Current bushfires occurring in fringe suburbs in Australia reinforces the importance of building  fire resistant homes on the urban fringes of Australian capital cities, Archicentre the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today.

In the past major fires in almost every capital city have entered the suburbs destroying hundreds of homes, it is quite clear we need to implement the best possible design and fire prevention building practices available.

 In recent times we have seen bushfires sweep through Australia's fringe suburbs and it must be recognized that fire resistant homes are not just required in regional and country areas.

Anyone considering building a new home or renovating on the urban fringe should ensure  the Building Code of Australian Standards on fire prevention is included in their design and permit applications in all designated areas and research any cost implications.

Information on fire resistant home design should also become part of  apprenticeship training programs for builders and associated trades such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and landscapers in relation to fire resistant plants.

We believe building fire resistant homes is just plain commonsense and a long term national community safety and economic strategy which should not be ignored, especially with Climate Change set to increase drought and bushfires.

A well designed sited home including fire prevention measures stands a significantly better chance of survival especially after the fire has passed.

Archicentre pre-purchase inspections reveal the vast majority of homes built on the urban fringe fail to have appropriate fire prevention measures built into the design.

These inspections often reveal an excessive build-up of leaves and litter in roof gutters, storage of timber furniture, wood and other flammable material near the home.

Download the Archicentre Bushfire Design Guide http://www.archicentre.com.au/bushfireguide.pdf

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett, General Manager, Archicentre Mobile: 0439 439 115
Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager, Archicentre Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Tanton, Queensland State Manager, Archicentre Mobile: 0421 598 233
Jim Jovanovic, South Australian State Manager, Archicentre Mobile:  0438 340 294
Brad Cook, West Australian State Manager, Archicentre Mobile: 0400 037 094
Michael Cooper, Tasmanian State Manager, Archicentre Mobile: 0418 124 355
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201
 
 Basic Safety Design Principles in Bushfire Prone Areas include:
* Build on flat ground on a concrete slab. If you build on a slope fit the house into the slope rather than have it supported on poles.

* Make sure you build in a location where there is a fuel break around the home.

* Keep the exterior design of the house simple and avoid crevices or cracks where burning material can lodge.

* Fit vents in walls, under floor and eaves with spark proof metal mesh that can be easily fixed in place during a bushfire emergency.

* Avoid decorative timberwork such as trellis, and lattice-work on exposed areas of the building. Remember timber balconies and decks are also high danger areas for trapping burning debris and should be kept to a minimum.

* Make sure you have any chimneys screened off to stop embers blowing down the chimney during the fire and entering the home.

* In designing the home ensure the use of leafless guttering or if allowed by council install ground level rubble drain collectors.

Management Issues:
* Do not store firewood against or under the home

* Make sure all doors have close fitting screens

* Clear all debris from guttering and decks

* Have a fire emergency plan - check with local fire brigade

Archicentre pre-purchase inspections reveal the vast majority of homes built on the urban fringe fail to have appropriate fire prevention measures built into the design. These inspections often reveal excessive build-up of leaves and litter in gutters, storage of timber furniture, wood and other flammable material near the home. 

 
Good design can save homes from bushfires. 

 

 

 

Features detailed from Australian Standard 3959 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas