ED31 OCT 2020

Issue 31
Welcome to our October issue of INTERSECT Our People Dominique Hunter (President) Ingrid Hornung (Vice President) Peter Lombo (Treasurer) Lindsay Douglas (Immediate Past President) John Armsby (Committee Member) Greg Blanch (Committee Member) Timothy Ellis (Committee Member) Jeremy Spencer (Committee Member) Peta Anderson (Chief Executive Officer) Emily Schiavello (Sustainability Advocacy & Thermal Performance Assessment) Elaine Centeno (Communications and Events) Kathryn Middis (National Relationship Manager, Members and Partners) Danielle Johnston (Senior Communications Advisor) Alex Hunt (Administrator)
GET THE WHOLE PICTURE Design Matters National SketchBook: page 22
We have a LOT going on this month. Last night, we announced the winners of the 25th Annual Building Design Awards in our first virtual Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and entrants, especially Sven Maxa, from Maxa Design, who took out Building Design of the Year. You can see images of the winning projects posted across all of our socials. I am looking forward to reading more about the winning project in AWARDED magazine, coming to you very soon. We also mark the 25-year milestone of four Members who joined in 1995: Joseph Di Iorio, Agostino Gumina, Graeme Bicknell and David Blutman. And we welcome two new Partners - Box Brownie and Landchecker. You can read about them in this issue. After two years as President, this month I step down to make way for Ingrid Hornung to take up the position. Of course, I wish her all the best with her time leading this wonderful organisation. As this is my final issue, I was invited to select the cover image and the photo I chose is from a job I did for a young Queensland family. They wanted an interior designer to work with their architect to deliver their new family home. The designer needed an understanding of the climatic qualities of coastal northern Queensland. The design had to consider both the brightness and heat of the sun, and the stability of finishes needed for cyclonic zones. The climate played a significant factor in the choice of finishes and fittings throughout and the architecture and interiors were a play of contrasts. Collaboration between the family, architect, builder and myself, as the interior designer, delivered a home that was, at the same time serviceable, beautiful, luxurious and practical. It is definitely one of my favourite projects to have worked on. Congratulations to all the Awards entrants, good reading and farewell. Dominique Hunter President
Contents Sponsors Matter 01. The Last Word 02. The 2020 Awards 03. InterVIEW
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Stephen Schenk Jad Newman
04.
Member Matters
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05.
Planning Matters
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06.
Industry Matters
30
07.
Business Matters
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Design Matters National appreciates the support of our sponsors.
Here for members during COVID-19
Our team at Design Matters National is set up to work remotely to ensure there is no interruption to services provided to our members. We are here to help, so email us at info@designmatters.org.au or call on 03 9416 0227 DISCLAIMER
Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not imply that Building Designers Association of Victoria Inc trading as Design Matters National agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, Design Matters National does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of Design Matters National. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at editor@designmatters.org.au
Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au
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Issue 31
01. The Last Word
The Last Word
By Dominique Hunter, President, Design Matters National, 2018-2020
I remember, before I started my Presidency, Lindsay Douglas made a comment that I am now reminded of. He asked me what my legacy would be and I rattled on about promoting Members and their work; and how much better off a project is with collaboration; how we needed to encourage wider networking; and so on. He suggested I not get disappointed when my goals were not met as it was typical to be swept away with issues of the time rather than implementing goals. This was not the first thing he was right about. My path had been set in motion years ago when Alastair McDonald and Lindsay Douglas started to question the future of our association. They had been noticing changes to business and regardless of the prosperity of our industry, identified potential and real threats to the profession. They started a wave of actions that took the Committee of Management from dealing with day-to-day issues, to being a proactive team who began to look at the future as a priority. It was through their questioning and strategic thinking that we identified what we needed to do to stay viable. We spoke with Members, workshopped ideas about what we, as an association, looked like now and what we were perceived as being going forward. We spoke with industry groups and researched issues, like the future of associations. We talked with students and sponsors and looked at where technology and workplace was heading. This research resulted in our new brand, whose aim it was to show us for the confident, capable and strong industry group we are. Thanks to Alastair McDonald and Lindsay Douglas, this way of thinking developed into a brand which has helped to open us up to a new future. A future open to new designers and stakeholders who take design seriously. A future in which we’re seen as equals to our overseasallied associations. A future of recognition and respect from government and education divisions. A future where we can build our businesses with like-minded colleagues we can learn from and grow with.
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The last two years has also seen a changing of the office team and structure. We have lost some sentimental favourites, but with that came a host of new faces and personalities. We can proudly report our team is in the very capable hands of new Chief Executive Officer Peta Anderson, who has transformed the systems and back end into a structure capable of supporting us well into the future. The Design Matters National team has since: • Implemented a long-overdue new website and community hub we can build on • Strengthened our national alliances • Created unique and borderless-content CPDs • Brought in new accounting and CRM systems to support Members more efficiently, and • Revitalised the internal culture to encourage promotion and career direction. Building on already solid foundations, the reset we needed, I believe, has succeeded in allowing us to get ready for our future goals. Our ability to look forward and stay nimble will ensure we identify early any opportunities to promote the profession and the potential of Building Designers, going forward. I look forward to supporting Ingrid Hornung as the next President. Ingrid will bring both a calm wisdom and solidity to the Committee of Management and membership. She is a proven creative and a respected Building Designer. Her experience running an award-winning small business means she can relate to the journey most of us have and our young designers hope to experience. Finally, I want to thank both Alastair McDonald and Lindsay Douglas for their continued and loyal support. This role has been challenging at times, especially being a sole practitioner, but the friendships, lessons and knowledge I have gained could only have happened once I was thrown in the deep end. If it wasn’t for the men who sent me on this journey, the relationships developed with individual members of the Committee of Management who have helped me laugh and learn, and Peta and her team of remarkable women, the road would have been much harder. I ask you to consider contributing your own time and experiences to the association, as there is so much to be gained by all of us.
