Better Building: Issue 2

Better Building

MEET SCOTT CORDWELL: THE CHIP(PIE) OFF THE OLD BLOCK

POOR MENTAL HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION: WORKING ON SOLUTIONS

SORREL STREET: FUSING A 1900s WORKERS’ COTTAGE WITH A NEW EXTENSION

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Better Building | Contents

Co n t e n t s 8 EDITORIAL FROM PETE COLQUHOUN

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11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 12 QUOTES 14 INDUSTRY UPDATE PROFILE 16 SCOTT CORDWELL The son of a saw miller knows a thing or two about a thing or two when it comes to the construction industry.

BUSINESS 24 MARKETING You know what your business can do better than anyone, but how do you share that knowledge with the world? Josh Loh gets back to basics…

28 INSURANCE Wayne Goldsworthy from Marsh Advantage explains the necessary and recommended coverage for the construction industry.

32 HERITAGE Peter Colquhoun dives into the history books to look at our nation’s first builders.

37 FEATURE Poor mental health in the construction industry is an ever-increasing concern. AccessEAP is committed to providing solutions.

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PROJECTS

SITE ADVISERS

42 HUNTINGTOWER Armadale, Vic

22 COLLABORATION TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY Procore explains how the construction can catch up with other industries by implementing the right collaboration software.

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48 BRADFORD ROAD HOUSE Mount Martha, Vic 54 SORREL STREET HOUSE Brisbane, Qld EXTENSIONS 60 PRODUCTS The latest musthaves for those in the building trade.

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64 DOWNTIME Project manager Nick Jojkity guides us through Australia’s very best camping and fishing spots, state by state.

38 EXPERIENCE IS THE KEY Kane Barnett from Co-lab Architecture reveals some of the specialist knowledge needed when it comes to building childcare centres.

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Better Building | Editorial

Welcome to the second edition of Better Building.

When you’ve got a sec have a flick through the pages and check out the projects, as well as some destinations for your next break. I catch up with a country builder who’s not only built houses for rock stars, but almost by accident also ended up building the ‘best house in the world’ using offcuts.

This guy also has some great advice for country tradies wanting to work in the ‘big smoke’.

This issue, I’ve pinched a few extra pages in the mag to write about design, building trends and ideas. I’ve started by looking back at the country’s first builders... boy! I never imagined how bloody tough it was back in the day and I discovered some very interesting facts and theories on early Australian building.

Like all professions, the building game is competitive. With money tight, unpaid invoices mount, as do stress levels. We all experience tough times; I’m sure you know what I mean and if this sounds like you or is perhaps relevant to someone you know – you may like to keep this issue handy.

Our aim is to keep building a forum for discussion and to bring you the latest in the building game in a one-stop, straight to the point way. We’re always looking for feedback, how better to hit the nail on the head, so to speak, or a heads-up on something we’ve missed… so get in touch!

Associate Publisher Lachlan Oakley lachlan.oakley@niche.com.au (03) 9948 4952 Editor Peter Colquhoun peter.colquhoun@niche.com.au Managing Editor Madeleine Swain madeleine.swain@niche.com.au Designer Norsham Husaini Advertising Tali Ben-Yehuda tali.yehuda@niche.com.au (03) 9948 4953 Production Production manager Alicia Pinnock alicia.pinnock@niche.com.au Design and digital prepress Karl Dyer

Chairman Nicholas Dower Managing director Paul Lidgerwood Publisher and commercial director Joanne Davies Head of content Madeleine Swain Financial controller Sonia Jurista Subscriptions Subscription enquiries Call 1800 804 160 or email subscriptions@niche.com.au Cover: SB photography (completed project) Cule Constructions (under construction) Stock images via 123RF Printing Southern Colour Architecture and Design Division Better Building is a publication of Niche Media Pty Ltd ABN 13 064 613 529 Suite 1418, Level 14, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 T (03) 9948 4900 F (03) 9948 4999

PETE COLQUHOUN

All unsolicited material should be addressed to the attention of the editor at the address above. Material will only be returned if a postage prepaid self-addressed envelope is supplied. Niche Media Pty Ltd accepts no liability for loss or damage of unsolicited material.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publishers accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the editor, publisher or Niche Media Pty Ltd.

