The Building Designer February 2011 by Building Design Queensland

THE

DESIGNER No. 164, February 2011

r.r.p. $5.95

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building designers association of queensland inc.

building designers association of the northern territory

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Honour State President 1990 - 1991 1991 - 1992 1992 - 1994 1994 - 1996 1996 - 1997 1997 - 1999 1999 - 2001 2001 - 2003 2003 - 2006 2006 - 2008 2008 -

Board

building designers’ association of queensland inc.

Chris Raymond Jim O’Leary Adrian Pooley Keith Ratcliffe Russell Meikle Russell Brandon Phillip Buchanan Peter Nelson Jeff Osman Max Slade Greg Pershouse

Life Member 1992 1992 1994 2000 2000 2008 2008 2009

Jim O’Leary John Hooker Adrian Pooley Jeff Osman Russell Brandon Glen Place Bert Priest Phillip Buchanan

Fellow 2009 2009

Stephen Kidd Chris Vandyke

Honorary Member 1999 1999 2003

Margaret Hooker Meryl Pooley Barb Priest

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Editor Russell Brandon

EDITORIAL

Editorial Coordinator Kerrianne Sheppard Phone: 07 3889 9119

COVER STORY

Advertising Enquiries Russell Brandon Phone: 07 3889 9119

POLICELINK

Feature Writer Jess Hanrahan

2011 CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Art & Design Jon Walsh

Printer ABC Printing

Entwining with the landscape

DESIGN FEATURE Bold and strong

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MYALL YOUTH CENTRE DESIGN FEATURE White on white

BDAQ EXECUTIVE President Greg Pershouse Phone: 07 4151 8350 Email: greg@designgp.com.au

HOPGOODGANIM Copyright infringement in building design

Publisher Building Designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of Queensland Inc. PO Box 651 STRATHPINE, QLD 4500 Phone: 07 3889 9119 Fax: 07 3205 1078 Email: admin@bdaq.com.au Web Site: www.bdaq.com.au

DESIGN FEATURE Extraordinary family home

LAST WORD

Vice President Arthur Martin Phone: 07 4662 1403 Email: arthur@martindesign.com.au Secretary Colin Roe Phone: 07 3203 7045 Email: colinroe@tpg.com.au Treasurer Ian Darnell Phone: 07 4661 3714 Email: darnell@nspire.com.au

Northern Vice President Rod Butland Phone: 07 4051 9722 Email: buck@buckdesign.com.au Central Vice President Steve Claridge Phone: 07 5641 1966 Email: steve@claridge.net.au

EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY HOME

Southern Vice President Peter Nelson Phone: 07 3808 8517 Email: nelsonpj42@optusnet.com.au Membership & Promotions Director Steve Gray Phone: 07 4124 0600 Email: hbdg@bigpond.net.au Technical, Legislation & Planning Director Brad Owens Phone: 07 4772 4205 Email: bowe6163@bigpond.net.au Training and Education Director Glen Place Phone: 07 4942 1316 Email: glen@placedesigns.com.au Executive Director Russell Brandon Phone: 07 3889 9119 Email: admin@bdaq.com.au

All information in this publication is provided in good faith but on the strict understanding that neither BDAQ nor the editor nor any other persons contributing to or involved in the publication shall incur any liability whatsoever or howsoever arising (including but not limited to liability for negligent misstatement) in respect of such information and all liability arising either directly or indirectly as a

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consequence of the use or reliance upon any 95

advice, representations, statement, opinion or conclusion expressed in this publication is, to

building designers association of queensland inc.