2018–2020 Dominique Hunter, President, Design Matters National
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02. The 2020 Awards
Oh, What A Night! The Awards The Awards started at 7PM, with a 30-minute video on Vimeo that kicked off with the presentation of a new, 15-second motion graphics treatment of the DMN podium logo Watch it here: Vimeo This was followed by a three-minute video which graphically represented a distilled, 25-year history of the Awards. Then it was time for the main event: the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Awards. Television presenter Catriona Rowntree announced each category and their winner, starting with the winners of the Emerging Designers – Student Awards, followed by Materials Excellence, Non-residential, Residential, Special Awards and then the big one: Building Design of the Year. Congratulations, Sven Maxa! Awards After Party With the Awards announcements completed, at 7:45PM it was time for the Awards After Party on Zoom. Our CEO, Peta Anderson, gave a short speech, and then our President, Dominique Hunter, took the floor and interviewed some of the Awards winners. At 8PM, guests were invited to ‘mingle’ among their colleagues in the Main Lobby or in one of the Breakout Rooms which were called: The Espy Front Bar; Young & Jackson’s; Garden State; Madame Brussels; and The Shady Lady. The After Party carried on until the wee hours and by all reports, the 916 wine and snacks went down a treat!
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The 2020 Design Matters National Building Design Awards held online on Thursday 15 October brought together 170 members of our community, Australia wide, (plus their partners and family members) to celebrate the best in building design and oh, what a night it was!
Social Media Since the announcements of the winners, the Design Matters National social media platforms have run hot, with posts appearing across Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Our Private Member Facebook Group has also seen a flurry of activity, with shout-outs and messages of congratulations to the winners and entrants. People’s Choice Awards Speaking of socials, the 2020 People’s Choice Awards kicked off straight after the Awards, on the Design Matters National Facebook page, and the votes for all entrants (not just the winners) are already flooding in. Voting opened on Thursday, 15 October 7:30PM AEDT and will close on Monday, 2 November at 12PM AEDT. To Vote, visit the post Hit the Like button on your favourite/s. (Too many to choose just one? Don’t worry. You can vote more than once!) And remember to share the post among your friends and encourage them to vote before the 2/11/2020 deadline. The Building Designer whose design attracts the most Likes (on the official Facebook post, not elsewhere) will win the 2020 People’s Choice Award. All entrants’ images will feature in the People’s Choice Awards, not just the winners. AWARDED Magazine Our annual showcase of Award winners and entrants, AWARDED, is on its way and will really do justice to the incredible talent on display in 2020. A digital version will be sent to all Members soon, followed by a copy of the printed magazine. To see images of the winners, head to the Design Matters National social media channels now, and next week, check out our website as we will be uploading all entrants’ images to our home-page carousel, as well as the Awards page on the website.
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THE WINNERS
02. The InterVIEW 2020 Awards Award Building Design of the Year James Hardie Award Past Presidentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Award Residential - New House Up to $500K Residential - New House Up to $500K-$1M Residential - New House Up to $1M-$3M Residential - New House Over $3M Residential - Alterations & Additions Up to $350K Residential - Alterations & Additions Up to $350K-$800K Residential - Alterations & Additions Over $800K Other Residential - Bathroom Other Residential - Interior Other Residential - Kitchen Multi Residential >$6M Multi Residential <$6M Multi Residential <$6M - Commendation Heritage Small Home Environmentally Sustainable Non-Residential - Commercial <$2M Non-Residential - Commercial >$2M Non-Residential - Interior Design Non-Residential - Small Works Project Non-Residential - Special Project Excellence in Use of Concrete Excellence in Use of Glass Excellence in Use of Lightweight Materials Excellence in Use of Masonry Excellence in Use of Recycled Materials Excellence in Use of Metal Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Excellence in Documentation Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Best Digital Presentation (Joint winner) Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Best Digital Presentation (Joint winner) Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Best Group Project Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Best Response to a Design Brief (Building Design) Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Best Response to a Design Brief (Interior Design) Emerging Designers - Student Awards: Brian Morison Award
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ďťż THE 2020 AWARDS
02. The 2020 Awards Project, Designer & Company/TAFE
Location
Earth House, Sven Maxa, Maxa Design
Donvale
Prahran Townhouses, David Tennant, Sync Design
Prahran
Killester College Performing Arts & Music Learning Facility, Allan Cubbon, Crosier Scott Architects
Springvale
Somerville Residence, Mark Bennett, Joluca Design
Somerville
Owl Woods Passive House, Talina Edwards, Talina Edwards Architecture
Trentham (Regional Victoria)
Earth House, Sven Maxa, Maxa Design
Donvale
Undulating Cubes, Luciano Bologna, 2BScene Design
Outer East of Melbourne
Bird St. Project, Ashley Beaumont, Beaumont Building Design
Inverloch
The Snug, Shae Parker McCashen, Green Sheep Collective
Coburg
Oh Dear Oh Deer, Tony Vella, Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Richmond
Raw Reflection, Zol Nagy, Nagy Design
South east of Melbourne
Wyndham Beach House, Sky Tiong, Sky Architect Studio
Werribee South
Wyndham Beach House, Sky Tiong, Sky Architect Studio
Werribee South
1 Nelson St. Ringwood, Janusz Kowal, C&K Architecture
Ringwood
Prahran Townhouses, David Tennant, Sync Design
Prahran
Ivanhoe Hybrid, Peter Lombardozzi, Archsign
Ivanhoe
HMAS L02, Tony Vella, Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Williamstown
The Snug, Shae Parker McCashen, Green Sheep Collective
Coburg
Earth House, Sven Maxa, Maxa Design
Donvale
MultiFunction Garden Studio Space, Daniel Seyd, In Site
Prahran
Killester College Performing Arts & Music Learning Facility, Allan Cubbon, Crosier Scott Architects
Springvale
Do Shoes Come on Pallets? Yodgee Market Store, Marc Bernstein-Hussman, Melbourne Design Studios
South Melbourne Market
Concrete Collective, Tony Vella, Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Heidelberg West
Do Shoes Come on Pallets? Yodgee Market Store, Marc Bernstein-Hussman, Melbourne Design Studios
South Melbourne Market
Neath House, Aydan Doherty, AD Design Develop
Surrey Hills
Allan House Brunswick, Aydan Doherty, AD Design Develop
Brunswick
Black Swell, Guy Holman, Holman Designs
Ocean Grove
Boulevard House, Shae Parker McCashen, Green Sheep Collective
Ivanhoe East
Do Shoes Come on Pallets? Yodgee Market Store, Marc Bernstein-Hussman, Melbourne Design Studio
South Melbourne Market
The Blue Moon, Ryan Boyes, RB Building Design
Portarlington
Holmesglen: Rocco Molluso Box Hill: Michael Boer Holmesglen: Carolina Osejo The Gordon: Zane Leist, Ramona Robinson, Brayden Tonkin Holmesglen: Wayne Tindal Holmesglen: Ivona Nagel Holmesglen: Wayne Tindal
T H E 2 0 2 0 A W A Rďťż D S
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02. InterVIEW 03. My journey to becoming a building designer was not straightforward. Growing up I had always liked drawing houses but felt I didn’t have the patience or grades to become a designer. Instead, I worked for a fire protection company installing and inspecting fire equipment, and also spent 10 years in the Country Fire Authority as a volunteer fire fighter and training instructor.
