DM WEEKLY ROUNDUP ISSUE 6

The Weekly Roundup

ISSUE #6

DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL

Welcome to your weekly industry news roundup. Our analysis focuses on developments curated from various publications, impacting building design practices, with actionable insights for your professional work.

ESSENTIAL UPDATES This week's industry news showcases significant progress in construction technology alongside new regulations and reforms. Major themes include the unveiling of Australia's first 3D-printed multi-storey house, increasing technology investment in construction, building reforms in Victoria, and promising building approval statistics. The industry continues to seek innovative solutions to address housing affordability, sustainability, and quality assurance challenges in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

13 Mar 2025

In this newsletter you can expect: Construction innovation and technology advances

Building reforms and regulation changes

Housing approvals and market developments

Apartment design and quality assurance

Sustainability and materials innovation

CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Australia's construction landscape is experiencing a technological renaissance, with groundbreaking innovations emerging across the country. In Melbourne's western suburbs, Australia's first 3D-printed multi-storey house is taking shape. The Guardian reports that in Wyndham, a giant robotic crane is methodically pouring cement in a pattern resembling soft-serve ice cream to create the frame of this pioneering structure, representing a significant advancement in construction methodology.

The broader industry is also investing heavily in new technologies, with the State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2025 report released by Autodesk revealing that 25 cents of every dollar invested in the industry is now directed towards new technology. This marks a onethird increase since 2023 and signals strong confidence in the economic outlook for 2025 (Build Australia).

In a related development aimed at addressing Australia's housing supply challenges, Architecture & Design highlights a provocative proposal to repurpose shuttered car factories for housing production. The article suggests that these facilities could help meet the federal government's target of building 1.2 million new dwellings over five years by employing faster, cheaper construction methods than conventional building techniques.

Industry Connection: Our April 15 Swinburne University of Technology Tour at the Digital Construction Laboratory and Smart Structures Laboratory offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand the 3D printers and other emergent technologies set to transform residential construction. This timely tour will prepare designers to leverage these innovations as they enter the mainstream market.

BUILDING REFORMS AND REGULATION CHANGES Victoria continues to lead the way in building reforms, with new legislation that has drawn mixed reactions from industry stakeholders.

Sourceable reports that building industry lobby groups have criticised the legislation overhauling Victoria's building laws, calling for its withdrawal to allow for more consultation. However, a respected reform advocate has welcomed the changes.

Victorian apartment buyers may soon benefit from proposed new buyer protection legislation for buildings higher than four storeys. The Fifth Estate notes that while former NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler considers it a step in the right direction, he believes the proposed legislation would not provide the same oversight and visibility as the ePlanning portal he helped deliver in New South Wales.

Engineers currently registered through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) have been advised they'll need to be assessed to continue practising after 1 July 2026. HVAC&R News explains that when the professional registration scheme began, building practitioners registered with the VBA before 1 July 2021 were automatically transferred to the Business Licensing Authority and deemed to be registered, but this arrangement is set to expire.

Industry Connection: Building designers seeking registration with the Victorian Building Authority should register for our April 30 Building Practitioner PreRegistration Course for VBA.

Of particular concern is fire safety compliance in apartment buildings. The Age reports that of 964 fire safety inspections Victorian councils conducted at multi-storey apartments over 12 months, only 127 buildings continued to comply— meaning almost 90% of apartment buildings fail fire safety standards.

This comprehensive course provides essential knowledge about the regulatory framework and compliance requirements for those planning to seek VBA registration either now or in the near future.

HOUSING APPROVALS AND MARKET DEVELOPMENTS The recovery in Australia's home building industry continues to gain momentum, with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing building approvals hit a two-year high in January. Sourceable reports that on a seasonally adjusted basis, the number of dwellings approved for construction increased by 6.3% to 16,579, following a 1.7% rise in December. Private dwellings excluding houses drove the overall rise, up 12.7% to the highest level since December 2022, while private sector house approvals also increased by 1.1%.

The Property Council of Australia described the increase as "heartening" but warned that more increases are needed to reach housing targets.

The Council noted that Australia must build over 20,000 homes each month to reach the target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029 (Property Council Media Release).

Meanwhile, investment activity across Australian commercial property markets is expected to accelerate in 2025. According to Cushman & Wakefield's Market Outlook 2025 series, the recent interest rate cut has ushered in a new phase of recovery and strengthened market momentum, with a more diverse capital base, improved pricing alignment, and strong global demand driving investment volumes beyond 2024 levels (Build Australia).