building designers association of the northern territory

Cover: Duplex at Airlie Summit Brad Read Design Group, p5

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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What do 1857, 1893, 1931, 1974 and 2011 all have in common? Here is a clue from a writer's reflection in the Brisbane Courier in 1907; “The flood of 1857 was the result of eight weeks' continuous but not heavy, rain. There had been a strong fresh in the river for several weeks, and during a portion of this time all vehicular traffic between North and South Brisbane was suspended, as the horse-punt at Russell-street was unable to cross on account of the strong current. At Ipswich the river rose 45 feet, and waterside stores were submerged to the roof; in the Brisbane reaches, however, the flood waters did not rise more than 7 feet above ordinary springs. Rowing boats were plying in Margaret, Mary, and Charlotte streets, but except near Edward and George streets there were few houses in the streets named. There were only a couple of houses in Albert-street between Charlotte and Alice streets, and the whole of the low-lying ground from Elizabeth Street to the river was a muddy lake. At South Brisbane one could stand on a hill at Cordelia-street near Boundarystreet and see an unbroken sheet of water stretching from Melbourne-street to Tribunestreet. Stanley-street was submerged from Walmsley-street to within 100 yards of the present dry dock. A good deal of the land at Hill-end was submerged, as was also the land on the opposite side of the river, now known as St.

Lucia, and which was then a dense vine scrub. Most of the scrub lands at Oxley were also under water, as was Montagueroad from Stanley-street to the present West-end Reserve." (source www.bom.gov.au) In 1893 the Indooroopilly Railway Bridge was washed away as was part of the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane City and in 1931 the Courier Mail reported; “Most city wharves were submerged and water reached almost to Stanley Street, South Brisbane. More serious inundations occurred in parts of some suburbs, notably the Milton, Oxley, Rocklea, Fairfield and Sherwood districts. Two men drowned.” The other thing to notice about these dates is that they are all between 36 and 43 years apart. There are records of big floods in 1841 and during the 1860s but since then the biggest flood events have occurred in Brisbane and Ipswich at roughly 40 year intervals. Regional Queensland unfortunately suffers at much more regular intervals. The problem in 2011 is that we all expected that Wivenhoe Dam would save Brisbane from the worst when it did happen and we were to some extent lulled into a false sense of security by an extended period of extreme drought.

buildings and communities that will serve Queensland for the next forty years. I'm not a big fan of experts who pop up in the media after such tragic circumstances with all sorts of advice on how things should have been done better. Neither am I an expert. So I have no clever advice to give here on how we should be designing buildings that will survive the next big flood. What I will do is take a keen interest in the Queensland Government's Commission of Enquiry which will seek real evidence based answers. BDAQ will carefully consider the facts and may make a submission on the key question from the “Terms of Reference”; “All aspects of land use planning through local and regional planning systems to minimise infrastructure and property impacts from floods.” We must learn from what happened, (and is still happening as I write), not just in Brisbane, but throughout Queensland. What differentiated 2011 from any of the others were the graphic images that transported us all to a place beside the raging waters and the plight of those who suffered was burned into our hearts. We have much to learn!

Russell Brandon

Now we know differently and we now need to consider the next big flood event when designing

For professional building design and documentation, look for one or more of these logos when you choose your building designer MEMBER

CHARTERED MEMBER

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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DESIGN FEATURE

Entwining with the landscape

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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DESIGN FEATURE

D D

uplex at Airlie Summit, a superb development at Airlie Beach by Brad Read, features two high quality, top of the market units, each containing four bedrooms and with a north/north-west orientation offering extensive sea views.

As well as observing the planning by-laws of the Whitsunday Shire Council in respect to height, setbacks and escarpment view restrictions, consideration was also given to future structures on the neighbouring undeveloped allotments. The units have limited

street frontage due to their position on the long and narrow site, which has a 22m slope.

levels include master and guest suites and alternative entertaining rooms.

The resultant design involves the two units being situated on different levels, each afforded two storeys with one of these a split level. This ensured height restrictions were adhered to while allowing the design to work with the contours of the land.

Plunge pools which have the illusion of stretching out to the ocean beyond are accessed via decks a half level below.

Upper levels incorporate the main living and entertainment areas as well as two bedrooms and amenities, while the lower

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The external construction material is predominately masonry with light weight floors and roofs. Extensive use of glass and timber has also been included. Timber features ensure the development entwines with rather than dominates over the

The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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DESIGN FEATURE

Brad Read Brad Read Design Group 07 3806 1855 brad@brdg.com.au

natural landscape. Dark earthy colours were used to blend the building into the backdrop escarpment. Interesting forms, high level finishes and a variety of building resources ensure these units remain both stylish and functional within a contemporary envelope, indicative of tropical Queensland living.