STEPHEN SCHENK Building Designer, Unicorn Architecture
I started looking into the idea of building my own strawbale home in 2000 when I was in the market for my first home, so I started night school at the School of Mines Ballarat, studying AutoCAD, construction and working drawings; this was my first introduction to the industry. It wasn’t until 2006 that I suffered a workplace injury and spent the next four years on light duties, and the surgeon said you have two choices: either change careers or face surgery in the future. He asked me straight up what I liked doing. I said I liked to draw. He said, “Drawing what?” I said, houses. He said, “That’s what you will do then.”
He asked me straight up what I liked doing. I said I liked to draw. He said, “Drawing what?” I said, houses. He said, “That’s what you will do then.”
What are you working on now? We are currently working on numerous projects, from renovations to new builds, but one in particular is located in the forest north of Ballarat. It has rammed-earth walls; infilling the main living space under an exposed steel portal frame; with a polished concrete slab; timber-lined ceiling; utilities and adjacent bedrooms connected via a glass link way. The bedroom and utilities wing is to be constructed from zincalume and built to meet Biophillic Patterns & Principles including Liveable Housing Guidelines. Like all projects, each and every one has its challenges and this site is no different; no services are available; all power needs for the home have to be created and stored onsite; so calculating usage and loads for different times of the day is critical to ensure a constant supply of electricity.
Another project we are also working on is my parents’ retirement home, as they are finally downsizing from a four-acre property to a 1500m² domestic block of land. The house is to be predominately north-facing with the main bedroom to the rear of the house away from the road and After leaving his office in tears, streetlights, and the additional I contacted Federation University in bedrooms and utility rooms to the Ballarat to enrol into the Advanced south east. Internally, the home is to Diploma of Building Design still be three bedrooms and a study/ (Architectural). After the first four fourth bedroom with full bathroom, months, I realised I needed a job en-suite and walk-in robe. Slight and the closest design firm to home overkill for their needs but it is was Unicorn Architecture and important to them to look at the resale Construction, which also specialised value as well. Internally, the main in designing strawbale homes. living space will be in reverse brick A job was available, and from then veneer, constructed from reclaimed on, I would study as well as work red bricks, shadow clad plywood under the guidance of Architect ceiling, incorporating velux skylights Helen Bernard. over the kitchen benches. Externally, the garage will be constructed of Helen soon became a friend and reclaimed red bricks, with the main mentor and gave me the opportunity to design and detail thermally efficient entrance clad in Australian hardwood, and remainder of the house being and passive solar orientated homes. clad in colorbond monument matt Whilst completing third year I was and vertical weathertex cladding. offered partnership in the business. This project excites me in that I can How could I say no? incorporate some of the best design aspects I have used over the years into my parents’ property so they can enjoy them in their retirement years.
Right: Constructed by Blake Construction www.bkblake.com.au Photographer: Bec Collins www.skyimages.com.au 10
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02. InterVIEW 03.
Biggest challenge? The largest challenge I have had to face was when my business partner moved interstate. As I had never run the behindthe-scenes side of the business before, all of a sudden, being the decision maker for every aspect of the company made me learn rather quickly how to adapt and move forward. I now spend a lot of my time overseeing the work of four others, as well as maintaining my own design workload. Words of wisdom for a student of building design? If you want to be a building designer, be prepared to study hard at university and equally at home, completing assignments and conducting research. You need to be driven and willing to work. If you lift the foot off the gas and think you can cruise through, this is the wrong field for you.I felt that studying at Federation University Ballarat provided a fantastic learning environment, as you were treated like employees by some lecturers working in their design studio and expected to perform at the top level by others. Stephen’s favourite… • Projects: It is difficult to single out some of the best projects I have completed as every project is different in nature and has some of my favourite, unique features. What I enjoy the most are the friendships I make with the clients and seeing their satisfaction once their new home is built and their ideas have come to life. Continuing with the friendships and chatting over coffee with past clients is a great reward as you can watch the house nestle into the environment over time as the gardens grow and enjoy being part of the journey as the owners make each space their own.