Despite these positive developments, The Australian Financial Review cautions about a growing problem in Australia's "broken" housing market, where private credit has stepped in to back housing development as banks have retreated. The report warns that newer and smaller players are taking on projects that may never be completed.

Industry Connection: Our March 26 Ask a Planner: Navigating the New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code webinar addresses the Victorian Government's changes to residential development assessment.

Ashley Thompson and Melanie Ryan will explore how amendment VC267 might change your business practices.

APARTMENT DESIGN AND QUALITY ASSURANCE The role of apartments in Australia's housing future is becoming increasingly significant. Sourceable explores this trend in an article titled "Will Australian Apartments Rise to the Occasion?" which examines how the idea of home is being pushed to change in response to climbing housing costs, the intensifying climate crisis, and increasingly dense cities and inner suburbs. The article suggests that a new Australian home— one that is affordable, resilient to environmental challenges, sustainable, and well-located—is increasingly taking the form of an apartment.

The Allan Labor Government in Victoria is advancing Australia's largest urban renewal project, announcing plans to boost social housing at the Flemington and North Melbourne precinct redevelopments. Minister for Housing Harriet Shing revealed that both projects will be delivered through the innovative Ground Lease Model, with social housing increased by 39% across the two sites. The plan will deliver 400 social homes and up to 300 affordable homes along Racecourse Road, Flemington, as well as a further 800 homes at Alfred Street, North Melbourne, including at least 300 social homes, all to be completed by 2031 (Victorian Government Media Release).

Industry Connection: For designers working on multi-residential projects, our May 19 Ask an Assessor: Windows and Glazing in an Energy Assessment session will provide critical insights into energyefficient design strategies. Presenters will address and offer practical guidance on optimising window and glazing selections for houses, apartments and multiresidential developments.

SUSTAINABILITY AND MATERIALS INNOVATION Innovative sustainable materials are making headlines in the construction industry. RMIT University researchers have won a national research award for developing a new concrete mix that replaces a portion of sand with used coffee grounds. The innovation, which earned recognition in the Problem Solver category at Universities Australia's Shaping Australia Awards, offers a potential pathway to more sustainable construction materials (Architecture and Design).

In another development for the concrete industry, the upcoming April 2 Smartcrete Webinar: A Better Way: Designing and Building with Sustainable Concrete will explore how this essential material can be used more sustainably. With Australia's population expected to reach 30 million by 2030, the demand for new homes, roads, and supporting infrastructure will increase significantly— challenges that concrete is essential in addressing.

Meanwhile, the Victorian Government has fully implemented its ban on engineered stone to protect workers from silicosis.

Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll reported that advice and guidance have been provided to more than 1,100 operators across the stonemason and construction industries. A nationwide prohibition on the processing, manufacture, and supply of engineered stone has now taken full effect, while a federal ban on the importation of the product came into effect on 1 January (Victorian Government Media Release).

Industry Connection: Don't miss our April 2 Smartcrete Webinar: A Better Way: Designing and Building with Sustainable Concrete. This essential session will explore sustainable approaches to designing and building with concrete. Register today to learn about innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impact of this crucial construction material.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SPACES Melbourne's $15.6 billion Metro Tunnel project reaches a significant milestone with the unveiling of the Town Hall Station concourse.

Sourceable reports that the Victorian Government has revealed the concourse of this landmark new train station, which sits directly underneath Melbourne's City Square and is set to open later this year.

The infrastructure boom extends beyond public transport to data centres, with The Australian Financial Review reporting that Australia is poised for 175 new data centres representing $26 billion in investment. This surge is driven by the increasing number of internet-connected devices in households, which is expected to double, fuelling a significant expansion in data centre capacity.

On the taxation front, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has released a report claiming that half the cost of a new house and land package in Sydney goes to taxes and regulatory charges.

Undertaken by the Centre for International Economics, the report states that $576,000 of the median package cost consists of government taxes, regulatory costs, and charges (The Urban Developer).

We're excited to invite all WA members and their colleagues to attend our Women of DMN: Networks of Success panel discussion and lunch event in Perth next Friday, March 21!