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

Feb2011_009 Monday, 7 February 2011 12:54:10 PM

POLICELINK

Tradies urged to Think Policelink and Call 131 444

om parks the ute outside the café and goes in to buy himself some lunch. It is a little busier than usual so he has to wait a while to order. He collects his burger and soft drink and makes an exit for the car. As he steps out from the doorway he sees the roll of irrigation pipe hanging over the side of the tray back. He moves closer to check and finds his new tool kit missing. Shocked and then annoyed, he quickly looks up and down the street to see if he can find anyone suspicious. He takes a moment to compose himself and picks up the mobile, and before he dials, thinks Policelink. Policelink 131 444 provides Queenslanders with an additional way to report non-urgent incidents including stealing offences, wilful property damage, break and enters, stolen or unlawful use of motor vehicles and lost property. The Queensland Police Service launched this new service late last year to help tradies and other Queenslanders report non-urgent matters more easily and efficiently. The dedicated multi-channel contact centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the crime is not happening now, not life threatening or there is little likelihood of the suspected offenders still being in the area, Queensland Police are asking tradies to consider phoning Policelink on 131 444 for nonurgent assistance.

Manager, Policelink Branch, Acting Superintendent Greg Flint said report taking of non-urgent incidents was an important part of a police officer's job, however not all non-urgent reports needed to be taken face to face. “Policelink is designed to improve response management and enhance the delivery of police services to Queenslanders. “We think this new service will be well received by trades people and the general public. Policelink is not about replacing the current methods of contacting Queensland Police and I still encourage people to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency and to keep in contact with your local officers. It is another way to contact police when non-urgent assistance is required. “For example, if you've noticed that your tools have been stolen, Policelink is able to take your incident report and, where appropriate, organise follow up action if necessary,” Acting Superintendent Flint said. It is anticipated the Policelink Contact Centre will handle up to two million calls per year and free up 260,000 police resourcing hours annually to redirect into proactive policing and crime prevention activities, enhancing the safety of the community.

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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BEDI/BDAQ PARTNERSHIP PRESENTS

2011 ENDORSED SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGNER PROGRAM *Preparing and Empowering Built Environment Professionals for a Sustainable Future * Building Green - Preparing and Empowering Future Built Environment Professionals for Market Readiness is the ecospecifier Tertiary Curriculum Program developed by Ecospecifier

PROGRAM VENUES

DAY 1 Environmentally Sustainable Design Compliance and Solutions

Times: 9.00am to 5.30pm each day SOUTH QUEENSLAND Metro Hotel Ipswich International 43 South Street, Ipswich

Fri May 6 Sat May 7 Fri May 13 Sat May 14

NORTH QUEENSLAND Rydges Tradewinds Cairns 137 The Esplanade, Cairns

Fri May 27 Sat May 28 Fri Jun 3 Sat Jun 4

DAY 2 Building Rating, Materials, Issues and Solutions DAY 3 Green Building and Materials Procurement DAY 4 Life Cycle Assessment in Practice Successful completion of this course constitutes the training requirement for certification as an Endorsed Sustainable Building Designer. An Endorsed Sustainable Building Designer will receive promotion through BEDI Ltd programs and can use the ESBD logo shown on left.

Program supported by:

COST Course fees include the full four days training with materials, lunch and tea breaks.

This course attracts a Construction Skills Queensland subsidy for a limited number of participants. To qualify for the subsidised rate you MUST REGISTER AND PAY BEFORE 25 MARCH 2011. FULL FEE: $750.00 SUBSIDISED FEE: $500.00 STUDENT FEE: $440.00 SUBSIDISED STUDENT FEE: $0.00 all these fees include GST. if registering before 25 March 2011 please pay the subsidised fee to qualify for the student fee participants must currently be enrolled in a building design related tertiary course

For more information please email or phone: 07 3889 9119 - admin@bdaq.com.au

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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ANNOUNCING

