NATIONAL 1 May 2025
The Weekly Roundup DESIGN MATTERS
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 focus examines the housing crisis from multiple angles – with debates about taxation versus supply issues, modular homes as potential solutions, and a concerning urban planner shortage threatening to derail housing targets Property development continues with Time & Place expanding in Northcote, while Woods Bagot's Central Station redevelopment wins international recognition. Meanwhile, Australian construction firms show a more measured approach to AI adoption than their global counterparts, and solar energy challenges emerge in strata developments
In this newsletter you can expect:
Housing crisis perspectives and potential solutions
Property development trends and investment activity
Solar energy obstacles in strata developments
Award-winning architectural projects
AI adoption in construction
Urban planner workforce shortage concerns
Upcoming professional development opportunities
UPDATED PRACTICE NOTES NOW AVAILABLE
Design Matters National has recently updated our practice notes. This collation of materials for members gathers all the webinars and support resources to help members become familiar and proficient when it comes to compliance with the new Energy Efficiency Standards and associated building design principles. The resource will be updated as more materials become available. Members can access the complete collection through the Members Resource Portal. We encourage you to review these updated materials to support your professional practice.
HOUSING CRISIS: CONFLICTING
PERSPECTIVES ON CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
The debate over the root causes of Australia's housing crisis continues to intensify, with industry experts offering contrasting perspectives on potential solutions. According to property commentator James Limnios, managing director of Limnios Property Group, the current housing affordability challenges stem primarily from government taxation rather than supply constraints. In an article in WA Today, Limnios points to fresh ABS data showing property taxes collected by state and local governments have surged by $20 billion, reaching a staggering $45 1 billion an 80% increase in just a decade.
This view presents a contrast to supply-side arguments we reported in Issue #11, where both major political parties faced criticism for failing to adequately address broken supply chains and workforce shortages that limit housing construction capacity. The Australian Financial Review previously argued that "without serious reforms, we risk cementing a future where younger Australians are trapped in a cycle of inflated prices and growing debt "
Meanwhile, innovative housing approaches continue to emerge as potential partial solutions All Homes explores whether mobile modular homes could help address the housing crisis, noting that as property prices continue to outpace household incomes, many Australians are reimagining the traditional concept of home ownership beyond the quarter-acre block
Industry Connection: Our upcoming Performance Solutions: Livable Housing Design Requirements, Condensation Management, Drainage, and Roof Design webinar on 22 May addresses key building performance areas that align with government policy objectives for sustainable, accessible, and durable housing while navigating the practical challenges of delivering affordable housing solutions
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT TRENDS: STRATEGIC URBAN INFILL
Developer Time & Place has demonstrated confidence in Melbourne's northern suburbs, acquiring a site in Northcote near its existing $500 million Northcote Plaza project According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the developer has placed a caveat over 217-223 Separation Street, a 1.78-hectare parcel of land. The deal provides relief for Singaporean property giant Chip Eng Seng, which paid $26.3 million for the site between Victoria Road and Station Street in 2015.
This strategic urban infill development follows our reporting in Issue #11 on state government initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply in well-connected locations In Victoria, the Allan Government continues to streamline approval processes for homes in areas with existing infrastructure, with recent approvals for nearly 150 homes in Brunswick and Springvale
In the retail sector, Chadstone Shopping Centre is enhancing its dining offerings with a new epicurean epicentre Architecture and Design reports that The Market Hall draws inspiration from traditional industrial markets, featuring vaulted ceilings to create an elevated produce and dining experience
Industry Connection: Our Ask a Planner: Navigating the new townhouse and low-rise code Part 2 webinar on 28 May provides essential knowledge for designers working on medium-density projects that aim to increase housing supply while navigating complex planning requirements.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CHALLENGES: SOLAR POWER RIGHTS
Apartment owners in Sydney are facing unexpected challenges with renewable energy infrastructure, highlighting the complex intersection of property rights and sustainability goals The Sydney Morning Herald reports that residents in a new Sutherland building discovered they're being charged for electricity generated by solar panels on their own roof due to a confidential agreement signed between their developer and the energy provider. Residents had assumed the solar installation would help offset their common property electricity costs
One resident, Adam, compared the situation to the film "The Castle," expressing frustration at being charged for power generated on a building he partly owns. This case raises important questions about transparency in developer agreements and residents' rights regarding sustainability infrastructure issues that will likely become more prevalent as renewable energy adoption increases in multi-residential settings.
This follows our reporting in Issue #11 on regulatory reform needs, where the OECD urged governments to overhaul regulatory frameworks to ensure they are adaptive and fit for purpose in addressing climate challenges and technological disruption.
Industry Connection: The Ask an Assessor: Windows and Glazing in an Energy Assessment session on 20 May provides essential knowledge for practitioners navigating the technical aspects of energy efficiency requirements, helping designers understand how to maximise building performance while managing the practical and contractual complexities of sustainable design implementation
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN: RECOGNITION FOR AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE
Australian architecture continues to receive international recognition, with Woods Bagot's Central Station Redevelopment winning gold at the World Architecture News Awards. Architecture and Design reports that the project, designed in collaboration with John McAslan + Partners, redefines the role of a transport hub, transforming Central into an integrated civic space and a symbolic "Gateway to Sydney."
This achievement showcases how Australian design firms are successfully delivering major infrastructure projects that balance heritage considerations with contemporary needs while creating significant public spaces
Industry Connection: Our Home Tour: 2024 BDA Winner 'Scotchman's View' on 29 May provides members with an opportunity to explore award-winning residential design firsthand The tour in Drysdale, Victoria, offers valuable insights into successful design approaches that can be applied to members' own projects.
