCB, ClimateWorks, and the Green Building Council of Australia on matters of energy efficiency and is a Technical Director at the Australian Passive House Association.

As a pioneer of WERS For Film in Australia and after 16 years in the window film industry, Rob is one of the country’s leading experts on the relationship between window film and energy.

Previously an ABSA assessor and with an Engineering Technology degree under his belt, Rob is well equipped to present this webinar exploring the ways window film, NatHERS and WERS For Film can work together to deliver optimal thermal efficiency. Speaking in his capacity as Vice President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ), Rob also sits on the AFRC board and represents the industry on the Australian Standards committee.

Darren’s event TPA Intensive: Can VURB for residential buildings ever be a good thing?

Wednesday 16 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/TPAintensive1606

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Rob’s event TPA Intensive: Window Film, NatHERS and WERS For Film Thursday 17 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/ TPAIntensiveWindow1706

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Rebecca Robins

Deanne Hislop

Efficiency Assessment efficiencyassessments.net

Building Biology WA buildingbiologywa.com.au/deanne-hislop

Rebecca is a foundation NatHERS Assessor with extensive experience across all parts of the NatHERS industry. Since 1996, she has worked with a focus on both the success of her TPA business, Efficiency Assessments, as well as the growth, development and professional recognition of all Assessors through behindthe-scenes work to improve the systems, information and regulatory environment.

Over the years she has coupled working in the private sector with providing services to all levels of government and AAOs. She is accredited in three NatHERS programs software and has worked with ABSA, BASIX & NatHERS on various projects. Rebecca has recently joined the DMN TASC and is looking forward to further contributing to NatHERS and to working with the TPAs within the scheme. Her aim is to encourage assessor autonomy and the ability to make professional judgments based on a sound understanding of building efficiency principles and the underlying processes of the NatHERS software and Chenath engine.

Deanne is a Certified Building Biologist, with advanced studies in Mould testing and EMF testing, Geobiologist, Certified GAPS* (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Health Practitioner, Psych K Facilitator, Speaker, Author and Activist with more than 20 years’ experience in the Environmental health arena. A Practitioner member of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists, Deanne practices through Western and South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory, runs numerous workshops and seminars from beginner to practitioner level and sits on several Environmental Health Groups as an adviser. She is the founder of Building Biology WA and Geo Harmony and passionate about creating healthy living spaces, spending most of her time working with health practitioners and integrative GPs to identify issues within the build that are leading to poor health.

Rebecca’s event

Deanne’s event Mould Aware Thursday 24 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/mouldaware2406

TPA Intensive: Best practice in NatHERS software modelling Friday 18 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/TPAbestpractice1806

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Rebecca Stefanonni

Vincent Wardill

Big Ass Fans bigassfans.com.au

Technoform technoform.com

Rebecca came to Big Ass Fans with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and has been with the company for six years with experience working across the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Her special interest in passive design and sustainability led Rebecca to help develop Big Ass Fans growth in new construction and retrofit projects where energy efficiency is key.

Vince is the national business development manager for Technoform Group. Vince has more than 26 years’ experience in the building, construction and window industries. Vince’s mission is to make every building in Australia energy efficient, through high-performance glazing solutions. He has worked for companies including Ramset Fasteners, Architectural Window Systems, CSR Hebel, and successfully ran his own business, ESD Solution, consulting to the A&D industries and multi discipline engineers. Technoform, is a world-leading manufacturer, specialising in the development and production of high-precision polyamide (glass reinforced nylon) thermal insulation products for numerous industries. In Australia, the business is predominantly focused on high-performance aluminium windows, doors, and façade glazing systems.

Rebecca’s event Learn & Lunch: Air movement for energy efficient comfort in conditioned spaces Tuesday 6 July 2021, 12PM AWST Register: http://bit.ly/Learnandlunch0607

Vincent’s event Designing High-performance Facades: Spec The Edge Tuesday 20 July 2021, 11AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/Facades2007

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Chris Marshall

Sam Frost

Hunt Heating huntheat.com.au

Stiebel Eltron stiebel-eltron.com.au

With over 12 years’ executive experience in the HVAC&R sector, Chris has directed and guided the Hunt Heating residential and commercial divisions since arriving from Europe eight years ago. With a keen eye for detail and innovation, Chris manages his forwardthinking team to work closely with clients and project influencers to deliver sustainable and modern buildings. For commercial projects across Australia, Chris and the team have guided the successful integration of HVAC&R products sourced from some of the world’s most technologically-advanced manufacturers.

Sam has come from a background in interior and exterior construction design and sales, working closely in the past with several premium German kitchen, wardrobe and furniture manufacturers on modular and custom fit outs in a variety of residential and commercial spaces. Sam joined Stiebel Eltron two years ago and had been encouraged by the high uptake of energy efficient all electric solutions offered by Stiebel Eltron. With Australia becoming increasingly more aware of renewable solutions, Sam champions all-electric energy-efficient solutions for homes. Since Joining Stiebel Eltron, Sam has used his contacts and industry knowledge to engage with building designers, architects, builders and trade services to assist in promoting Stiebel Eltron products out into the broader construction and building design market. Sam has been actively involved with the APHA and continues to follow the increasing trend in Australia towards a better than minimum standard building practice being employed by an increasing number of design professionals.

Chris’s event Happy Hour: Networking with Stiebel Eltron Thursday 26 August 2021, 5PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HappyHour260821

Sam’s event Hydronic Heat Pumps: Proposed Changes to the NCC & VBA Regulations Tuesday 27 July 2021, 11AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/Hydronicheat2707

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Kyle Stacey

Adam Butcher

Stack stackdesign.com.au

Darklight Design darklightdesign.com.au

Much of what drives Stack’s ethos and design approach has been influenced by Director Kyle Stacey’s upbringing on the family farm. His experience of living on isolated expanses of bushland has informed the idea that the places in which we live are special in themselves and the spaces we design to sit within them can only accentuate the inherent beauty of what already exists on each site.

Leading the practice to approach every space as an extension of the spaces beyond the building itself and in doing so, creating homes that are exceptionally unique to those people living amongst them. Stack’s portfolio consists of projects across Perth’s inner suburbs and rural landscapes across WA. As a practice Stack strives to design spaces that represent the individuality of its clients and respect a sense of place. Stack’s design ethos is to create houses that focus on quality, character and sustainability over quantity, tackling many of the shortcomings of typical infill development in Perth and create spaces that connect our clients into the local environment, both built and natural.

Adam is director and principal designer of Darklight Design with over 18 years’ experience in the design/construction industry.

His expertise crosses multiple sectors in rural and metropolitan areas around Australia.

He has experience in the commercial and residential sector working for boutique archgitects, developers and builders. Darklight Design core values are a reflection of Adam’s design ethos in producing quality design in line with budgets, timeframes and realistic construction methodologies. Since its inception, Darklight Design has worked on multiple, complex, bushfire projects - a continuing growth area in the industry.

Kyle’s event Pin-Up Networking Thursday 22 July 2021, 4PM AWST Register: http://bit.ly/Pin-upNetworking

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Adam’s event Pin-Up Networking Thursday 22 July 2021, 4PM AWST Register: http://bit.ly/Pin-upNetworking

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Matthew Graham

Nick Bishop

Anthony Wright

Graham Energy graham.energy

HERO Software hero-software.com.au

CSIRO csiro.au

Matthew is considered to be a subject matter expert in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. Matthew is a long-term accredited TPA, Trainer and recognised Mentor in AccuRate, BERS Pro and FirstRate5.