• Finish or feature: Natural finishes, like exposed rough-sawn timber, stone, render and even concrete are hard to go past as they age gracefully over time. We specialise in designing strawbale homes, with most of our projects built within the rural setting, so many of these features are incorporated into our designs. • Architectural style: I enjoy the warmth and homeliness of the traditional Swedish country homes with their deep-red painted timber walls and white trim colour palate. From a design perspective, I enjoy blending the open-pavilion style of housing with vast expanse of glass and the exposed steel and timber of Glenn Murcutt, as well as incorporating elements of the modern Nordic Architecture into projects. • Australian building: As a Victorian, you can’t go past the Melbourne Cricket Ground – not from an architectural perspective but for what it represents to each and every person who walks through the gates. Numerous buildings create and draw on emotion, but you will always remember visiting the MCG. • International building: Scandinavian buildings are a favourite, especially the Oslo opera house which sits on the water’s edge, positioned as though it is sliding in. But my favourite architectural building is a group of buildings forming the 13th Century city of Gamla Stan, situated on an island within the heart of Stockholm city. This island is home to the Royal Family, Parliament House and the National Archive, to name just a few, and each is as beautiful as the next. • Designer: I do appreciate the architectural principles of Glenn Murcutt.
Right: Constructed by APHI Projects www.aphiprojects.com.au Photographer: Tim Loft of Loftimage http://loftimage.com.au
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02. InterVIEW 03.
Jad spent 12 years as a carpenter involved in new and residential construction, then two years as an unregistered building designer. He has also worked for DGBDD Designs, specialising in residential and commercial designs. Jad’s current role is with Rhodes Framing Solutions which specialises in design and supply of light gauge steel framing by fully supporting clients throughout the tendering, design and construction using their BIM design service.
JAD NEWMAN BIM Documenter, Rhodes Framing Solutions Bayswater
What are you working on now? I am currently working on a large project in Coburg consisting of a 57 townhouse, Type 1A development. I guess my experience in the building industry has really helped with all areas concerning this project. I laugh when I think about it because when I started at Rhodes Framing Solutions four months ago, I went in for my first day and was handed the biggest set of documentations I’ve ever seen. That afternoon, I was told by my manager that we will be working from home, ha-ha. I guess Rhodes are lucky I could handle the pressure and have a clear and confident understanding of the job to handle it. Words of wisdom for a student wanting to work in your profession? My biggest piece of advice would be spending the time – and I really believe if you’re interested in design, or construction in general – to want to learn hands-on skills. Most can learn the skills taught to them during the course but when you simplify the whole part, having an understanding of just how a house is constructed and works makes the role enjoyable and gives you the confidence to design.
Why did you join Design Matters National? During my studies, Chisholm strongly supported us to join and it’s great to have access to your services, especially when you start off in the industry. In terms of professional development, what do you want to know more about? I am currently upgrading Rhodes Framing Design Standard so that we will meet the design standard that Natspec have created. It has been difficult, due to time. So, if anyone has any helpful tips regarding courses for me to attend, please email me at VirtuosoDesigns@outlook.com. Jad’s favourite… • Projects: It’s weird but I really enjoy projects where I have to learn new skills. At the time I first started with Rhodes, I was told to learn FrameCad Structure and to also teach myself to use the software whilst completing a full, five-level hotel model in Revit and then, from there, import data to and from FrameCAD which produced a fully framed five-level hotel. It was great news to have the client accept the proposal and engage our services. This project will start next year and is in South Carolina, in the USA. • Finish or feature: Ha-ha. I’m an ex-builder. We don’t worry about that. Isn’t that an architect’s purpose? Woops! • Architectural style: Modern Mexican architecture and Balinese architecture.
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Above: “Burnt House” A Virtuoso Designs Concept. Below: Top Story Addition project in Black Rock.
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Hampton Inn Suites North Carolina. Designed & Engineered LGS framing Model.
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02. InterVIEW 03. • Australian building: MPavilion designed by Carme Pinós/Estudio Carme Pinós; Samuel Arriola Clemenz; Holger Hennefarth, Blanca; González Sainz; ZILKA Studio - Leanne Zilka. [Editor’s note: MPavilion 2018 is the fifth pavilion in the annual series and is designed by Barcelona-based architect Carme Pinós of Estudio Carme Pinós. Carme’s sculptural design incorporates floating planes that reveal an open civic space, inviting interaction as well as a discourse between people, design, nature and the surrounding city. https://good-design.org/projects/ mpavilion-2018/] Which designer currently inspires your work? This image* answers both the questions above. I love to see natural timbers being used and valued in construction which clearly displays a high level of skill. This is my biggest understanding and enjoyment from when I first became a builder. I enjoy looking at buildings that display something which engages us to want to look. Unfortunately, we are slowly losing this due to $$$. I really hope designers can be strong to change the way people design and build into the future. Above: Wild Rhino Shoes new shop design.
MPavilion 2018. 18
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DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL Issue 31
UPCOMING CPD EVENTS 14.10.20
20.10.20
CARBON ZERO HOME SERIES #3:
CARBON ZERO HOME SERIES #4:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & POWER
TRUE ZERO – INCLUDING EMBODIED
PRODUCTION FOR NET ZERO
ENERGY IN THE ROADMAP
Wednesday 14 October 2020
Tuesday 20 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
11AM-12PM AEDT
Jeremy Spencer – Positive Footprints
Jeremy Spencer – Positive Footprints
Though a great start, good passive design, successfully built, is only one aspect of minimising operational energy and getting to zero carbon. Just as important is the mechanical plant, fixtures, and appliances that go into a home, and making sure you specify the right photovoltaic system to break even over a year.
