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Latest News AccuRATE V1.1.3.0 The latest version of 2nd Gen BTP Assessment tools has been released. DoP agree to a new Pilot to commence early February 2007. BASIX (DIY) Review ABSA instrumental in securing DoP DIY Sustainability Tool - DoP Review...not independent but a starting point Visit the ABSA Site for further details. DIY found to lower the standard of Residential Building BTP in NSW - varies between 200% to 400% below Simulation Method when compared with NatHERS and far more variation expected to AccuRATE.
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Bushfire Protection IssuesDisclaimerThis section is currently being compiled.It is developed from experience in this architectural practice and associated activities of allied organisations. It is intended to be an evolving discussion topic with thinking and understanding extending over time. This section does not attempt to reflect in any particular way any specific expertise, standards, or attitudes held by any bushfire organisations or regulatory instrumentalities. LayoutThis section embodies the following discussion topics:-
PhilosophyConsistent with ESD principles, this practice seeks to fulfil reasonable bushfire protection objectives on sites where this is relevant, while also meeting the broader environment protection goals.Within this philosophy, the preservation of human life takes highest priority; protection of property less so. As well this philosophy seeks to achieve protection of natural systems from the impact of excessive implementation of conventional bushfire techniques, notably vegetation clearance, by incorporating more advanced bushfire mitigation and protection techniques. broad area assessmentThe philosophy requires that the broader context of remote site development proposals is considered.Thus the topography, geology and variety of vegetations are considered together with priority fire wind directions, extreme weather potential and applicable fire behaviour; rather than a simplistic generic view of fire propagation within a limited model of fire behaviours. Local area assessmentThe philosophy accepts that local vegetation within the site can contribute to local fire behaviour differing from the broad area; vegetation with appropriate density characteristics or wetted by an on-site waste water re-use system can contribute to fire barrier rather than be considered part of the fire fuel load.Building features assessmentThe philosophy considers the development infrastructure within and around the building which can contribute to fire protection, including conventional contributions including vegetation and landform modifications, and internal fire refuges.Occupant behaviourThe philosophy accepts that occupant behaviour has a major role to play in achieved bushfire protection, including both conventional considerations of vegetation, fuel load management and fire fighting facility maintenance, and management introduced by this practice to occupants such as evacuation kit and plan which form part of the self sufficiency manual information.Standard building featuresConsistent with the Building Code of Australia Section SA G5.101, the projects of this practice embody these bushfire resistant construction practices.The Section advises:- - floor systems with concrete-on-ground or protected under floor surfaces or voids - wall systems which are non-combustible, contain fire retardant sarking, or timber logs with no ember or spark paths - windows and doors with draught seals and metal flyscreen covering - roofs non combustible and avoiding ember or spark entry at flashings, gutters, eaves. - vertical skylights with wired glass. - services pipes buried or metal construction and other detail construction. Standard bushfire assessmentStandard fire assessment and fire fighting is undertaken by the NSW Fire Brigade and the Rural Fire Services together with Emergency Services in the event of outbreaks.In urban areas most procedures have been put in place or where new development is being undertaken the requirements have been included as part of Local DCP's and/or the BCA. Remote rural sites are treated specifically depending on where they are and their specific requirements. Remote Site infrastructureLocal authorities consider applications for clearance of natural vegetation in defined regions as a control measure against excessive land clearing.The Department of Land and Water Conservation provides for a dispensation for vegetation within specific distances of approved development as part of bushfire protection measures. Sometimes recommendations for clearance beyond these distances have been given in assessment. Consistent with these techniques as well as the Building Code of Australia requirements, projects of this practice regularly incorporate some vegetation clearance in the prominent fire path directions, as well as non combustible external materials and finishes as well as compartmentation of the building interior. Steel roof decks, autoclave concrete, stone, rammed earth exteriors and segregation of living spaces from private spaces into fire isolated zones with non combustible separating walls are common solutions. Unique solutionsThis practice has used a number of methods in bushfire locations consistent with locating habitation in connection with land protection and revegetation projects.As vegetation retention is consistent with ESD principles which are described throughout this website interactions between vegetation value and bushfire protection are a regular issue in project design. In addition to incorporating standard features, our additionally utilise one off solutions developed to be suited to each situation. These features include:
Segregated non combustible wall structure and main structureThis practice has evolved and implemented on a number of projects construction utilising steel main structure set within the non combustible and fire rated external skin of a building to achieve fire resistant construction standards beyond those required as noted above.fire refugeThe design of a number of projects incorporate internal fire refuge potential beyond the compartmentation of the building.Usually this is a wet area with no flammable surfaces or finishes incorporating also metal fire window shutter, smoke seals to openings and a hose reel within the space for active fire intrusion control. earthSome projects contain earth berm either against the building exterior to add to the buildings fire and heat resistance, or as part of landform modification to form a fire deflection mound in the prominent upwind direction from the building.curved roofCurved roof forms have been used in concert with landform modification to maximise the effectiveness of the deflection strategy.fire rated shuttersIn conjunction with earth berm or fire refuge, fire rated shutters emanating from their use in commercial building interior shaft protection to Fire Brigade requirements are used in bushfire protection to achieve performance beyond conventional construction standards.ProjectsProjects implemented from this practice include:-
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