As an ESD engineer and energy rater with more than 10 years’ experience, Nick founded HERO Software to help deliver better tools for energy raters; to allow the industry to deliver a higher standard of work; and to help drive the Australian construction industry toward a low carbon future. Throughout his ESD and energy modelling work, Nick started developing scripts and tools to automate processes and deliver in-depth, efficient outcomes for his clients, with highlights being the Nightingale 1 project in Brunswick, Victoria -- one of Australia’s first net-zero emissions, all-electric multi-residential projects. Many of those ideas laid the ground work for HERO and its capabilities.

Anthony first registered as a FirstRate4 energy rater in 2007. He’s also a building designer and a long-time Design Matters National Member.

For the last five years, Anthony has led CSIRO’s residential energy efficiency program, covering the NatHERS tools, Liveability Real Estate program, the Australian Residential Energy Rating Conference, the Australian Housing Data Portal, an active social science and communications program, as well as a large research agenda.

Matthew’s events HERO Introductory Workshop Wednesday 23 June 2021, 10AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HERO2306 FirstRate5 Introductory Workshop Thursday 1 July 2021, 10 AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/FR5Intro0107 HERO Introductory Workshop Monday 16 August 2021, 10 AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HEROintro1608 FirstRate5 Intermediate Workshop Wednesday 18 August 2021, 10 AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/FR5intermediate1808

Nick’s events

Anthony’s event TPA Chit-Chat: Thermal performance research, risks & mitigation Thursday 8 July 2021, 12:30PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/TPAchit-chat0807

HERO Introductory Workshop Wednesday 23 June 2021, 10AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HERO2306 HERO Introductory Workshop Monday 16 August 2021, 10AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HEROintro1608

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Richard Haynes

Maryia Perthen

eTool etoolglobal.com

eTool etoolglobal.com

Rich is an engineer with over 20 years’ experience in consulting, management and software design. His experience spans multiple sectors including mining, electricity utilities, renewable energy and construction. He is passionate about the environment and continuous improvement. His real journey towards co-founding eTool started back in 2008 on a week-long expedition across a remote Canadian icecap. He saw first-hand the damaging effects of climate change on the glaciers and made a personal promise to dedicate what talents he had to reducing global warming. Since then, Richard has been the driving force behind software development bringing eToolLCD market and making sure it leads the construction sector towards a low carbon future. Outside of work Rich is a proud and active father of three boys whom he is slowly introducing to the wilderness. He’s looking forward to them accompanying him more on his trekking, climbing, biking, and backcountry skiing adventures where he’s been most moved by nature.

Maryia is an electrical engineer and business development manager at eTool - an Australian company which aims to help people design and build better buildings. During her studies in Germany, she chose the environmental path and has been working in the industries providing renewable energy and electric vehicles. After moving to Australia, she dedicated her work to making the construction industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Richard’s event Net Zero Carbon Design Tuesday 8 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/NetZeroCDesign

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Maryia’s event Net Zero Carbon Design Tuesday 8 June 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/NetZeroCDesign

03 What’s On

Nic Graham

Dr Philip Christopher

Xavier Papuraj

Nic Graham & Associates nicgraham.com

The University of Melbourne unimelb.edu.au

Box Hill Institute boxhill.edu.au

Interior Design Studio Nic Graham & Assoc. was established by Nic in 1998 in Sydney. The studio primarily focuses on hospitality, commercial and high-end residential projects.

It is celebrated for bold use of colour and graphics and eccentric memorable designs, while maintaining a true sense of warmth and comfort and a hands-on approach in each project. The team frequently collaborates with local artists, crafts people, florists, graphic and fashion designers and even chefs to achieve unique character for every project. Their dedicated personal approach has helped them maintain lasting partnerships with various clients for over two decades of a design work.

Philip is a Research Fellow in Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Melbourne and is currently working with a range of industry leaders on prefabricated systems and advancing the thermal performance of the residential housing sector. He specialises in sustainable materials for construction and the thermal performance of building fabric. Since completing his PhD in 2018, Philip has worked extensively with industry on testing the structural performance of Australian-made cross laminated timber and glulam for the commercial market. Philip is also currently a theme-coordinator in the Building 4.0 CRC for sustainable materials and design.

Xavier is Senior Teacher of Building Information Modelling in the Faculty of Trades at Box Hill Institute of TAFE in Melbourne.

He is a BIM expert and evangelist, specialising in BIM/Integrated Design/Project Delivery Solutions. His academic background is in architecture, engineering, urban planning and multi-media development. He also has 35 years’ field experience in the AEC industry, specialising in Revit/BIM Implementation for 20 of those years.

Nic’s event Design Narratives in Hotels: enhancing guest experience Thursday 29 July 2021, 12PM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/HotelInteriorDesign

Philip’s event

Xavier’s event Get to know BIM Wednesday 7 July 2021, 11AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/Get2KnowBIM

How We Can Build Australia’s Future 7 Star Homes Tuesday 31 August 2021, 11AM AEST Register: http://bit.ly/Future7Starhomes

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Diary

03 What’s On

A packed calendar of events lies in store for Members in June, July and August. Webinar topics cover insulation, air tightness, thermal bridging, window film, mould, fans, facades, heat pumps, net zero carbon design and more.

03.06.21 Title: TPA Chit-Chat: Airtightness Date: Thursday 3 June 2021 Time: 12:30PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/TPAairtightness Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Theresa Braunsch, SPECTrum Building Energy Content: Airtightness, including: air pressure differentials; potential leakage; penetrations; air exchange rates; regulations and standards - draft; windspeed/indoor pressure; airtightness materials and products/wall assembly; airtightness and heating loads; window installation; airtightness and controlled ventilation; and blower door test.

08.06.21 Title: Net Zero Carbon Design Date: Tuesday 8 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/NetZeroCDesign Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenters: Richard Haynes, eTool & Maryia Perthen, eTool Content: Demand for zero and low carbon design is growing as urgency on climate action increases. Richard and Maryia will explain the construction sector emissions, carbon measurement standards, and available technology solutions. They will also demonstrate how to optimise the life cycle impacts of a design using RapidLCA.

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15.06.21

Title: Critical NCC Changes - Designing for Thermal Performance Date: Wednesday 9 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/kingspan0906 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 technical Presenter: Stuart Braine, Kingspan Insulation

Title: Thermal Bridging in relation to NatHERS and residential buildings Date: Tuesday 15 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/ThermalBridgingNatHERS Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 technical Presenter: Robert Romanous, BCA Energy

Content: Who is Kingspan; Planet Passionate; What is Rigid Board insulation; Thermal insulation Science; Material R-values and Total R-Value calculations; NCC2022 – Class 1, 2 and 4; NCC2019 – Changes to Section J; Changes to material R-Values (AS4859.1) – all classes of buildings; Changes to total R-values (AS4214) – NCC volume 2; Thermal Bridging vs Thermal Breaks; Designing using NatHERS requirements; Kingspan Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard; and Fire Compliance and rigid board behaviour in fire (AS1530.1 and AS5637).

Content: It has been demonstrated that the use of NCC2019 vol 1 thermal bridging provision can result in a significant reduction i n expected building fabric performance within the commercial industry. In this tech webinar, we will explore what would happen if similar thermal bridging criteria were to be implemented for residential developments. Learning outcomes: evaluate the impact of energy-efficient housing on the overall reduction of GHG emissions; explain the effect of the substandard installation of insulation on the thermal efficiency of buildings; list innovative products to achieve high NatHERS star ratings and a net-zero energy home in practice; describe the recent changes to AS/NZS 4859.1; state the impact of thermal bridging (including: define thermal bridging; identify AS/NZS 4859.2 and NZ 4214; explain downrating total R-value due to thermal bridging; and describe the effect of thermal bridging on different building methods); and explore what would happen if thermal bridging criteria were to be implemented for residential developments, including the impact on the NatHERS rating.