2011 BDAQ/BEDI State Conference Sustainable Building Design - A New Paradigm Friday 19 August to Sunday 21 August 2011 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Merivale Street, South Brisbane

PROGRAM Friday 19 August - off site at the Victoria Park Golf Complex 8.00am

Technical Breakfast

10.00am

BDAQ Golf Day

6.00pm

Welcome Event

Saturday 20 August Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 9.00am

Conference Sessions

1.00pm

Study Tour

6.30pm

Queensland Building Design Awards Presentation

Sunday 21 August Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 9.00am

Conference Sessions

1.00pm

BDAQ AGM

1.30pm

BDAQ Member Forum 100

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B U I L D I N G D E S I G N E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F Q U E E N S L A N D

www.findabuildingdesigner.com.au

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www.bdaq.com.au building designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association of queensland inc.

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DESIGN FEATURE

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Extraordinary

family home

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DESIGN FEATURE

The

team at Latemore Design shine again with “Barnicott House”. This massive extension and renovation at Norman Park, turns an ordinary everyday house into an extraordinary full size family home featuring distinct areas, good separation and plenty of character. Following principles of Burra Charter and adhering to council stipulations, the design has retained, if not enhanced, the front façade, while the rear extension is highly modern in style and finish. In this four bedroom, three bathroom design, the master suite is located on the third level with good separation from the

secondary bedrooms. Views are afforded to this retreat area via the mezzanine level overlooking the living zone, as well as the two storey void above the deck. The kitchen is centrally located between two living zones, one being a children's retreat and the other for general use. These communal areas are tied together through the use of bamboo flooring throughout. Two car accommodation is provided with a parapet style carport, while the lower level of the home features an elevated floor as a means of protection against flood.

With environmentally sustainable design an important aspect of the project, the home is comfortable and functional all year round, without the need for air conditioning, through the extensive use of Breezway louvres. Numerous tanks minimise water waste and all framing is comprised of plantation timbers. Designed to allow for a future pool on the northern side of the deck, the shape of the extension generally suits the 8.5m height restriction, as well as maximising city views and ensuring character elements were retained on the front façade.

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DESIGN FEATURE

the home is comfortable and functional all year round

Peter Latemore Latemore Design 07 3356 9051 peter@latemoredesign.com.au

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HOPGOODGANIM LAWYERS

ccording to American poet Audre Lorde, “there are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.” A recent Court decision relating to building design shows that even if this is true, using the ideas of others and infringing the copyright that exists in those ideas can lead to heavy penalties - a clear warning to would-be infringers to tread carefully when 'borrowing' other people's ideas. Case study: Urban Ventures v Solitaire Homes Solitaire Homes, based in Canberra, designs and constructs project homes. The company originally brought proceedings in the Magistrates Court against Urban Ventures (which designs and drafts plans for dwellings such as project homes) for infringement of its copyright in the plans for a twostorey dwelling known as the Solitaire house. The Solitaire house is an award-winning project home. It has a number of unique features that are original in the industry, and has attracted a significant amount of publicity as a result. In this case, a building company had retained Urban Ventures to design houses for a number of lots, including what was known as the Dunlop block. Even though the original Dunlop block plans were approved, the builder later found that the drawings were incorrect, and the houses would not fit the block. The builder had a very tight schedule to carry out construction for the Dunlop block, and requested that Urban Ventures formulate a solution within a very short time. A new design was prepared within 24 hours, but was rejected by the builder. However, within days, Urban Ventures' director provided the builder with another design involving a two-storey house, which was accepted and submitted for approval with the planning authority. Because the design for the Dunlop house included features similar to those of the Solitaire house, Solitaire Homes brought proceedings against Urban Ventures in the Magistrates Court for copyright infringement. The Court found in favour of Solitaire Homes, stating that the Solitaire house was sufficiently original so that copyright subsisted in

