National Broadband Networking (NBN)
The NBN is giving some people access to super fast internet connection and is being rolled out around Australia over the next few years. To determine if the NBN is currently in or soon to be in the area of your new home, you should check the online maps at nbnco.com.au. Being connected may have […]
Universal Design
Universal design refers to buildings and environments accessible to both people with and without disability. The term was invented by architect Ronald L. Mace to describe designing the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone—regardless of age, ability or status in life. Universal design is also known as […]
Liveable Homes: resources for designing accessible homes
The Liveable Homes initiative was developed to increase the number of private and public homes in WA built with universal access. They are open-plan, easy to use and move around in and designed to maximise space in key areas. This ensures people of all ages and abilities can live in or visit the home. Resources […]
Accessible Design
Designing and building accessible homes is the way of the future. Due to Australia’s ageing population, the number of families with small children and the number of people with temporary and permanent disability. Incorporating accessible design at the planning and design stage can save thousands in retrofitting down the track. The State Government has partnered […]
Timber Floorboards – movement
There are some important factors you should understand about timber floors. Timber is a natural product that behaves differently through the seasons. Particularly summer and winter. All timber moves to some extent within itself according to the type of fixing. 1mm gaps between some boards are not uncommon. Gaps that open during drier months often […]
Water Efficiency
Survey information from the Water Corporation shows that only 32 kilolitres of water is used during a typical construction process. But despite this relatively low water usage, much can be done to reduce water consumption in a new home. The key to reduce poor water usage is to reduce water pressure. Triple A rated showerheads […]
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is often talked about as vital for good passive-solar design. Thermal mass in WA is easier to provide that you think, purely due to the materials we prefer to build with. The installation of concrete floors and brick walls provides the thermal mass of our buildings. We must make sure that it works […]
Tiles and Lippage
Lippage is a condition in floor tiling where one edge of a tile is on a different plane to an adjacent tile. In plain terms this means that one tile is higher than another giving the finished surface an uneven appearance. When large tiles are used on surfaces with compound falls to a floor waste, […]
Tilt-Up Construction
Tilt-up construction is common in the commercial and industrial building sector and it is becoming more popular in the housing sector as a construction method. Tilt-up construction is a form of precast construction walls where panels are built on the ground on site, lifted and placed, then propped in position while the roofing structure is […]
Waste Management Plan
Benefits from introducing a site waste management plan Potential cost savings You can better demonstrate your environmental credentials to existing and future clients. A plan can help you meet your quality management systems. You can assist your client to get a higher rating through the Green Building Council’s Green Star system by having a comprehensive […]