15.06.21 Title: Contract Administration Workshop Date: Tuesday 15 June 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Online - Zoom Cost: $350.00 Register: http://bit.ly/CAworkshop1506 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 4 Presenter: Geoff Hoare, Graaph Design Content: This workshop is delivered online. Materials will be provided in electronic format and assessments is provided on attendance. This well renowned program assists building designers develop the knowledge and skills to: Manage and administer standard form building contracts; develop administrative and reporting systems to manage a building contract on behalf of a client; to enable participants to confidently offer Contract Administration as another service within their practice.

The workshop will introduce participants to: the principles of selecting, advising and administering a standard for a building contract for both residential and commercial building projects; examine those contracts and identify the benefits and/or disadvantages of the various contract suites; and examine the Design Matters National standardform contracts, the appendices and various forms and instructions that are referenced within the contract to gain an understanding of each component. The workshop also assists building designers seeking registration as a building practitioner in Victoria to enable applicants who have successfully completed this course to produce a certificate and various work examples to satisfy the contract administration experience criteria required for registration as a Building Design - Architectural.

03 What’s On

09.06.21

16.06.21 Title: TPA Intensive: Can VURB for residential buildings ever be a good thing?

Date: Wednesday 16 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/TPAintensive1606 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 technical Presenter: Darren O’Dea, Speckel Content: VURB (Verification using a Reference Building Method) is a Performance Solution (Verification Method – V2.6.2.2) within the National Construction Code 2019.

Introduced to provide flexibility against meeting the Performance Requirements of P 2.6.1 (except NSW), it has become synonymous as a ‘loophole’, allowing builders to avoid complying with the six-star NatHERS minimum requirement. Within this presentation, Darren will use the platform Speckel to undertake the freshly released VURB assessments against V2.6.2.2, to argue the benefits of a standardised reference building and a repeatable calculation procedure for the industry.

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03 What’s On

17.06.21

22.06.21

Title: TPA Intensive: Window Film, NatHERS & WERS For Film Date: Thursday 17 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/TPAIntensiveWindow1706 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 technical Presenter: Rob Hamilton, WFAANZ

Title: Pre-Registration Workshop Date: Tuesday 22 June 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Workshop Cost: $120.00 Register: http://bit.ly/BDPreReg2206 Duration: 2 hours CPD points: 2 Presenter: Geoff Hoare, Graaph Design

Content: This technical presentation will cover the: energy impact of window film; technical aspects of window film specification – site considerations (building orientation, external shading, etc.), U-value, TSER, SHGC, and situations where window film offers a viable and efficient thermal alternative, for example where double glazing has been specified but is prohibitive due to cost; case studies demonstrating the energy impact of window film; window film and NatHERS; and WERS For Film, the independent energy rating program for the window film industry.

Participates will learn more about awareness of where, when, why and how window film can be used to improve the thermal performance of a building; understanding of how window film can be used to its best effect within NatHERS; and inspiration and advice on using window film to meet or exceed energy requirements.

18.06.21 Title: TPA Intensive: Best practice in NatHERS software modelling Date: Friday 18 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/TPAbestpractice1806 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 technical Presenter: Rebecca Robins, Efficiency Assessments Content: This presentation ensures Assessors have the knowledge, skills and tools to inform decision making in NatHERS assessments and promote autonomy and professional judgement. The webinar will touch on the basics to ensure a solid foundation on which all assessments can be based. It will refresh attendees knowledge on the NatHERS basics, key principles of building thermal performance, principles of data entry, key assumptions of the Chenath engine and explore how they link together. In addition, the presentation will look at the importance of a systematic approach in all NatHERS assessments to elevate efficiency and ease, including steps outside of data entry that are fundamental to quality, consistent and accurate results.

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Content: This course is aimed at building designers preparing for registration with the Victorian Building Authority. The workshop covers a broad range of relevant topics including: the legislative requirements for registration under the Building Act; the role of the VBA; the current registration process; dispelling the myths of registration and why and when you need to be registered as a building practitioner; what the differences are between a registered architect and draftsperson; a comparison of Victorian registration with other states; mutual recognition and whether it is applicable when seeking registration within Australia; what are the required qualifications, and what may be considered as being equivalent; how to demonstrate an appropriate level of experience; evidence you should gather in support of your application; how best to present and formulate your application; the competencies required for registration as at Draftsperson; various forms that will make up your application; the declarations and police checks required; appropriate insurance required; how to build a ‘best practice’ application; what the VBA and its assessors might be looking for in your application; what to do if you receive a request for further information; what to expect if you are asked to attend an interview or online assessment; and what happens if your application is refused and including options available if you are refused.

23.06.21 Title: HERO Introductory Workshop Date: Wednesday 23 June 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Online - Zoom Cost: $225.00 Register: http://bit.ly/HERO2306 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 9 technical Presenters: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy & Nick Bishop, HERO Software Content: Join subject matter expert Matthew Graham and HERO developer Nick Bishop in an intensive workshop tailored for those using or considering using HERO. This interactive session provides technical guidance and capability in proficient use of this software.

06.07.21

Title: Mould Aware Date: Thursday 24 June 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/mouldaware2406 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Deanne Hislop, Building Biologist WA

Title: Learn and Lunch: Air movement for energy efficient comfort in conditioned spaces Date: Tuesday 6 July 2021 Time: 12PM AWST Location: The White Room, Home Base, 55 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008.

Cost: Free Event Link: http://bit.ly/Learnandlaunch0607 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Rebecca Stefanonni, Big Ass Fans

Content: Why mould is becoming more of an issue in today’s society and how we can address this in building design. ‘Learn about preventable mould issues in builds that result in increased microbial growth. From the choice of build materials, roofing design, waterproofing, water vapour and condensation allowance as ventilation, particularly in passive builds there are many factors to consider when designing a healthy home that will help reduce the likelihood of mould growth. This workshop provides a comprehensive look into why mould is becoming a greater issue within the built environment; common issues seen with builds today; why people seem to be more susceptible to mould; and of course, what considerations need to be made in the design stage.

24.06.21 Title: Happy Hour Networking - Melbourne Date: Thursday 24 June 2021 Time: 5PM AEST Location: The Albion Bar, 172 York St., South Melbourne, Vic. 3205.

Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/HappyHour2406 Duration: 2 hours CPD points: 2

01.07.21

03 What’s On

24.06.21

Content: Identify the standard for thermal comfort compliance; name the 6 factors that affect thermal comfort; understand the use of elevated air speed to improve thermal comfort, air distribution, and energy efficiency in conditioned spaces; describe the design benefits of minimising ductwork, lowering HVAC first costs, and improving ventilation rates; explain stratification and the energy saving potential of de-stratifying a large open space.

07.07.21 Title: Get to know BIM Date: Wednesday 7 July 2021 Time: 11AM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/Get2KnowBIM Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Xavier Papuraj, Box Hill Institute Content: Xavier contributed to the article, “Is BIM now BAU?”, in this issue of “INTERSECT”. In this webinar, Xavier will continue the conversation about BIM, answer questions from Members, and talk about the BIM education offerings currently available at Box Hill Institute.

Title: FirstRate5 Introductory Workshop Date: Thursday 1 July 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Online - Zoom Cost: $215.00 Register: http://bit.ly/FR5Intro0107 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 9 technical Presenter: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy Content: This four-hour workshop, exclusive for Design Matters National-accredited Thermal Performance Assessors (TPAs), and tailored for those using FirstRate5, is an interactive session which provides consolidation of the basics of the software and confirms your ability to use and apply both software attributes and the applicable technical note.

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03 What’s On

08.07.21

22.07.21

Title: TPA Chit-Chat: Thermal performance research, risks & mitigation Date: Thursday 8 July 2021 Time: 12:30PM AEST Location: Online - Zoom Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/TPAchit-chat0807 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Anthony Wright, CSIRO

Title: Pin-Up Networking Date: Thursday 22 July 2021 Time: 4PM AWST Location: The White Room, Home Base, 55 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008.

Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/Pin-upNetworking Duration: 2 hours CPD points: 1 Presenter: Kyle Stacey, Stack & Adam Butcher, Darklight Design

Content: Anthony will discuss CSIRO’s current research into slab-on-ground modelling, overheating and moisture including risks for homeowners and assessors, mitigation and possible next steps for regulation.

20.07.21 Title: Designing High-performance Facades: Spec The Edge Date: Tuesday 20 July 2021 Time: 11AM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/Facades2007 Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Vincent Wardill, Technoform Content: Have you ever wondered why we, in Australia, are so reliant on Air-Conditioning in Summer and Heating in Winter? The FRAME of a window (our glazing) has a significant impact on the overall energy efficiency of any glazing system (Windows, Doors etc.) – including that of double-glazing itself. While double glazing is seen as a benchmark for energy efficiency, to select double glazing with a standard aluminium frame is only going halfway to achieving a high performing energy efficient window! We expand on this topic and explain how important glazing is in the building envelope and to make our built indoor environment more comfortable.

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Content: The PIN UP is BACK. DMN Style! The pin up is the most feared element of all the design and architecture courses, but it is also a way to open one’s mind to healthy critique, different ideas and a whole range of new experiences. Two DMN Members will present a design/ design challenge they’re wrestling with, then the group asks questions and discusses the design or challenge.

Pin-Ups are a great way to gather new solutions to tricky problems and have a laugh at the same time.

Catering and drinks provided by our good friends at Home Base. Bring a colleague or friend at no charge.

27.07.21 Title: Hydronic Heat Pumps - Proposed Changes to the NCC & VBA Regulations Date: Tuesday 27 July 2021 Time: 11AM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/Hydronicheat2707 Duration: 1 Hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Sam Frost, Stiebel Eltron Content: Stiebel Eltron is a German company committed to delivering sustainable, energy efficient hot water, heating and ventilation solutions. We’re currently in the midst of an energy revolution, and we can help you futureproof your home or office. At Stiebel Eltron, we were one of the first to realise that electricity is the energy source of the future. It’s an infinite resource – unlike oil and gas – so it’s eco-friendly and ideal for preserving our natural resources. With a rich heritage of more than 95 years in manufacturing innovative home appliances, we’re able to offer you products which will make your home or office fit for the future. Stiebel Eltron will be presenting on its range of all electric and renewable products as well as some exciting new additions to the line-up that are being released in the new year. The presentation will cover: a brief company overview and an introduction to the Stiebel Eltron Range; what are Hydronic heat pumps and why they can be used in new and existing buildings in Australia; energy efficiency and Heat pumps; the benefits Heat pumps and Solar PV; new products coming soon from the European market; Stiebel Eltron design service for building professionals; Q&A time.

18.08.21

Title: Design Narratives in Hotels: enhancing guest experience Date: Thursday 29 July 2021 Time: 12PM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/HotelInteriorDesign Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Nic Graham, Nic Graham & Assoc.

Title: FirstRate5 Intermediate Workshop Date: Wednesday 18 August 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Online Zoom Cost: $240.00 Register: http://bit.ly/FR5intermediate1808 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 4 technical Presenter: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy

Content: An exploration into various examples of how a design narrative can influence and guide hotel design and enhance a guest experience. Today’s travelers to the boutique and design-focused hotels of the world are intelligent, curious and mindful. They often want a deeper meaning to the spaces we create, in order to understand the obtuse or new idea. They pose questions which in the end can form a familiarity or deeper connection with a property. It used to be called a theme, now we say narrative, and do weeks of research into history, location and culture in search of a hidden idea that can influence planning, volume, artworks and graphics, design, palette and accessories.

16.08.21 Title: HERO Introductory Workshop Date: Monday 16 August 2021 Time: 10AM AEST Location: Online - Zoom Cost: $220.00 Register: http://bit.ly/HEROintro1608 Duration: 4 hours CPD points: 9 technical Presenters: Matthew Graham, Graham Energy & Nick Bishop, HERO Software Content: Join subject-matter expert Matthew Graham and HERO developer Nick Bishop in an intensive workshop tailored for those using or considering using HERO. This interactive session provides technical guidance and capability in proficient use of this software.

03 What’s On

29.07.21

Content: Modelling topics, including: your next-door neighbour; how to work smarter; keeping a roof over your head; not in my courtyard; to zone, or not to zone; analytics tab; more top tips; can you split this?; and complex errors from DMN audits.

NB. Registrants MUST have completed the Introductory workshop and bring a laptop with FirstRate5 v5.3.

26.08.21 Title: Happy Hour: Networking with Stiebel Eltron Date: Thursday 26 August 2021 Time: 5PM AEST Location: Stiebel Eltron’s Melbourne Showroom, Unit 4, 8 Rocklea Drive, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207.

Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/HappyHour260821 Duration: 2 hours CPD points: 1 Presenter: Chris Marshall, Hunt Heating

31.08.21 Title: How We Can Build Australia’s Future 7-Star Homes Date: Tuesday 31 August 2021 Time: 11AM AEST Location: Webinar Cost: $44.00 Register: http://bit.ly/Future7Starhomes Duration: 1 hour CPD points: 1 Presenter: Dr Philip Christopher, University of Melbourne Content: Seven-Star Minimum Energy Efficiency Regulations are coming in 2022 so we’ll discuss practical, cost-effective measures to meet 7-Stars in Australia’s major climate zones including bricks, cladding, insulation, windows, and walls.

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FR5 v5.3.1 is alive

04 How-to

The April TPA Chit-Chat featured a presentation on the latest release of FirstRate5 - v5.3.1, as well as potential future FR5 enhancements.

New features in FR5 v5.3.1:

• Stacked Walls: A Stacked Wall can be made up of numerous Default/Custom Wall Construction types stacked vertically on top of each other; Reduces the need to manually split walls horizontally; Eaves, Screens, Wing walls connected to the Parent Stacked Wall will be automatically linked to the separate child walls; and Windows can be located anywhere on the stacked wall • G lobal Zoning Tab – Opening/editing multiple projects: Ability to open hundreds of projects at one time; Bulk edit any project property available within the Zoning Tab; Bulk edit of downlights/ penetrations; Bulk Project Upload for FR5 Portal cloud calculations; and The Global Zoning Tab can also be used to quickly create and test multiple design iterations while using the FR5 portal to calculate the projects.

• ABCB/BASIX Heating & Cooling Load Limits Display: FR5 automatically looks up the ABCB/BASIX Heating & Cooling Load Limit Table

By Govind Maksay, Project Lead, Sustainability Victoria, Gerard Turnbull, Customer Advisor, Sustainability Victoria, and Ian McNicol, Specialist (Energy Efficiency), Sustainability Victoria.

• Heat Map Display on Plan Tab: What is a Heat Map? A Heat Map is a visual representation of data that shows the magnitude of data as colour in two dimensions. This can be used to quickly understand the dwelling model in more detail by displaying: Total Construction R-Value of building elements; and Calculation results - Energy usage for each zone and estimated Hourly Temperature for each zone.

• C onstruction R-Value Display: You can now visualise the Total Construction R-Values on the Plan Tab; Pick and choose which construction elements to display (Walls, Floors, Roofs, Windows, Skylights & Roof Windows); Legend updates automatically; Quicker error checking. e.g., missing insulation; and Better understanding of thermal shell. Can be used to quickly spot weak areas of the thermal shell e.g., wall or window types.

• Energy Usage Display: Zone Energy Loads Displayed on Plan; Displays Energy Usage Total (MJ), Cooling Usage Total (MJ), Cooling Usage per square meter (MJ/m²), Heating Usage Total (MJ), Heating Usage per square meter (MJ/m²); Energy value displayed in zone top right corner.