the plans. Because this copyright was held by Solitaire Homes, the Court found that copyright infringement had occurred. Even though there was no direct evidence of copying, His Honour found that the similarities were so significant between the two projects that the causal link could be inferred, “supported by the circumstances surrounding the sudden and dramatic change of plans” within a very short period of time. His Honour found that Urban Ventures' sole director and shareholder, who is a qualified architectural draftsman, copied the design plans of the Solitaire house and used them in the plans for the Dunlop house. Although Urban Ventures employed other people to do design work, the director gave evidence stating that he did the work on the Dunlop house himself. Accordingly, even though there may have been input from other Urban Ventures staff, the director alone created the infringing drawings, and was held personally liable for the infringement. Since it was not part of his duties as a director to create drawings, Urban Venture was not held liable. His Honour found that the director opportunistically copied the plans for the Solitaire house to come up with a quick solution to the problem he had caused by creating inaccurate plans originally and disrupting his client's tight schedule. Urban Ventures appealed this decision to the Federal Court, but the Court upheld the Magistrates Court's findings. Awarding damages to deter future infringement The Federal Court found that even though there was no evidence of loss to Solitaire Homes, and that Urban Ventures' financial gain was only the $1,100 design fee, there was depreciation in the value of Solitaire Homes' copyright. The Court found that this should be calculated as a proportion of the usual market profit for the design and construction of similar project homes. In this context, $10,000 was awarded as compensatory damages. The awardwinning nature of the design and its unique features were taken in consideration in this calculation.

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Importantly, the Court also awarded additional damages, a discretion available to courts that may be used as a general deterrence to blatant infringement of copyright. The damages originally awarded by the Magistrates Court were increased by the Federal Court. His Honour stated that these additional damages were intended to deter others from committing similar infringements of copyright. His Honour noted that the director of Urban Ventures was confronted by what must be a common problem in the industry. He recognised that copying another company's design was understandable in the circumstances, and that the director did not want to profit from Solitaire Homes' work - just solve the problem he had caused. However, His Honour also noted that copying the design for the Solitaire house was wrong. Key leanings It goes without saying that building designers and construction companies are alert to what their competitors are up to. Even though it may sometimes be tempting to copy aspects of another designer's work, this case shows that the Courts will not hesitate to ensure that those who infringe copyright are punished, and are willing to impose heavy penalties as a deterrent to similar behaviour in the industry. Even though he acknowledged that the director “did not know when the permissible borrowing of ideas crossed the line to become impermissible copyright infringement”, His Honour did not accept this as an excuse for the director's actions. HopgoodGanim's Intellectual Property and Technology team has extensive experience advising on copyright and other intellectual property issues. For more information, please contact us on 07 3024 0000.

The contents of this paper are not intended to be a complete statement of the law on any subject and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice in specific fact situations. HopgoodGanim cannot accept any liability or responsibility for loss occurring as a result of anyone acting or refraining from acting in reliance on any material contained in this paper.

Building Codes Queensland has provided a range of information for people looking to repair or re-build homes and other buildings that have been flood damaged. This information includes a fact sheet with tips on how to repair homes to become more flood resilient. It also outlines a number of frequently asked questions relating to buildings, plumbing work and pool fencing damaged by the recent flooding. To view these go to the department’s flood information page: www.dip.qld.gov.au/plumbing/floodinginformation-for-plumbing.html The State Government has welcomed a Sydney-based company’s offer to provide 3500 solar hot water systems to Queensland flood victims, with homeowners paying no costs other than installation charges.

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In return, Apricus Australia Pty Ltd will receive the state and federal rebates for each unit, as well as 34 Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) per unit. For more information on who is eligible to apply for this rebate, view the hot water system replacement scheme: www.dip.qld.gov.au/plumbing/hot-watersystem-replacement-scheme.html

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Climate control starts here

7/4/10 10:36:55 AM

DESIGN FEATURE

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DESIGN FEATURE

Located in an industrial precinct of Bundaberg and fronting a major arterial road, the redesigned “Steeline Roofin' Spot” by Greg Pershouse presents as a bold and visually exciting building with a strong, corporate appearance. Established in the early 1980s, the building has continuously outgrown its facilities to the point of requiring a complete factory and head office overhaul. Originally constructed of reinforced concrete block, the existing external building required rendering to match the new concrete tilt panel walls. Retention of the original façade was achieved by modifying it to act as a fire separating wall between the new and existing workshops. A new 1000m² sales and administration facility was introduced and includes a display area and four private offices on the ground floor, complete with amenities and a large storage room.