Operational Carbon Zero, while an important bar to meet, is actually not that difficult to achieve when the designer, the builder and the client are all working to the same end. However, if we are aiming for True Zero, the energy embodied in the materials we construct our buildings with, needs to be taken into account, and also offset.
https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=014
https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=015
19.10.20
21.10.20
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND RESILIENT
HEALTHY HOMES AND HEAT RECOVERY
FUTURES BY DESIGN
VENTILATION IN AUSTRALIA
Monday 19 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
Wednesday 21 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
Paul Haar
Sam Frost – Stiebel Eltron
Join Paul Haar as he reflects on his career of 40 years, immersed in architectural practice and related pursuits informed by deep green principles and, where possible, operating inside small local economic and social systems.
Healthy Homes and Heat Recovery Ventilation in Australia What is HRV and why it could be used in new and existing buildings in Australia. Airtight buildings and HRV and more.
https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=019
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https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=06
October is Sustainability Month and there are webinars covering 'Carbon Zero', energy efficiency, building practices, material selection, water conservation, healthy gardens, and heat recovery ventilation. We're also pleased to present two opportunities to hear from Paul Haar. Register now.
26.10.20
28.10.20
HEALTHY VS SUSTAINABLE HOME:
WATER SAVING DESIGNS
CAN WE HAVE BOTH?
FOR NEW BUILDS & RENOVATIONS
Monday 26 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
Nicole Bijlsma – Australian College of Environmental Studies Looking at the issues and providing tips on how to create healthy environments. In the past three decades, significant changes in building practices, material selection, and requirements to build energy efficient sustainable homes have dramatically increased exposures to condensation and mould, and man-made electromagnetic fields. This webinar will look at issues and offer tips on how to create healthy environments. https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=022
11AM-12PM AEDT
Danielle King - Green Moves Australia This webinar looks at how efficiency can be designed into new homes to minimise wastage of our most precious and undervalued resource - water. https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=018
30.10.20 SELECTING BUILDING MATERIALS
27.10.20
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
CREATE A HEALTHY GARDEN: HABITAT FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE Tuesday 27 October 2020
Wednesday 28 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
Karen Sutherland – Edible Eden Design Learn how to create a healthy garden that not only creates habitat for local wildlife but also provides food, tea, medicine, and other resources for your household. https://www.designmatters.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=017
Friday 30 October 2020
11AM-12PM AEDT
Paul Haar Paul will explain how our selection of building materials has been and will remain a much more potent driver than we realise, for regeneration or collapse of our natural world and the life it sustains. He’ll cover three core materials: concrete, steel and timber. Highlighting each of their climate and biodiversity impacts when specified and procured via business-as-usual. https://www.designmatters.org.au/ EventDetail?EventKey=20200901
To book your next CPD Event visit www.designmatters.org.au/Events
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03. Member Matters 04.
Sketch Book Sketch 1: A new house in the existing street scene I sketched this street scene with coloured pencils and markers to show what was to be a new, two-storey house with a movable balcony which also acted as a pool cover. As it lifted, it uncovered the swimming pool, lifting decking and furniture. From its resting point at the first floor, it could stay in that position or keep going up to the next level, being the roof. “The Thunderbirds” have a lot to answer for! I wanted to show Town Planning what this would look like in an actual street scene. I did this from a photograph I took. When I was taking the photo, I waited for a man with a dog to walk into view to give the scene scale. As I took the shot, a tall lady came out of the centre house to bring out the rubbish bin. I decided to add her in, as if they were a couple. Royston Wilson Sketch 2: Unbuilt House This design is one of three earlier versions of the house in the Street Scene in Sketch 1. The ‘wing’ design at the front of the house was ultimately needed to be altered to ensure there was enough stability to hold up the moveable balcony. Royston Wilson
Sketch 3: “I want to fit it all in the corner” - Owner of the house On this job, the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry had to be located in the rear, left-hand corner of this house. A staircase also had to be somehow incorporated. This sketch demonstrated to the client how we would do this and what it would look like. I always try to include a person when sketching to give the scene scale of size. Royston Wilson
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04. Member Matters
Inspiring Through Design Design Matters National’s Tim Ellis, of Glow Building Design, was excited recently to see one of his designs has inspired the latest promotion by Channel 9 television series “The Block”, in partnership with Colorbond Steel, Truecore and Bluescope. https://truecore.com.au/theblock#promo His Mount Macedon design, known as Double Happiness, is in the background, behind Darren Palmer, one of the three judges on “The Block”. In the promotional photos, the house appears to have had its façade removed, revealing blue steel framework. “Interesting to see the Photoshop work to the house, bringing the interior out,” Tim remarked. “Thanks to [photographer] @jack.lovel for the original shot. Nice to have @darrenpalmerofficial. It is always good to inspire people with design.” Describing his design process on this project, Tim said: “The house took shape in the computer. Layout first sorted, with different zones, and thinking of the way the floorplan would be used, keeping the powder room away from the kitchen, making the laundry and boot area central and usable from garage. I looked back at the concepts and was surprised at how the original concepts were similar to that which was built. Often in design development things change and vary greatly from the concept.”
All photography: Jack Lovel Photographer www.jacklovel.com
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04. Member Matters
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Issue 31
04. Member Matters
I looked back at the concepts and was surprised at how the original concepts were similar to that which was built. Often in design development things change and vary greatly from the concept.”