• T emperature Display: Hourly Temperature of each zone displayed on plan; Zone Temperature displayed in top right; Ability to select specific time of year; Ability to predict heat flow through dwelling during any day of the year; and Ability to assess comfort levels – example - extreme hot/cold day.

• Non-regulation mode: Activate nonregulation mode; Turn off mechanical Heating/Cooling; Turn on Heatmap for temperature; Select extreme weather days; and Test out how the dwelling performs without mechanical heating and cooling.

• O ther additional new features: Green Roof Construction; Insulated garage doors; Customisable Keyboard shortcuts; Window Library Filtering; Detachable Plan and Zoning tabs for multiple screen displays; and Global Ceiling Penetration Editing.

To view the webinar in its entirety, visit http://bit.ly/FR5Update If you have any feedback on the latest v5.3.1 New Features, or suggestions to improve FR5 going forward, contact Govind Maksay at Sustainability Victoria on Govind.Maksay@sustainability.vic.gov.au

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03 04 What’s How-to On

Light Bulb Moment More than 120 Members registered for April’s ‘Solar design principles & specification of solar panels and batteries’ webinar presented

by Aven Taylor from Bradford Energy.

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Q. How fast are the sizes of panel growing in power output? Do you foresee the possibility of 500w panels hitting the markets in the future (10yrs)?

Q. With regards to the exclusion zone, given that we are in a non-cyclonic region A, what is the exclusion zone at the ridge, from the gutter and the sides?

A. Over recent years, panel efficiency has increased from 15 per cent to over 20 per cent which results in a big jump from 250W to 370W. Although Bradford Energy is not a panel manufacturer and it is challenging to make a major breakthrough in improving panel technology, we are optimistic about the more powerful domestic panels coming to the market in the near future.

A. Different racking manufacturers have different exclusion zones to comply with AS/NZS1170.2.

You can work with your CEC accredited designer to select the most suitable racking provider.

Q. Does the semi-integrated system address the overheat issue (e.g. insulated layer)? Or this is something that the designer needs to resolve using separate elements on a case by case?

A. BiPV systems are slightly less efficient than conventional PV systems due to the heat build-up.

Bradford Energy is exploring options to improve air flow for the semi-integrated INLINE systems.

Q. What considerations for installing panels in bushfire areas? (Thinking about gap between panels and roof...)

A. All the solar panels we use are tested to IEC 61730-2:2016 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification and are fire rated. A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a means of measuring the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact.

Penetrations on the roof from solar cables should be sealed with suitable BAL rated material.

Q. How much added weight does an average 6kW system add to a roof? Should your roofing structure system be upgraded to suit?

A. Standard bolt-on system should not add more than 20kg/m2 to your roof and racking interface spacings are certified to AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 (R2016) Imposed loadings and AS/NZS 1170.2:2011 (R2016) Wind Loadings. This is normally not a concern to recently built houses.

However, please contact your structure engineer should you wish to conduct a roof structure assessment.

Q. Is there software available that will allow a panel system to be specified for a required output, in terms of pitch and orientation.

A. Almost all the estimation software in the solar industry can generate production reports based on the azimuths and orientations. Alternatively, our sales representatives are more than happy to assist you to estimate solar productions.

04 How-to

Here, Leo E, Electrical Engineer, CSR Limited – Masonry & Insulation, NSW, answers 9 questions asked by DMN Members during the webinar.

Q. Can you discuss emerging technologies using an electric car’s battery to power the home?

A. Some car manufacturers are pioneering vehicleto-grid technology (V2G) and working closely to the government for trail projects funded by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

This technology can offer great benefits to customers and also help enhance grid resilience and reliability.

Q. I have clients here in Victoria that install 13-15kw systems. I don’t believe they get any restrictions about what goes back to the grid. Is WA different in the way they run solar systems?

A. Every Distribution Network Service Provide (DNSP) has its own network guidelines which stipulate solar connection requirements.

In Victoria, you are normally allowed to install a 13-15kW solar system that can fully export to the grid providing it is a three-phase connection.

However, this allowed kW rating could vary from location to location, depending on the local network infrastructure.

Q. In Perth do the panels have a shading effect on the roof and thereby reduce cooling requirements in the summer?

A. There were studies carried out by researchers and they found the building’s ceiling can be up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler under the array compared with exposed section of roof.

Another benefit to consider when making a purchase decision for a large solar system!

Leo E may be contacted via le@csr.com.au For more information in Melbourne, contact Adam McShane, Head of Sales, Residential Victoria, via admcshane@csr.com.au To view the webinar in its entirety, visit http://bit.ly/SunDesign

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Ask the VBA

04 How-to

Please email questions for the Victorian Building Authority to editor@designmatters.org.au

Members put their questions directly to the VBA. Q. Is there any planned restructuring of registration classes for building designers?

With builders having varying classes of registration, maybe this needs to extend to building designers - I know it’s more regulation, which I’m sure would have its opposition, but I would hope that it would clear up the responsibilities and scope for those in the industry and also the public. i.e., The practitioners who earn an unlimited registration access a greater scope of work. Likewise, practitioners who wish to only work on small-to-medium density residential can focus the VBA’s resources on that kind of project. Also, I acknowledge that this is kind of done with the other draftsperson categories, but I feel that is a bit different.

A. We are not aware of any planned work to change the registration of draftspersons.

Proposed changes to the building regulations can be submitted to Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP). It is likely DELWP will be considering the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Building Confidence National Registration framework recommendations.

Q. Could the VBA establish a code of ethics with regards to the protection of improper use of a building designer’s Registered Building Practitioner’s numbers when permission has not been sought? This would also include the registered practitioner’s names when it relates to contracts, and other related domesticbuilding documents.

below is only for use where part of the building is required to have a different star rating to the remainder.” Design Matters National has responded that this formula and assessment method can be used for all extension/additions. Can the VBA acknowledge that this method of assessment is acceptable for all extensions?

From my experience, the use of the extension/addition formula as a Performance Solution provides the greatest flexibility in demonstrating compliance and is a more robust assessment. The challenge with DTS (elemental method) is that glazing compliance can be challenging to achieve for extensions/additions even with applying the new glazing performance values to the existing windows as per VBA PN2018-55.

A. The formula within PN55 is essentially an idea for a performance solution that could be used for an alteration/extension to an existing dwelling. A performance solution should be appropriately justified and documented by the designer/consultant for assessment and decision by the relevant building surveyor. The VBA acknowledges that there are issues with the current form of PN55 and is currently working on an updated version.

Q. How do I achieve acceptance with an RBS for an energy rating for an extension to an existing dwelling?

A. The building permit applicant is responsible for demonstrating compliance. Whether a performance solution demonstrates compliance is to be decided by the relevant building surveyor. Where the building permit applicant disagrees with the relevant building surveyor’s decisions, the Building Appeals Boards exists to hear appeals and disputes. The VBA does not provide performance solutions that are deemed compliant performance solutions that can be applied in all circumstances.

A. Section 169 – 169J of the Building Act 1993 sets out numerous offences that relate to these issues, such as an offence for false representation of possessing registration and the requirement to include the practitioner’s registration number in all advertisements and written statements for domestic building work. Codes of conduct are under consideration for other Q. What is the best way to provide an practitioners following the introduction of energy rating for an extension to an the Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors. existing dwelling?

Q. I would like to seek clarity regarding VBA PN2018-55 [PN55] regarding the use of the extension/addition formula. The practice note states that the extension/addition formula can be used as a Performance Solution to “determine that proposed alterations, including additions achieve the required star rating. The formula set out

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A. To comply with the energy efficiency performance requirements, a performance solution can be developed to demonstrate compliance with performance requirements. Alternatively, adopt the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions or a combination of a performance solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy solution. Regulation 233 permits partial compliance in some instances however must be permitted by the relevant building surveyor.