The manufacturing area of the factory was increased to 2000m² with minimal disruption to production. Cost-effective operation was addressed with workshops designed to allow existing machinery to be installed. Housing the administration, training and entertainment facilities, the first floor also contains nine private offices, a client lounge, reception area and a Drawing and Estimating office. The focal point of the upper level, the large conference room, features a high raking ceiling. Metal products were worked into the external renovations to add visual interest to the building while reflecting the core business of the establishment, including a Colorbond garage, carport, fencing and storm water tanks. With metal buildings prohibited under local town plan, Colorbond feature panels and exposed galvanised structural steel supports provide aesthetic appeal to the exterior, while stainless steel hardware, feature glass panels and modern decorative lighting enhance the interior design.

Greg Pershouse Pershouse and Associates 07 4151 8350 greg@designgp.com.au

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DESIGN FEATURE

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MYALL YOUTH & COMMUNITY NETWORK CENTRE

MYALL YOUTH & COMMUNITY NETWORK CENTRE After years of planning, the Myall Youth and Community Network Centre is finally a reality and open for business. Martin Building Design was contracted to design and oversee the construction of the centre and the result is a modern and energy efficient building incorporating sustainable design principles.The building was constructed by McNab. The main building is designed with frontage to both Nicholson Street and the Warrego Highway. A separate building provides rooms suitable for workshops and activities. Between the two buildings is a courtyard which is partly covered, allowing a shaded outdoor area while not obstructing light to windows of the two buildings.

The buildings have been constructed on deep piers to minimize movement. Large locked gates at either end of the courtyard allow air to flow through, while making the grassed area safe for young children to play without fear of them wandering out onto the busy roads and providing building security. The sustainable design provides solutions to a range of issues related to the site, such as the streetscape and community landscape. It also allows for savings in energy, water and money, while creating a more enjoyable and comfortable work environment. Rainwater from the large roof area is harvested and stored in tanks for use as an alternative water supply.

All rooms have natural light, reducing the need for electric lighting. Auto sensors turn off power when rooms are vacated. The building is fully insulated and solar rated tinted glass throughout helps to keep temperatures down and block out noise from the streets. All windows are provided with shading to reduce heat into the building. Instant heat gas hot water units help to reduce energy use by eliminating storage of hot water. The main entry/reception area has a high turret roof enclosed by adjustable louvres that can be opened to suit wind direction. The cool air from the courtyard is then drawn in through the reception area, providing natural cooling. Landscaping has been designed for low maintenance and savings in water use.

Story by Nancy Evans, The Dalby Herald, published Tuesday November 16, 2010 ÂŠ Copyright APN Australian Regional Media

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MYALL YOUTH & COMMUNITY NETWORK CENTRE

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Helping build your future 25

The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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SMALL BUSINESS FORUM

Forum to help small business cut costs through smart sustainable practices The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) will be holding the first of two Queensland Water and Energy Sustainable Technologies Network (QWESTNet) forums to be held on the Gold Coast in the first half of 2011.

QWESTNet forums are a great way for small business to find out more about how the latest in environmental best practice and technologies can help reduce their energy and water use and their waste.

Facilitated by the DERM and proudly sponsored by the Gold Coast City Council and ecoBiz, the QWESTNet forums will provide information about new sustainable technologies and easy to do, low cost or no cost practices with an aim to help small businesses not only reduce their energy and water consumption and their waste, but improve their profitability.

As well, they provide an excellent networking opportunity for businesses, providing attendees with the chance to meet both producers and current users of sustainable technologies to share and develop ideas to improve their business prospects.

This presents an ideal opportunity for Gold Coast businesses to find out how bottom-line savings can be achieved through sustainable practices and technologies. With rising energy and water costs and an impending waste levy, there is growing pressure for businesses to reduce their costs while gaining a competitive advantage.