About the ‘Double Happiness’ name, Tim explained: “When designing it is always nice to have a particular name as it gives personality. It can be often quite a search. This design was briefly many names. One that stood out was Twin Peaks, which reflected the gables. Much further thought went into it and the word 'Double' was borne from the two peaks, combined with the client's business name 'Big Bowl of Happiness'. Putting them together is Double Happiness, which describes the journey. This also has meaning in China literally meaning joy, a cool bar in Melbourne I had visited and is a very good song by Lloyd Cole.” “It is such a big job seeing houses move from concept through to built and the clients enjoying them, even more when the appreciation goes out to a larger audience,” he said on his Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/glowbuildingdesign “The Block” is an Australian reality television series broadcast on the Nine Network. The show, in its sixteenth series, follows four or five couples as they compete against each other to renovate and style houses/apartments and sell them at auction for the highest price. The current series, set in New Street, Brighton, is set to conclude in mid-November. The Block airs Sunday at 7PM and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30PM on Nine. Catch up on all the latest episodes on 9Now. https://www.9now.com.au/the-block
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04. Member Matters
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Issue 31
05. Planning Matters
Secondary Dwelling Pilot Program These tidbits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to INTERSECT. For more information, visit www.clause1.com.au
Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes
Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au
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In a recent article we reported on Moreland City Council’s Planning Scheme Amendment C190, which proposes a new class of local VicSmart application that would allow planning permit applications for two dwellings on a lot within the General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential Zones. If successful the Amendment would allow such applications to be processed under the VicSmart provisions, without the need for public notification and third-party appeal rights, if strict criteria are met. The State Government is now taking this concept one step further and is trialling a Secondary Dwelling Code to facilitate small-scale ‘granny-flat or garden studio’ style accommodation on the same lot as an existing dwelling in a residential area. The pilot program is being trialled in the municipalities of Murrindindi, Moreland, Greater Bendigo and Kingston. The program creates a “Code Assessment” for small secondary dwellings, that met the following criteria: • Located within one of the following zones: • Township Zone; • Mixed Use Zone; • Residential Growth Zone; • General Residential Zone and • Neighbourhood Residential Zone. • Meets the garden area requirements of the zone, where applicable. • Meets a range of siting and design requirements including not exceeding a gross floor area of 60 square metres and not exceeding five metres in height. Specified Clause 55 requirements must also be met, including those relating to overlooking, side and rear setbacks and solar access to open space. • A secondary dwelling will not require a car space. • A subdivision must not create a new lot which only contains a secondary dwelling. • The secondary dwelling's location must be on the same property as an existing dwelling and be the only secondary dwelling on the property. If a Dependant Person’s Unit is already located on a property, you can’t have a secondary dwelling. • The secondary dwelling must have a kitchen sink, food preparation facilities, a bath or shower and a toilet and washbasin. However, if a property has an Overlay which introduces an additional permit trigger (such as a Heritage Overlay), then the standard permit assessment pathway (non-VicSmart) will apply. Unlike a Dependant Persons Unit, there are no requirements around who may live in the secondary dwelling, and unlike a Dependant Persons Unit, a secondary dwelling is a permanent dwelling.
05. Planning Matters
The pilot program will run from August 2020 to March 2021, at which stage the data from the pilot program will be analysed to inform the consideration of introducing the code into all Victorian planning schemes for use. If you have applications that you think might qualify for the pilot program, we would be very keen to speak with you and we look forward to reporting on the outcomes of the program in the new year. Mandatory Height Controls and Garden Areas: VCAT’s differing approach Regular planning permit applicants will be aware of the importance of ensuring that mandatory garden areas, specified in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone and General Residential Zone, are accurately included into your design response, if the site is not exempt. (See our previous article entitled “Getting an Exemption to the Garden Area Requirements” for exemption options). A number of VCAT decisions have maintained that where the Garden Area requirements are applicable, neither Council nor VCAT can include a condition on a permit that ensures compliance. To clarify what that means: if the garden area requirements are applicable and your proposal does not meet the minimum garden area specified, the proposal simply cannot be approved. The onus is on the applicant to ensure compliance with the garden area requirements at the time of lodgment and applicants cannot rely on a permit condition to bring their proposals into compliance. In Clayton Gardens Pty Ltd v Monash CC (Red Dot) [2019] VCAT 1138 the Tribunal noted: 31. I have reached this conclusion on the basis of the wording of clause 32.08-4 which applies to an ‘application’. If the ‘application’ does not meet the minimum garden area requirements, then the ‘application’ is prohibited. This may mean an amendment to the application would be required. As this is a mandatory requirement and must be met at the time of the application there is no ability to consider the application and attempt in some way to correct or bring into conformity the application by requiring a permit condition which specifies consolidation of lots....
In an a more recent case Sutherland v Bayside CC [2020] VCAT 474 the Tribunal was asked to determine whether it could impose a condition to bring a proposed building into compliance with the mandatory height controls contained the GRZ. Council argued, under the principles established in Clayton Gardens Pty Ltd, that non-compliance with the mandatory height controls rendered the proposal “prohibited” and that no condition could be imposed to rectify the issue. In distinguishing the mandatory height controls from the mandatory garden area provisions the Tribunal noted: 12. In Clayton Gardens, the Tribunal considered the requirements of Clause 32.08-4 that requires a mandatory garden area as follows: An application to construct or extend a dwelling or residential building on a lot must provide a minimum garden area as set out in the following table: 13. The Tribunal found that compliance with Clause 32.08-4 must occur at the time of the application. The same wording relating to “an application” does not apply to the height control as set out above. The words are that a “building must not be constructed”. I find that there is scope within the provisions of Clause 32.08-10 to use a condition of a permit (where appropriate) to ensure compliance prior to construction. Given the minor noncompliance in this case that can be simply addressed through a lowered planter height/parapet and does not affect floor levels, I find that a condition is acceptable. So, in summary, permit applicants must ensure the mandatory garden areas are accurately calculated and shown on plans at the time of lodgment (or any amended plans), because a condition cannot be imposed to rectify any shortfall and your proposal will be determined as prohibited. In contrast, any breach of the mandatory height controls will not render your application as prohibited and can be rectified via a permit condition in circumstances where it is appropriate to do so.