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01 Project Matters

04 How-to

Insulation Conversation More than 120 Members registered for a webinar on insulation products in April, presented by Theresa Braunsch from SPECTrum Building Energy.

Here, Theresa Braunsch answers six questions on the topic, posed by DMN Members.

Q. Insulation in flood-prone buildings: PUR or PIR? A. Rigid, closed-cell insulation should be used in flood prone areas. XPS is certainly the most suitable closed-cell insulation for flood-zoned areas and will not absorb moisture, contrary to EPS. Most insulation materials will become ineffective and damaged when submerged in water for a long period of time. PIR can handle small amounts of water but can dissolve when sunk in water. It is flame- and smoke-resistant, it slows the spread of flames and reduces smoke emitted in case of fire. PUR insulation does not have the same fire-resistant properties.

We should emphasise how important it is to take a holistic approach to architecture in flood prone areas, educate and seek expert advice.

Floor levels should be elevated above the flood level and wall cavities accessible if possible, where insulation can be easily replaced or excessed and dried after flooding. Waterproofing membranes should be installed and act as water barriers.

Manufacturer’s specifications, product performance, what environment is it suitable for, warranties and test reports should confirm the suitability of specific products.

Q. Wood below floor screeds? Could you tell us more about managing termite risk?

A. Referring to Wood Fibre below screed.

Wood Fibre under screed insulation, which is a higher density insulation, must be managed in similar ways to any other under-screed insulation,

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with a termite membrane. The advantage of this insulation being natural, without VOC, means it has not been chemically treated, therefore could be susceptible to termites as many construction products are. HomeGuard has a range of environmentally-friendly termite protection products, which can be handled without harm to humans and are highly effective. Soil testing will determine whether an area is prone to termites and if it is the case, regular testings, post construction, should be conducted to eliminate the risk.

Q. How does wood fibre (Gutex) compare, performance-wise, with straw panels (Durra panels – Australian made)?

A. Both insulation manufacturers offer a wide range of products suitable for different applications, which makes it difficult to compare. The Gutex Range has around 20 products which have been tested to European standards and Australian building surveyors have the choice of accepting or rejecting its application. Most Gutex products have a thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/mK. Compressive strength can range from 50 kPa to 200kPa. Wood fibre is a very versatile product.

Durra panels can be applied in walls and roofs.

The panels have great fire resistance and acoustic properties. The conductivity of the natural product is 0.081W/mK, which is higher than Woodfibre and will require a thicker panel to achieve the same insulation R- value.

Durra products have thermal mass properties.

As Durra panels are manufactured locally, transport is not contributing to embodied energy. Both products are biodegradable and

04 How-to The insulation integrity will be maintained when a suitable product is selected and installed according to manufacturer’s specifications, according to Theresa.

recyclable, making it a sustainable solution.

The choice between Gutex and Durra Panels should be determined according to project-specific design intent and construction systems.

Q. How do we know that the insulation’s integrity is maintained when installed? Should a professional install insulation?

A. The insulation integrity will be maintained when a suitable product is selected and installed according to manufacturer’s specifications. The products will perform well when sufficient ventilation and humidity control will reduce the risk of condensation and avoid damage due to moisture. Insulation should be installed avoiding gaps (due to services and other penetrations). Air tightness will maintain the performance by minimising heat convection (air circulation). The products should be able to dry when exposed to moisture and be dimensionally stable (not slump). An external vapour-permeable but water-resistant membrane will protect the insulation from water damage.

Q. KoolTherm advertises itself as a Phenolic insulation and with better R-Values than PIR. How is this different from PIR? A. Kooltherm insulation by Kingspan is made by mixing phenolic resin with a blowing agent. It is a close-cell rigid insulation like PIR and PUR. The R-Value is slightly better than PIR insulation due to the lower conductivity of the material, which is 0.018 – 0.023 W/mK. Kingspan is referring to its blowing agent as non-toxic and assuring no CFC or HCFC is being used in its manufacturing process, which are contributors to ozone depletion. Kooltherm brochures point

out that the product has zero Ozone Depletion Potential as well as low Global Warming Potential.

No information is published about the type of fire retarder used for Kooltherm insulation.

PIR board is made from MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate), polyol and Pentane as the blowing agent (no ODP). Most PIR boards use TCPP (Tris Chloroisopropyl Phosphate) fire retardant which is toxic and can be harmful to humans.

Q. What insulation product would you recommend for the small ceiling space under a Bondek deck slab when there is a bathroom underneath.

This would be in a cold climate zone.

A. Bathroom areas produce a lot of vapour, the insulation should be vapour permeable and able to absorb moisture and dry without damage (Rockwool or Wood Fibre). If possible, have a thin insulation layer under the Bondek metal as well to prevent condensation on the metal surface which would then drop onto the insulation layer. It’s best if the cavity between ceiling and roof can be ventilated as well. Air tightness layer between the insulation and plaster board will discourage the vapour to transfer easily into the roof cavity. Extraction fans connected to the exterior will dehumidify the space reducing relative humidity. Windows should be opened when showering.

For more information, contact Theresa at tebraunsch@gmail.com To view the webinar in its entirety, click here http://bit.ly/AvoidCond

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04 How-to

Right: Wangjing SOHO, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects

Student Advice:

How to succeed as a Built-Environment Professional Members offer their advice to students

“My biggest piece of advice would be spending the time – and I really believe if you’re interested in design, or construction in general – to want to learn hands-on skills. Most can learn the skills Building Designers: taught to them during the course but when you simplify the whole part, having an understanding “You need to develop your passion for all things of just how a house is constructed and works design and never stop looking at the world around you for inspiration. I was lucky as a young makes the role enjoyable and gives you the confidence to design.” architectural graduate to be given a lot of design responsibility at a larger firm, but if you want a Jad Newman, BIM Documenter, good, all-round learning experience, a small- to Rhodes Framing Solutions, Vic. medium-sized practice may offer greater opportunities. You need to keep evolving in this profession and it is a life-long learning experience “The thing I try and instil in my students is to keep in which confidence and competence comes with your eyes open to the buildings we see every day, try to look at how something might have been time spent working on projects.” detailed, and to absorb as much information as you can about various ways of tackling design John Damant, Director, solutions as there are normally several ways you Arcologic, WA. can design something and there aren’t usually any specific rights or wrongs, however If you “If you love doing this, it will be worth everything know what your options are and you have a you put into it. (In other words, it’s up to you!)

It’s not an easy road, but nothing worthwhile ever number of them then you can make an informed decision on which direction to take. In design is… It’s a bit of a cliché, but (like most clichés), there really aren’t any limits beyond your own it’s true.” personal ones so the only way to advance is to keep expanding your limits. There is usually Ingrid Hornung, Owner, nothing wrong with making an error as long as Designs for You & President, you learn from it and don’t repeat the error.”

Design Matters National, Alphington, Vic. John Armsby, Architect, Armsby Architects, Vic. & Member, “If you want to be a building designer, be DMN Committee of Management prepared to study hard at university and equally at home, completing assignments and conducting research. You will need to be driven and willing to “Love what you do and listen to those with industry experience.” work. If you lift the foot off the gas and think you can cruise through, this is the wrong field for you.

Darron Lyons, Owner, I felt that studying at Federation University The Red Shed, & Member, Ballarat provided a fantastic learning DMN Committee of Management, NT. environment, as you were treated like employees by some lecturers working in their design studio and expected to perform at the top level by others.”

Stephen Schenk, Unicorn Architecture, Vic.