WORKFORCE CHALLENGES: URBAN PLANNER SHORTAGE THREATENS HOUSING GOALS
With Australians preparing for an upcoming federal election, the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) has highlighted a growing shortage of urban and regional planners identifying it as a hidden risk to Australia's housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience objectives A new survey of more than 1,000 planners across Australia reveals the shortage is now widespread, with nearly two-thirds (64.16%) of respondents reporting their organisation struggled to fill planning roles in the past 12 months.
The survey identified a lack of qualified candidates as the primary barrier to recruitment, cited by 5125% of respondents Despite this workforce gap, 13 Australian universities have closed their planning degrees over the last eight years. Half of the planners surveyed believe the shortage is directly affecting Australia's housing supply and affordability.
This workforce challenge compounds the housing supply issues outlined in Issue #11, where we reported that both major political parties' housing policies were facing criticism for failing to address fundamental supply-side constraints.
Industry Connection: To help practitioners navigate changing planning requirements efficiently despite workforce shortages, our Ask a Planner: Navigating the new townhouse and low-rise code Part 2 webinar on 28 May offers practical guidance for delivering compliant medium-density housing projects.
AI IN CONSTRUCTION: AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY TAKES MEASURED APPROACH
While artificial intelligence continues to generate global interest across industries, Australian design and construction leaders are adopting a more cautious and measured outlook Architecture and Design reports that a new study by Autodesk reveals the Australian construction sector is balancing AI enthusiasm with practical considerations amid more pressing challenges.
This measured approach to technological adoption aligns with findings in Issue #11's special feature on AI in the built environment, which explored both the opportunities and potentially disruptive impacts of artificial intelligence on architectural practice.
IIndustry Connection: Following our special event with Professor Neil Leach on "Alien Intelligence & Design" covered in Issue #11, Design Matters National continues to support members in understanding practical applications of emerging technologies through the Builder and Designer Solutions Session on 27 May, which explores technologyenabled approaches to building better, energy-efficient homes
FREE NET ZERO HOMES SKILLS TRAINING AVAILABLE
Solar Victoria is offering free online training for individuals working in the residential construction industry in Victoria This initiative represents an important opportunity for building designers to enhance their skills in meeting energy efficiency requirements
The Net Zero Homes – Skills Training is delivered through online self-paced training that will equip people working in residential construction in Victoria with the knowledge and skills needed to design and construct energy efficient homes Each module is self-paced and 2 hours in duration with a range of supporting resources and related materials for self-directed learning
This training includes guidance on National Construction Code 2022 obligations, such as new whole-of-home appliance requirements. In addition to practical skills, they cover the principles of residential energy efficiency, thermal performance, and net zero energy design and construction.
Solar Victoria is investing $1 million to deliver this training to support residential construction industry trades and professions to design and construct energy efficient 7-star rated and all-electric homes. The training was developed and is administered by the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining's Learning Hub for Energy Efficient Construction.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
Member Breakfast and Tour of 555 Collins
Date: May 6
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: 555 Collins St
DMN Happy Hour after Sydney Build
Date: May 7
Time: 4:30PM
Location: PUMPHOUSE 17, Darling Harbour
Ask an Assessor: Windows and Glazing in an Energy Assessment
Date: May 20
Time: 2:00PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenters: Matthew Graham and Russell Harris
BONDOR FACTORY TOUR
Date: May 21
Time: :30 AM
Location: Bondor Vic - Truganina
Performance Solutions: Livable Housing Design Requirements, Condensation Management, Drainage, and Roof Design
Date: May 22
Time: 2:00-3:00PM
Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Paul Mulholland
Melbourne Design Week
Date: May 22
Time: 6:00PM
Location: 23-27 Cardigan St, Carlton
Presenters: Jeremy Spencer, Greg Sparrius, Pip Sparrius, Uta Green, Ben Walsham
Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients
Date: May 26
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEDT)
Presenter: Britta Siggelkow
Swimming Pool Barriers Updates to AS1926.1 - 2024: What you need to Know
Date: May 27
Time: 2:00PM AEST
Location: ONLINE
Ask a Planner: Navigating the new townhouse and low-rise code Part 2
Date: May 28 Time: 10:00-11:30AM
AEST Location: Online Presenter: Ashley Thompson and Mel Ryan
Home Tour: 2024 BDA Winner ‘Scotchman’s View’
Date: May 29
Time: 10:30AM AEST
Location: Drysdale, VIC
June
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
Upskill for Whole of Home Masterclass
Date: Jun 10
Time: 04:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Matthew Graham
DMN + AWS Regional RoadshowBallarat
Date: Jun 17
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: AWS Showroom Ballarat
Upskill Now Masterclass (THERMAL)
Date: Jun 19
Time: 04:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Matthew Graham
July
Hempcrete: Major inroads in the Australian hemp construction industry
Date: Jul 02
Time: 12:00PM AEST
Location: Online
Presenter: Klara Marosszeky
FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 Multi-Dwellings (v3.2)
Date: Jun 20
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Jun 28
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
September
DMN Member DinnerHobart
Date: Sep 3
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: 140 Cascade Rd, Hobart
Tassie Member BreakfastHobart
Date: Sep 4
Time: 8:00AM
Location: Bricworks Design
Studio, Hobart
Presenter: Wayne Gorman
Building Practitioner PreRegistration Course for VBA
Date: Sep 17
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Sep 27
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE
The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Australian Financial Review, WA Today, ABC News, All Homes, Architecture and Design, Infrastructure Magazine, The Fifth Estate, Master Builders Australia, Solar Victoria, Planning Institute of Australia, State Government Media Releases
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