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Issue 31
06. Industry Matters
Design for all By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications Say you're visiting a new friend at their home for the first time. You walk up a short path to their front door, over the threshold and then turn to the left in the entryway as your friend welcomes you and leads you inside. Depending on your abilities, you may not notice that the path to the front door is uneven, that there's a doorstep, or that the entryway is somewhat narrow. For many people, entering such a house poses no problem at all. For others, however, it may be difficult to do so independently â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if at all. You don't have to think too hard to realise that many houses and buildings present significant accessibility barriers. This inequality within the built environment is something that universal design seeks to change for the better. Universal design is the design of buildings, products and environments to make them accessible to all people of different ages and abilities over time, without the need for further adaptations or specialised design. Building professionals should consider these aspects as part of their initial design. A number of universal design solutions will not add to the construction cost but do require appropriate documentation.
Universal design is an important factor that allows people to continue living in their own home when their mobility is reduced.
The principles of universal design in residential design and construction are particularly important in the context of Australia's ageing population. In 2019, 15.9 per cent of the population was aged 65 years or over. Between 1999 and 2019, the proportion of the population aged over 85 increased by 117.1 per cent, compared to a total population increase of 34.8 per cent. With an ageing population comes an increasing demand for aged care and, in particular, residential aged care homes. Yet research shows that the majority of the elderly population would prefer to remain living in their own home and their own community in their older age. The advent of COVID-19 has created greater impetus to find alternatives to aged care homes. Universal design is an important factor that allows people to continue living in their own home when their mobility is reduced. However, universal design is usually introduced at a later stage through home modifications. Simple changes can dramatically increase a person's ability to live independently. In fact, the main reason that pushes a person to move into an aged care home can be their own house's design. Minor home modifications include levelling a doorstep or installing handrails on both sides of a staircase. Major modifications that may be required include ramps, widened door frames and new bathrooms.
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06. Industry Matters
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Issue 31
06. Industry Matters
Of course, these modifications are far more difficult and more expensive to introduce after the initial design and construction process is complete. Documenting universal design elements in specifications from the very beginning of a project reduces cost and means that the final construction will be usable by a far greater number of people. Small decisions made in the initial design process can have a significant positive impact in the final construction. For example, specifying floor finishes, the type of door handles, and the height of handles and switches can help more people access and use a building in a comfortable, independent way.
People with disabilities or mobility restrictions are rarely considered to be part of the mainstream housing market.
People with disabilities or mobility restrictions are rarely considered to be part of the mainstream housing market. However, the vast majority of the population will benefit from universal design at some point in their lives, whether that's due to illness, injury or old age. Universal design helps make housing inclusive for visitors, tenants and owners of all abilities. This increases people's ability to live independently and prevents the isolation and marginalisation associated with a lack of inclusive housing. NATSPEC recognises the importance and the necessity of universal design. Three new TECHnotes released with NATSPEC's October update focus on universal design. These additions to the Design series explain universal design goals and related requirements in the NCC and Australian Standards. The TECHnotes will also look at specific issues linked to universal design. For example, trips can cause a person to lose balance and fall, which may lead to injury or hospitalisation. Uneven walking surfaces, low obstacles and poor lighting all increase the likelihood of a person tripping. Universal design can be applied to reduce trips and falls, therefore preventing more serious consequences. Universal design is just that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; universal. It benefits everyone by increasing safety and independence, giving people the freedom to live how and where they want.
NATSPEC is a not-for-profit, governmentand industry-owned organisation. It maintains the National Building Specification and has been a valued part of the Australian construction industry for 45 years. For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au
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06. Industry Matters
TPAs: Are you up for Accreditation renewal?
As an accredited thermal Performance Assessor you are required to maintain minimum of 12 CPD points per annum. At least 6 of these points must be NatHERS Technical.
Don’t leave it too late! Need more CPD? • Check out our shop for some great webinars https://www.designmatters.org.au/Webinars • Register for upcoming events via our events page www.designmatters.org.au/events Be sure to log in NOW, check your status, and fulfil requirements before 31 October 2020.
Need help? Contact Emily Schiavello e.schiavello@designmatters.org.au
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Issue 31
06. Industry Matters
PROPERTY INFO, ALL IN ONE PLACE Receive special, Member savings off property information and high-resolution aerial imagery from Landchecker
Design Matters National has partnered with Landchecker to offer a special Member discount off their market-leading application. Landchecker was founded in 2015 by a group of Melbourne-based property professionals who were frustrated by the time-consuming process of gathering and analysing property information from multiple sources. Today, Landchecker displays property information, high-resolution aerial imagery and document search tools together in an interactive map to help property professionals to work more efficiently. The application is currently available in Victoria and New South Wales, with Queensland coming soon.
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06. Industry Matters An all-in-one source of property information • Complete your due diligence, all in one place. Access comprehensive and reliable property information, including planning maps and links to the relevant planning scheme schedules, previous sale prices and sale history, property boundaries and site dimensions. • Understand planning permit details and find precedents. View approved, pending and rejected planning permit information across Victoria and New South Wales, updated daily. Use filters to locate similar permits nearby to assess possible precedents. • Conduct site assessments from your desk. View up-to-date high-resolution aerial images and browse extensive historic imagery to discover changes over time. Export high-resolution photographs to use in reports.
Adam Gandolfo, CEO of Landchecker says, “We've got affordable and flexible plans for everyone, whether you are a sole trader just starting out, or a national firm. We are pleased to be partnering with Design Matters National to offer a discounted Landchecker Professional subscription. Landchecker can save companies considerable time while helping them to discover new insights.”
DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL LIMITED TIME OFFER Landchecker Professional starts at just $50/month for a team of five. Get 30 per cent off the monthly price of Landchecker Professional when you pay upfront for one year. Offer ends 30st November 2020. Contact Landchecker at hello@landchecker.com.au and state your member number to receive a free 7-day trial.