The first of the Gold Coast QWESTNet forums is being held on Wednesday 16 March 2011 at Arundel Hills Country Club and the second on Wednesday 18 May at Bond University. All businesses are invited to attend. Registration cost is only $22.00. For more information and to register go to www.derm.qld.gov.au/qwestnet .

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Feb2011_026 Friday, 4 February 2011 12:32:16 PM

DESIGN FEATURE

White on white

Located on

the end of a canal peninsular at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast and featuring a sweeping 59m water frontage is this timeless two storey beach-style home by Dan Dignum.

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DESIGN FEATURE

ith an open and airy ambience, the structure features five generous bedrooms, interactive living areas with functional outdoor areas and a separated sound-proof media/adults section. Maximum water views are achieved while including sustainable design principles and ensuring a good level of privacy. From the street, the home has an immaculate presentation with a white on white appeal, stacked stone features and stained

timber, a scheme which is continued throughout the remainder of the building. Neatly manicured gardens bring the residence to life and enhance the beach-style theme. The stepping design follows the contours of the site, with all living areas facing north. The southwestern corner of the property is dedicated to a children's play area and service yard. The wet edged pool follows the building and boundary lines providing water on water views from the living area.

The bedrooms are to the southern side of the house. The first floor, with views to both sides, is dedicated to the master suite featuring a balcony and breezeway leading through to a large ensuite and walk in robe. To maximise thermal comfort and protection from the elements, roof lines are predominantly hipped with 900 eaves, and exposed windows feature sun awnings. The external materials are mostly lightweight and white and this, together with a Zincalume roof,

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DESIGN FEATURE

Dan Dignum Dignum Design 07 5520 6308 dan@dignumdesign.com.au

helps to reflect heat and keep the home cool. Many of the windows are louvred to allow maximum air flow. Recycled posts and beams add to the sustainability and overall character of the structure. Good interaction between indoor and outdoor living is achieved through the use of wide patios and verandas directly connected to the northern living zones. The media and gym areas have been isolated and sound proofed, with filled block walls and double glazed windows. The kitchen opens out to the veranda with a bi-fold windowed servery.

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A spacious and luxurious beachstyle residence, the house features a cool and calm atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the vast waters surrounding it. The layout, building materials and attention to detail enhance these surroundings perfectly.

The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

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LAST WORD

Lance Armstrong, a Texan, told us that when Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, there were traffic jams caused by people trying to get away from the destruction. He was amazed that when the floods inundated Brisbane, there were traffic jams caused by people trying to get in to help those who had lost everything. He hoped that what happened here can inspire the rest of the world. Armstrong told the crowd at the flood relief charity ride that “Queensland's volunteers were heroes the whole world should emulate”. British Entertainer, Sir Michael Parkinson giving an Australia Day address also referred to the way Australians react to “the horrors of flood and fire”. "It is reassuring to the rest of us - helpless spectators that we are - to be reminded that such appalling tragedies bring out the best in human nature, demonstrating that the notion of community, the principle of being a good neighbour are not merely slogans but the practical means by which communities survive in desperate times.” Perhaps it's sad that it takes “appalling tragedies” to remind us that we in Australia are known elsewhere for what our former Prime Minister called “mateship”. It is something we just catch a glimpse of in BDAQ when we know that there are others who will be there for us when the need arises. Our “mates” don't always agree with us and are not afraid to criticise but we would never let each other down. If any members are suffering from the recent horrendous events, please don't feel alone. Contact your BDAQ mates for help with any business concerns or just for a friendly chat. Contact the BDAQ office if you need advice or networking opportunities. Some people did not appreciate a Brit delivering the Australia Day address, but I found it refreshing to have an outsider give us an insight about how we are viewed from afar. It appears that we need to learn to appreciate what we have and forget about trying to be something we are not. “In the 30 years I have been visiting Australia, I have seen it shrug off an inferiority complex embodied in the aforesaid cultural cringe, to become a self-

confident nation, beholden to none other, a very individual identity with an economy the envy of the modern world. “That said, why do I sense a predilection for self-criticism, an assumption that things could be better, a longing for things to improve. Instead of a nation dancing a jig at its good fortune, I have a sense of Australians sitting this one out, maybe waiting for a proper partner to show it how to dance and enjoy itself.” Maybe he's right! Russell Brandon

Funding approved for Sustainability Program A new building designer Sustainable Building Design Program received a boost when funding under the ClimateSmart Associations initiative administered by Queensland Government Department of Environment and Resource Management. The program, a joint initiative of Building Designers Association of Queensland and its subsidiary, Built Environment Design Institute Ltd, will deliver high quality training and professional development programs for building design practitioners and future building designers throughout Queensland. Another key part of the program is the Building Consumer Advice Bureau which will make publicly available up to date and accurate information 100

about sustainable building design through 95

the internet. A new joint committee for 75

sustainability has been established so watch for more news of this exciting program over the next few months.

building designers’ association of queensland inc.

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The Building Designer No.164 February 2011

Feb2011_030 Tuesday, 8 February 2011 10:49:46 AM

Want a negative carbon footprint? Have ours. Weathertex puts sustainability and durability at the forefront of all its products. Weathertex works to ensure the raw timber for the production of its reconstituted natural hardwood is sourced from local sawmill tailings, thinnings and sustainably managed forests. No old growth hardwood is ever used, so the sourcing of our timber has minimal environmental impact and avoids depletion of our natural resources. All hardwood sourced for the production of Weathertex products comes from local new growth forests within 150 kilometres of the site. The trees used to produce Weathertex cladding have sequestered sufﬁcient carbon dioxide during their growth to counter any carbon dioxide equivalent emissions produced at the Weathertex factory during its manufacture.

Weathertex’s timber product is the only product of its kind in the world. Weathertex is an all-natural product produced from 100% sustainable new growth Australian hardwood in an ISO 9001 certiﬁed process: 97% hardwood, 3% natural wax and no chemical additives, artiﬁcial glues or binders.

1800 040 080

www.weathertex.com.au Weathertex Pty Ltd ACN 084 713 986

BDAQ EVENTS CALENDAR 2011 ENDORSED SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGNER PROGRAM South Queensland Metro Hotel Ipswich International May 06 - 07, 13-14 2011 North Queensland Rydges Tradewinds Cairns May 27 - 28, June 03- 04 2011

BDAQ CONFERENCE & DESIGN AWARDS VICTORIA PARK GOLF COURSE Golf Day August 19 BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE State Conference August 19 - 21 Awards Dinner August 20

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPRING ROADSHOW Week 1

October 10 - 14 2011

Week 2

October 17 - 21 2011

BRANCH MEETINGS Branches occasionally change meeting details. Please contact the branch if you are attending for the first time or haven’t attended for a while. Far North Queensland: 5.30pm first Monday each month Contact: Rod Butland, Ph 07 4051 9722 Townsville: 12.00 noon first Tuesday each month Contact: Barry Switzer, Ph 07 4728 2339 Mackay: 6.00pm first Wednesday each month Contact: Naomi Otto, Ph 07 4954 8452 Central Queensland: 5.30pm second Wednesday, of these months: February, April, June. Agust and October Contact Carolyn Ramsay, Ph 4978 3171

Sunshine Coast: second Wednesday each month Contact: Ian Gorton, Ph 07 5447 5394 Brisbane North: 6.00pm third Monday each month Contact: Peter Latemore, Ph 07 3356 9051 Brisbane South: 6.30pm third Tuesday each month Contact: John Stones, Ph 0449 132 821 Ipswich: 5.30pm fourth Monday each month Contact: John Musters, Ph 07 3282 7004 South West: 6.30pm fourth Tuesday each month Contact: Bob Steger, Ph 07 4638 4766 Gold Coast: 6.30pm last Wednesday each moth Contact Stuart Osman, Ph 5520 3022

Wide Bay: 2.30pm second Wednesday every third month Contact: Mark Alderton, Ph 07 4157 7897

www.findabuildingdesigner.com.au Are you up to date? ‘Find a building designer’ is often the first way that potential clients will look for a building designer. Remember to notify admin of changes to your contact details.

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Feb2011_031 Thursday, 3 February 2011 1:03:21 PM