This inspiring event will feature a distinguished panel of industry leaders: Sarah Urbani | Urbani Design Cara Little | Little Cribb Design Debbie Bute | DB Design Studio Anne Courtney Bennett | Courtney Bennett Architects Join us at the Caesarstone Showroom at Homebase from 12:00PM (AWST) for an engaging 2.5-hour session where these accomplished professionals will share their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating and succeeding in the design industry.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and learn from some of the industry's most respected voices. Registrations are closing soon!

PERTH DESIGN WEEK HIGHLIGHT: AURA CASA OPEN HOUSE As part of Perth Design Week, we're proud to highlight an exceptional open house event featuring the award-winning Aura Casa on March 21.

Located just 5km from Perth's city centre at 45 Armadale Cres, Coolbinia, this breathtaking family oasis showcases the perfect marriage of contemporary design and nature. The home features light concrete architecture, high-end finishes, and eco-friendly innovations.

Designed by Built Ink with interiors by Urbani Design, this masterpiece won Interior Design, Kitchen Design, and Bathroom Design at the Building Design Awards 2024.

All three creators will be present to share insights into their journey and vision behind this exceptional project.

The event begins at 10:30 AM, and registrations are closing soon!

Register now for this rare opportunity to experience firsthand a showcase of design excellence and innovative thinking.

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2025 NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions - Design Considerations and Practical Applications PART 2 Date: Mar 19 Time: 1:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 2hrs Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Women of DMN: Networs of success - Lunch + Q&A Panel Date: Mar 21 Time: 12:00PM (AWST) Location: Caesarstone Showroom, Homebase Duration: 2.5hrs Panelists: Sarah Urbani | Cara Little | Debbie Bute | Anne Courtney Bennett Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Upskill Now Masterclass (Thermal) Date: Mar 20 Time: 12:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 4hrs Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Perth Design Week - Aura Casa Open House Date: Mar 21 Time: 10:30 AM Location: 45 Armadale Cres Coolbinia, WA 6050 Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Info Evening Date: Mar 25 Time: 6:00 PM Location: 1 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Briefing Date: Mar 25 Time: 2:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 1hr Presenter: Mike Tuzee | Impact Events

Ask a Planner: Navigating the New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code Date: Mar 26 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Online (AEDT) Presenters: Ashley Thompson and Melanie Ryan Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Ask a Planner: Navigating the New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code Date: Mar 26 Time: 6:00 PM Location: TBC Presenters: Ashley Thompson and Melanie Ryan Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Services Overview -- WA Members Only Date: Mar 27 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Online (AWST)

APRIL 2025 Contract Administration Workshop Date: Apr 12 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

Smartcrete - A Better Way: Designing and Building with Sustainable Concrete Date: Apr 2 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Online Presenters: Clare Tubolets, Professor Vute Sirivivatnanon, Niki Jackson, Jason Chandler Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Breakfast of Champions in Hobart Date: Apr 4 Time: 8:00 AM Location: Hobart, TAS Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Contract Administration Workshop Date: Apr 12 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

Swinburne University of Technology Tour: 3D Printing and Emerging Construction Technologies Date: Apr 15 Time: 9:00 AM Location: Swinburne University of Technology, 427-451 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC Status: Register Now SBuilding Practitioner PreRegistration Course for VBA Date: Apr 30 Time: 6:00 PM (AEST) Location: Online

MAY 2025 Ask an Surveyor: What constitutes a cadastral survey?

Date: May 15 Time: 2:00-3:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenters: Brodie Richards and Craig Sandy

Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients Date: May 26 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Online (AEDT) Presenter: Britta Siggelkow

Ask an Assessor: Windows and Glazing in an Energy Assessment Date: May 19 Time: 2:00PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenters: Matthew Graham and Russell Harris

JUNE 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

Women of DMN Catch Up at NEXT DOOR 2 Date: Jun 6 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne VIC 3185

Building Practitioner PreRegistration Course for VBA Date: Sep 17 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 MultiDwellings (v3.2) Date: Jun 20 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Online (AEST)

Contract Administration Workshop Date: Sep 27 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

Contract Administration Workshop Date: Jun 28 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE The Guardian, The Age, Architecture & Design, Build Australia, Sourceable, The Fifth Estate, HVAC&R News, The Urban Developer, The Australian Financial Review, Property Council of Australia Media Release, Victorian Government Media Release, Australian Bureau of Statistics

View all upcoming CPD opportunities Access our online learning resources

Thank you for reading!