Pete Colquhoun is a national award-winning architect with a range of media credits. For the last 14 years he has been the resident architect on Channel 7’s flagship home show Better Homes and Gardens and creator and host of Sandcastles and Australia’s Most Amazing Homes. Gaining wide national and international exposure for his work across a range of TV genres, Pete is also a contributor to several leading home and design magazines. Throughout his architectural and media career, Pete has had the pleasure of dealing with the best, most experienced, innovative builders in the country and visited dozens of award-winning and ground breaking homes. When not travelling the country seeking out the latest amazing builds, Pete lives in his childhood home of North Bondi with his young family.

Niche Media Privacy Policy This issue of Better Building may contain offers, competitions, surveys, subscription offers and premiums that, if you choose to participate, require you to provide information about yourself. If you provide information about yourself to Niche Media, Niche Media will use the information to provide you with the products or services you have requested (such as subscriptions).

We may also provide this information to contractors who provide the products and services on our behalf (such as mail houses and suppliers of subscriber premiums and promotional prizes). We do not sell your information to third parties under any circumstances, however the suppliers of some of these products and services may retain the information we provide for future activities of their own, including direct marketing. Niche Media will also retain your information and use it to inform you of other Niche Media promotions and publications from time to time. If you would like to know what information Niche Media holds about you please contact The Privacy Officer, Niche Media Pty Ltd, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004. Better Building is a publication of Niche Media Pty Ltd, ABN 13 064 613 529, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia, tel +613 9948 4900, fax +613 9948 4999, Better Building ©2018 Niche Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Better Building | Letters to the Editor

Dear Peter As a residential builder in Sydney for the past 37 years I was pleasantly surprised when I was given a copy of your magazine. It is nice to see a publication that digs a little deeper into the construction process. Rarely have I had a job that hasn’t had its challenges and it was great to hear from some builders on how they dealt with some of these. I look forward to the next instalment.

Regards Roger, Cronulla NSW Pete Really enjoyed your fi rst issue of Better Building and always good to see the lowly builder get some recognition for some pretty amazing builds around the country. Love your work.

Hey Pete As a former brickie’s labourer, now developer, I loved your yarn on John Fielding. Really interesting to hear his take on the industry and how he runs his business. More of that please!

Cheers Craig, Glenelg SA Hey Better Building Absolutely love the magazine. We are a building and design fi rm in Melbourne with about 20 staff and usually have five to six jobs going at any one time. We are constantly looking for information on new products, and are currently looking at different technology options to save time and money. Look forward to your next issue!

Hey Pete Congrats on the mag. There have been some cracking projects over in WA in the past 12 months, any chance of giving Perth a bit of love??

Cheers Watto, Sorrento WA Dear Pete I’ve been searching for a building magazine that speaks to me, as a builder, that is not only easy on the eye, but has material that is not heavily construction based.

I would never have come across the Ruyton Girls’ School project through my regular reading, so it was interesting to learn about something that is outside of my usual scope.

Chris Carina, Qld

Nick, Hampton VIC Steve, Barwon Heads VIC

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Better Building | Quotes

I can pretty well design my own way through life now and I’ve learned that through my skills with building – how to deal with people, how to resolve conflict, make things stay and hold up.”

Scott Cordwell PAGE 16

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“Often in male dominated industries, the macho mentality still exists where men are afraid to show weakness, sadness or vulnerability.”

MARCELA SLEPICA PAGE 37

“If you want to camp by the beach, snorkel every day in the pristine waters of an untouched reef and cook your meals on an open fire by the beach, then Gnarloo is the place for you.”

NICK JOJKITY PAGE 64

“If you’ve got minimal marketing spend, digital is the way to go. A hundred times over I would spend the money on digital before I waste money on business cards, brochures or press advertising in the local paper.”

ELLIE CASHMAN PAGE 24

“In those days, you could still use the lash and, with no councils or review panels, they decided to build whatever the bloody hell they liked.”

PETER COLQUHOUN PAGE 32

“Sometimes what the architect draws is not possible when building, so convincing the client that a detail needs to be reworked is hard. The more detailed the plans, the easier it is to build.”

CARMEL AND ANTUN CULE PAGE 54

“There are neat contractors and messy ones, and the messy ones are the ones who do my head in the most and they are the ones I need to give a kick up the pants occasionally.”