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Issue 31
06. Industry Matters
Box Brownie: A 24/7 photo-editing company Design Matters National has partnered with Box Brownie to bring their visual listing marketing solutions including 3D renders, photo editing, virtual staging, virtual tours, floor plans, development site plans, and virtual renovations, to Members. With no subscriptions, quality guaranteed, and competitive prices, Box Brownie has revolutionised residential and commercial property marketing. BoxBrownie.com is a 24/7 photo-editing company providing a range of services for real estate marketing, offering a no subscription, pay as you go service, with edits returned within 24 hours. They offer a wide range of services to everyone from real estate agents to developers, professional photographers to amateurs and online retailers who want to showcase their products with professional photos. BoxBrownie.com is based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia but it has a large team of experts around the world, which means BoxBrownie.com can offer a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround. Thanks to their team editors, BoxBrownie.com can offer a range of retouching services such as removing the background from an image, item removal and photo enhancement to give your photos that professional look. Box Brownie’s rendering is perfect for clearly demonstrating conceptual product ideas or stand out from the crowd and create slick images for your online retail store.
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Their range of services includes: • Virtual Staging • Image Enhancement • Day to Dusk edit • Item Removal • Aerial Editing • Floor Plan Redraws • Renders • Virtual Renovations • Custom Jobs • Copywriting.
06. Industry Matters
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Issue 31
07. Business Matters
COVID-19 Business Support By Brent Szalay FCPA, Managing Director, SEIVA.
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel! What’s more, there’s extra support to get your business there! Regional Victoria is now opening up, with Metropolitan Melbourne showing positive steps to keep it on track to achieve a ‘COVID normal’ in late November. This comes as a breath of fresh air in what has been a long and hard lockdown. To help you make it to the finish line, we’ve summarised some of the additional support that may be available to you in the coming months. JobKeeper Extension JobKeeper is a wage subsidy to assist businesses to retain the relationship with their employees during this COVID-19 pandemic. For your business to be eligible, you must experience a 30 per cent downturn in turnover in a particular time period compared to a relevant comparison period.
Regional Victoria is now opening up, with Metropolitan Melbourne showing positive steps to keep it on track to achieve a ‘COVID normal’ in late November. This comes as a breath of fresh air in what has been a long and hard lockdown.
At the end of September, JobKeeper, in its original form, ended. However, you might be able to access the JobKeeper extension! The JobKeeper extension sees an expansion of the program through to March 2020, with some rule alterations for the December and March business quarters. To be eligible for December quarter: you must have had a revenue downturn of 30 per cent in your September quarter. To be eligible for March quarter: you must have a revenue downturn of 30 per cent in your December quarter. Unlike the original JobKeeper program tests, your turnover for the JobKeeper Extension is calculated as your current GST turnover (actual GST turnover for the test period), compared to your GST turnover in a respective comparison period (usually the same period last year). This means you must use the same calculation method as you use to report for GST on your BAS (i.e. Cash or Accruals). In most cases, this will mean your test amounts will match the total sales label on your BASs. There may be some alternative tests you can use to determine eligibility. It’s vital for your cashflow to understand if you’re eligible for the extension as soon as possible! Make sure you’ve checked your eligibility. Remember, you may have had employees eligible at 1 March 2020 and more employees eligible at 1 July 2020! Another update to JobKeeper 2.0 is a reduction in payment amounts, which are tied to hours worked per week during a test period. This table provides a visual explanation: Worked < = 20 hours per week Dec Quarter $750 per fortnight March Quarter $650 per fortnight
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Worked > 20 hours per week $1,200 per fortnight $1,000 per fortnight
07. Business Matters Some important things to note about calculating the hours worked: • The hours are calculated as hours worked (including paid leave and public holidays) in the 28 days immediately prior to the end of the last pay cycle before their eligibility measurement date (1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020), divided by four (4); • Business participants’ hours involved in the business are calculated across the month of February, with the total hours being divided by four (4) to calculate the weekly average; • There are some special rules that apply for monthly payrolls where the hours-worked requirement may need a higher number of hours to access the higher rate. We suggest checking this with your accountant; and • In some instances, a different test period may be used. We suggest you work through these provisions with your accountant. Once the payment rate is determined, you must notify the ATO and then notify employees in writing within seven (7) days. Business Support Fund Good news! The Business Support Fund has been extended for a third round. Under the third round, eligible businesses will be able to access grants of $10,000 up to $20,000, depending on the size of their payrolls. To be eligible for the Business Support Fund, businesses must meet the following criteria: • • • • • • • • •
Operate a business in Victoria; Employ people; Be registered for GST; Have payroll of less than $10,000,000; Hold an ABN; Be registered for GST; This includes sole traders that meet the above criteria; Be registered for JobKeeper; and Be registered with WorkSafe.
Importantly, under this third-round, businesses with larger payrolls are now able access this round of support. Your grant amount will depend on the size of your payroll. The table below summarises this scale: Annual Payroll Size
Grant Amount
Less than $650,000
$10,000
$650,000 up to $3,000,000
$15,000
$3,000,000 up to $10,000,000
$20,000
Sole Trader Support The Victorian Government is establishing a fund to support sole trader businesses who may not have been able to access other support measures. This measure will provide $3,000 grants to eligible sole traders who hold a commercial lease and that lease is in their name. Further eligibility criteria yet to be announced. Knock Knock, it’s the Tax Man The Victorian Government and the Federal Government are in negotiations as to whether the Victorian stimulus measures will be taxable income in the 2021 Financial Year, in order to provide further relief to businesses come tax time. JobKeeper continues to be ‘ordinary income’ for businesses, meaning that tax will be payable on the amounts received. The good news is the wages paid to employees under JobKeeper offset this income as a deduction.
If you would like some assistance, we are here to help. Please reach out to us at admin@seiva.com.au
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