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03 04 What’s How-to On

Design involves a real understanding of nature which we work with every day in all of its forms: sun, wind and rain...

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04 How-to

“Ask questions… be a sponge. There is so much to learn and so many facets to this industry.

That’s what I love about it: the diversity.”

Belinda Stewart, Owner, 3875 design & drafting, Vic. “More than in any other industry, in building design you must have a passion, an obsession for what you’re doing in order to succeed.

Design involves a real understanding of nature which we work with every day in all of its 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. I’d also tell students to look at buildings and get an understanding of how people live within a building. Students should also get a good understanding of CAD packages. And they need to go out on to site and speak to the builders regularly and follow their designs through, and speak to the trades.”

Peter Jackson, Director, Peter Jackson Design, Vic. TPAs: “Make sure you become qualified as an assessor (e.g., Cert IV). This will increase your credibility and enable you to provide better service to your clients. A good understanding of materials and design and some time working in the design or construction industry would help with better understanding of how to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.”

Andrew Barrett, Director/Sustainability Consultant, Green at Heart, QLD. “If I was to share any of my wisdom with students looking to enter our profession, it would be to ‘Take Off The Blinkers’. We need to look outside of NatHERS; we are not NatHERS assessors; we are Thermal Building Assessors. With the ever-changing market, we need be more knowledgeable in other tools; i.e., Green Star, NABERS, Design Builder… just to name a few.

Look to also increase your knowledge of building and construction, together with some sales and marketing skills. To run a successful business, you need to have the knowledge to gain the confidence of your clients and also know how to retain them though quality customer service.”

Ian Fry, Founder/Director, Frys Energywise, NSW.

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“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 gathering 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 into making wrong choices.”

Allen Roberts, Owner, APR Building Services, Vic. Town Planners: “It’s a great profession and provides a wide and diverse range of opportunities across numerous industries. The majority of town planners that permit applicants deal with are either strategic or statutory planners. I am not sure how wise the words are, but for students contemplating entering the planning profession, I would say: please remember, the primary purpose of town planning is ‘managing change’. Do not enter the profession with ambitions of ‘protecting the status quo’. There is scope for ‘protecting’ important places under the planning regime however, the fundamental imperative is to provide a better place for people to live, work and communities to grow. Planners need to be agents of change.”

Ashley Thompson, Director and Chief Purveyor of Good News, Clause 1 Planning Consultants, Vic.

03 What’s On

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Five by Five

05 Who’s Who

Five minutes with….

Andrew Barrett, Director/Sustainability Consultant, Green at Heart, Smithfield, QLD. greenatheart.com.au

Why he joined Design Matters National…

What he’s working on now…

Design Matters National represents professional energy efficiency certifiers and provides excellent support to our industry through professional development and accreditation. It is also an organisation that supports many of our clients who are building designers so it is important for us to support them, too.

I’m working with some great building designers on ways to reduce energy use in multi residential buildings. By looking at passive design and materials that can reduce energy use, we can make a real difference in providing affordable housing that benefits our environment.

Favourite software tool…

BERS Pro. I am much more of a visual person so having a tool that allows me to draw the plans rather than just enter data appeals to me.

Biggest challenge….

The global financial crisis and changes to government programs and legislation have been our biggest business challenge. We were working on a number of government programs at the time and this changed rather quickly which meant reducing our staff. By diversifying our offerings, making sure we have great customer service and offer expertise and support to our regular clients, we have continued to grow.

Why he became a thermal performance assessor…

Living in Far North Queensland, I am passionate about the natural environment.

With the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage areas close, the importance of minimising the impact of the building environment on these wonders is very important to me. I also want to see people living comfortably while minimising their impact on the environment.

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How energy rating and energy efficiency have changed over the years…

We started Green at Heart in 2003 when the NCC introduced a requirement for energy efficiency requirements in buildings and a suite of thermal performance tools were developed.

The software available has changed so much over the years and is much more responsive to passive design features and being able to test different options to increase the star rating and thermal comfort. The climate zones and backend information are also a lot more accurate. I think the move towards having independent certification by a qualified assessor is essential as we need to be accountable, particularly as these features are being more sought after by homeowners and those building new houses and renovating existing houses.

Ian Fry, Founder/Director, Frys Energywise, Castle Hill, NSW and Member of the DMN TASC Force.

05 Who’s Who

Five minutes with…

frysenergywise.com.au

Why he joined the BDAV/Design Matters National…

I joined what was then the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV), in 2012. I was previously accredited with ABSA (I still hold dual accreditation) however, I complete all my assessments with DMN and utilise their CPD training. My main reason for joining was partly financial, due to the introduction of the additional ABSA certificate fee, but also due to the extent of training being offered to assessors through the BDAV. Favourite software tool…

I am currently exclusively using Bers Pro software however, I am looking to add more assessors to my team who are trained in other software licenses so we can offer more options for our clients.

Biggest challenge…

One of the most recent challenges we had in our business was dealing with the volume created in the new housing market with the HomeBuilder grant in response to COVID. Being very project-builder focused, we found most of our major clients’ sales went through the roof. The heat has come off a little now that the grant has ceased. The next biggest challenge in NSW lies ahead, dealing with the shortage of developed land and the advanced sales created by the grant. I can see a slight downturn, albeit there is still plenty of demand, so I am hoping to be proven wrong.

Why he became a Thermal Performance Assessor…

After spending almost 30 years in the building industry working for some of Australia’s largest corporates, including the Australian Gas Light Company, Pioneer Building Products, and AV Jennings, I decided it was time to be my own boss. Using my knowledge in sales and marketing, residential construction, and

relationship building, I began to lean on a few contacts and I was able to establish a very successful business partnering with some of NSW’s leading home builders in delivering BASIX and NatHERS assessments, as well as providing advice in helping to meet the everchanging thermal-building requirements.

Why he joined the TASC Force…

One of the areas that currently concerns me is the quality of assessments in the market. I have come across many assessments completed by other assessors, predominately in NSW, where their knowledge and understanding of building is very poor. I see a real need to improve the knowledge of building and construction among DMN-accredited assessors. I am looking forward to working with the other Members of the TASC Force team to introduce more training in this area. Regular and more consistent auditing, I think, also needs to be high on the agenda to help not only improve the quality of the assessments but also help protect our profession.

How energy rating and energy efficiency have changed over the years…

Being a TPA in 2008 meant working in a very different environment to what it is now. In NSW, BASIX was still very green (excuse the pun). There was very little training, and the NatHERS handbook was not even thought of.

The short course in Building Thermal Performance (Residential) was just three days long and it was essentially training in the software only. The building industry was also learning on the run; some might say they are still learning on the run. Today, I am watching with interest the changing climate of our industry with the new 2022 version of the NCC; the proposed changes being put forward; the revised NSW Planning SEPP; and the ongoing discussions surrounding mandatory disclosure.

I am really excited about the future.

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Five by Five

05 Who’s Who

Five minutes with….

Lee Pattinson, Building Designer, Bellhaus Design Office, Fitzroy, Vic., and Student of Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at Box Hill Institute, Vic..

Why he joined Design Matters National…

What he’s working on now…

To gain valuable industry knowledge and to be a part of the building design community.

Lots of residential projects at work, while finishing my final year of study at Box Hill Institute at night.

Favourite finish or feature…

Concrete. It’s so honest and varied in appearance and usage.

Favourite architectural style…

Modernism.

Favourite Australian building…

Sorry, I can’t choose a favourite but I love the Cairo Flats by Acheson Best Overend. They are up the road from my work and I love peeking in every time I walk past.

Favourite international building…

Church of The Light, by Tadao Ando. I’m in no way religious, but the simple concrete form is very spiritual.

Biggest challenge…

Staying up to date with new design trends and technologies. Our industry moves so fast.

