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Designed as a full time residence for an environmentally conscious couple, this new rural environmentally sustainable home is high eco-spec and self-sufficient for water and electricity. www.maxadesign.com.au/trentham
DMN awarded 2 state-wide training programs
DMN was recently awarded two pivotal business contracts that confirm DMN’s position as preferred program delivery provider in Australia. In November, we were awarded the 7* home training program for Sustainability Victoria. In December, we were appointed as industry training provider for the Pathway to Net Zero Energy Homes Training Program for the SA Government. Both contracts solidify DMN’s position as the go-to program delivery partner of choice within the Government for the building industry. Voting took place online via Zoom on Monday, November 1st for the 2021 AGM. Thank-you to all Full Members, including Fellows and Life Members who attended via e-vote.
DMN Appointment to Advisory Board
Warm congratulations to Vicki Marshall, Senior Manager, Thermal Performance and Sustainability, DMN for her recent appointment to the Scorecard Program Advisory Group (PAG) at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
The PAG have historically been working on the expansion, testing and implementation of the Victorian Scorecard into the National Scorecard. With the National scorecard now endorsed as the NatHERS in Home assessment instrument, the PAG focus is now on business development, assessor training and ongoing evaluation and analysis. Vicki is looking forward to contributing and advocating on behalf of our members.
10-Star Challenge Revival
TPAs and building designers will be excited to learn that preliminary conversations are underway about a reimagined sustainability challenge. Discussions are currently at concept stage, however we are hoping to make announcements of details about how this challenge will be structured in the New Year.
NatHERS Whole of Home and 7 Star preparations
This past week has seen increasing dialogue between NatHERS and the AAOs, fleshing out the training needs and deliver methods that will be required to prepare TPAs for the proposed increase to 7 star and Whole of Home assessments. It’s expected that DMN will be rolling out the initial Whole of Home training modules in the first quarter of 2022.
Of course, with the changes in the NatHERS assessments, comes the need for amendments to be made to the Technical Notes and Handbook. The first in a series of consultation meetings between NatHERS technical team members and the AAOs is scheduled for next week.
DMN will be admirably represented with Tim Adams, TASC Chair and Help Desk guru, Andrew Hooper TASC and DMN representative on the NatHERS TAC and Matthew Graham, TASC and technical trainer and mentor. Vicki will also be joining the DMN representation at these meetings.
Building Design of the Year Winners
Wade Stephens of Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Congratulations to Wade Stephens of Rachcoff Vella Architecture in Melbourne, who has taken out the Building Design of the Year Award (Vic.) for Silver Linings, at the 2021 Design Matters National Building Design Awards. MC Catriona Rowntree announced the worthy winner in a live-streamed virtual awards event broadcast to DMN Members, their guests, VIPs and major sponsors, on Thursday 28 October.
In addition to the Building Design of the Year Award, Silver Linings also received Awards for:
• Excellence in the Use of Timber • Excellence in the Use of Concrete, and • Residential Design New House over $3 million
An aged and robust aesthetic was a key decision in using recycled timber and one that we could apply to walls (exterior & interior) and ceilings throughout the project.