Lee is finishing his final year of study at Box Hill Institute at night, and working as a building designer by day.

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His favourite subjects…

I really liked the unit ‘Design Sustainable Buildings’. I learnt heaps about efficient thermal performance design and unexpectedly we were also taught to use the NatHERS Energy Rating Software (FirstRate 5 and Hero). They are in fact fantastic design tools and my company has now incorporated this software into it’s workflow. In the past, we would be at the building permit stage when we would find there were issues with the NatHERS rating, this would mean making changes that would dramatically affect the design and budget. We now use thermal performance software at concept stage as a design tool. By doing so, we can make cost-effective changes early on to achieve projects with excellent thermal performance.

Designer currently inspiring him…

Mel Bright from Studio Bright. Her forms are so contemporary yet, I feel, will age really well.

Lee’s biggest challenge is staying up to date with new design trends and technologies.

“Our industry moves so fast,” Lee said.

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05 Who’s Who

Five by Five

05 Who’s Who

Five minutes with….

Adam Butcher, Director, Darklight Design, Ardross, WA. darklightdesign.com.au

Why he joined Design Matters National…

What he’s working on now…

To continue our growth as a design firm on the national stage.

We have designed and documented a new type of independent living unit in Western Australia that focuses on small-lot living. By reducing the lot/house size and then creating greater connection to larger, community-based green spaces, it has provided better social connection and community involvement for the elderly residents. Not only has the affordability been increased but social exclusion has been reduced and residents are now more inclined to interact externally with the neighbouring residents.

Favourite finish or feature…

Landscaping and bringing in natural elements of external spaces.

Favourite architectural style…

BOLD. Favourite Australian building…

Vader House by Andrew Maynard Architects (now Austin Maynard Architects).

Favourite projects…

Chicken Point Cabin by Olson Kundig Architects.

Rural and bushfire-prone areas are my favourite projects. Having grown up on a cattle and dairy farm in the southwest of Western Australia, I always enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with the farming districts and bushland areas away from the city.

Biggest challenge…

Designer currently inspiring him…

Biggest business challenge is continually remaining in a forward gear and not getting stale in our design process or outcomes.

We are always reviewing growing trends and challenging ourselves internally to be better for every project.

Jerry Wolveridge from Wolveridge Architects.

Favourite international building…

We are always reviewing growing trends and challenging ourselves internally to be better for every project.

Adam enjoys opportunities to reconnect with farming districts and bushland areas away from the city.

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05 Who’s Who

Five by Five

05 Who’s Who

Five Minutes With...

Irene Coveney, Director, Coveney Browne Design, Stoneville, WA. coveneybrowne.com.au

Why she joined BDAWA/DMN…

Moving to Australia…

Joining the BDAWA provided good opportunities to meet other professionals at networking events and keep up to date with my professional development. In 2015, we established our own practice, Coveney Browne Design, which provided me with greater flexibility as a parent and better prospects to further develop my career. I discovered the pros and cons of working from home long before COVID-19 arrived. No wasted commute time, flexible hours and the option to wear Ugg boots at your desk are all a huge bonus!

But, as many others discovered in 2020, it’s important to avoid becoming isolated both socially and professionally. I meet up with former colleagues and friends within the industry as often as I can.

I graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1995 with an Honours degree in Architecture.

I have been fortunate to work for some very inspirational Architectural practices over my career, in Dublin, Sydney and Perth.

Favourite architectural style…

I don’t like to limit myself to a favourite style.

My design philosophy is to create buildings that are timeless, beautiful and of their place.

My focus is on producing elegant spaces that produce a feeling of calm and wellbeing.

Favourite finish or feature…

Material and finish selections are contextual for each project. I enjoy using natural materials to create a gentle, contemporary aesthetic.

Favourite Australian building…

I’ve always admired the homes designed by both Gabriel Poole and Glenn Murcutt.

Favourite international building…

I would have to say the San Christobal Stable & Egerstrom House by Luis Barragan, for its bold use of colour, simplicity of form, and timeless elegance. This is probably inspired in part by my own great love of horses.

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Overcoming a challenge…

After several years of full-time work, I took a short career break to start a family in 2003.

I re-entered the workforce in a part-time capacity, which allowed me to balance my career with raising two young children.

Having migrated to Australia from Ireland, my husband Niall and I were totally reliant on paid childcare for after-school and vacation care, so a reduced working week for at least one of us was crucial.

Being half of a family architectural design practice…

Having worked together previously, Niall and I already had a good professional relationship outside of our married life. We have different but complimentary skills which have evolved over 28 years together, so we’re a pretty good team!

The importance of diversity…

The field of architecture has traditionally been male dominated, but statistics show that companies with greater gender balance perform better and provide a more positive environment for all employees. Diversity is important whether designing for the needs of the community or individual families.

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Nuts&Bolts

06 Nuts & Bolts

By Douglas Patton, D4 Designs, Shenton Park, WA.

Opinion Why we need registration in Western Australia We have registration for builders, architects, engineers, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, painters, even your dog! But anyone can design a house or a skyscraper, in Western Australia (WA). Our current understanding is that the government bodies in WA receive few, if any complaints about ‘building designers’, so why the need for change?

Registration, licensing or accreditation has been on and off the table of discussion for over 20 years. In 2014, the WA Planning Commission’s ‘Design Skills Discussion Paper’ proposed that higher density projects be limited to “registered architects or licensed design professionals”.

The fact that in WA a licensed design professional does not exist, would essentially exclude any building designer from designing certain projects.

During the 2016 public comment, the Building Designers Association of WA (at the time, now DMN) strongly opposed this component, via an official submission and meetings with the WAPC. In addition to a letter from, Ernie Samec a registered architect and planning lawyer.

Ernie’s letter to the Commission stated a legal position that a Planning Approval attaches to the land, and the application is made irrespective of the applicant.

Therefore, planning legislation does not currently allow a control to be placed on the applicant or designer.

The WA Residential Design Codes, both Volume 1 – Low and Medium Density (Nov 2020 Draft) or the Volume 2 – Apartments (Gazetted on 24 May 2019) make no reference to the qualifications of the applicant, but rather implement sound design principles and encourage design review by peers.

Design Matters National has formed an informal subcommittee with WA Members to reignite the passion and support for the introduction of a registration system for building designers in WA. We view registration as a key means to regulate the industry and protect those practitioners who already operate at the highest standards.

Similarly, we are supportive of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for building designers which will help to ensure that practitioners maintain and develop their competence in building design throughout their professional career.

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06 Nuts 04 How-to & Bolts State Registration?

Where do Australian states and territories currently stand on the registration of building designers?

Victoria

Yes. Registration: Building Design (Architectural) Building Design (Interior) Building Design (Services)

Queensland Licensed:

Building Design Low rise Building Design Medium rise Building Design Open Tasmania Licensed: Restricted Limited Domestic New South Wales

No. Registration changes coming 1/7/21

South Australia

No

Australian Capital Territory No Northern Territory

No

Western Australia

No

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06 Nuts & Bolts

Sketchbook

By Tom van den Berg, Senior Designer/Director, Tropique Building Design tropiquedesign.com.au

We were asked to prepare a “modern contemporary façade with some tropical hints”. As shading and deeper eaves are crucial to minimising wall exposure in the tropics, we decided to add some vertical timber screening to the aspects of the façade that would be most exposed to the sun. This helped us to minimise that effect, while also keeping the contemporary lines and stepped façade. The same timber was then used horizontally above the garage door and returned down the side of the building to tie the whole design together and achieve the desired outcome. Our company specialises in individual design solutions with an emphasis on incorporating natural materials that complement a tropical lifestyle. Our design process involves carefully interpreting the client’s vision to create unique projects that will inspire for decades to come.

Email your sketch and inspiration to editor@designmatters.org

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