BEAR AGUSHI PAGE 42 13

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Better Building | Industry Update

WINS FOR NOVUS AND HANSEN YUNCKEN

Reverse-mentoring key to unlocking skills While established project managers in the construction industry will always have the role of teaching apprentices soft skills like problemsolving and conflict resolution, there is enormous potential for tech-savvy Millennials entering the construction workforce to teach their mentors a thing or two as well.

This was just one of the themes to arise from a roundtable discussion involving industry, government and academia, held by Procore, a provider of cloud-based applications for construction, in Sydney in November 2018. Hosted by visiting executive Steve Zahm, president and chief operating office at Procore,

the roundtable encouraged attendees to discuss the opportunities presented within the construction industry, and the role of technology in addressing specific challenges.

In addition to the suitability and usability of technological solutions, participants identified the change management process as one of the biggest barriers to digital transformation within the sector. Identifying and securing the buy-in of technological evangelists within organisations is considered critical to driving change.

Perth building firm Novus Homes has taken home a Master Builders Australia National Excellence Award. The Balcatta builder won the ‘Toyota National Display Home $500,000 to $1.5 million’ category for its Paragon display home at the National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Adelaide in November.

The Paragon boasts large bedrooms, private guest area and luxury upstairs master suite, opening onto a large balcony and sitting area.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said that the Paragon “incorporates a minimalistic architectural design, with timber and stone cladding, creating a rich and impressive home”.

Hansen Yuncken took home the Liberty National Education Facility Award for its construction of the University of Newcastle’s NeW Space at the same event.

The NeW Space precinct is designed to allow a new mode of teaching, replacing traditional lecture theatres with flexible workspaces and booth seating.

Aside from the structural challenges and requirements, the façade system incorporates over 24 finish types, involving procurement and fabrication worldwide.

WESTPAC SMALL BUSINESS REPORT Launched in late November, the report reveals small businesses in the construction space are making lifestyle compromises in order to deal with business pressures.

Small business owners in construction are anticipating

how they will be spending Christmas. The majority are concerned they won’t be able to relax and wind down (68 percent), they will miss out on sleep (67 percent) and miss out on spending time with their family and friends (52 percent) during the Christmas period.

With 55 percent of construction small business owners expecting to receive late payments during Christmas, cash flow is a clear concern for those that spend 12 hours each week completing paperwork and eight hours each week chasing invoices.

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Better Building | Profile

Scott Cordwell – chip off the old block Scott Cordwell is the son of a saw miller, a country boy who seems to know a thing or two about a thing or two. I first met him a few years back when filming a house he’d built for rock star Brian Ritchie just out of Hobart. But that was just part of a remarkable career, which has had its fair share of sliding door moments.

TEXT PETER COLQUHOUN

below and opposite top: Shearers' Quarters, – John Wardle Architecture photography: Trevor Mein

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SC: Oh yeah, ol’ Brian from the Violent Femmes. He’s a big fish in a small pond down here.

Building houses for retiring celebrities was never on Cordwell’s radar, but not long after that job, this knockabout builder from Tassie found himself in the international limelight.

It was just another message left on his phone. Not recognising either the name or voice, he forgot to return the call. Then by accident a friend mentioned that the great Melbourne architect John Wardle was looking at doing some work in the Apple Isle. “Wait a minute, I think that’s the name of the guy who’s just called me about a job.”

SC: I called him up and we ended up doing some apartments in town.

That was just the start of a remarkable relationship between Wardle and the firm Cordwell Lane of which Scott was a director with his business partner Michael Lane.

Then, when Wardle purchased a sheep farm for himself on Bruny Island, Cordwell decided to rebuild the old bunkhouse.

This next job would turn heads around the world.

SC: The first words that came out of John’s mouth were: “I want to build a very simple shed.” He had three foolscap drawings, which were sketches. One was a floor plan, one was a couple of sections. He said, “This is what we are trying to get at.” We never ever got a full set of drawings; the whole thing evolved like that for the next two years…

Known as the ‘Shearers’ Quarters’ the building went on to win both the Australian and World House of the Year in 2012. Built of simple industrial materials, it consists of a warping roof plane and 7500 lineal metres of timber. That’s 7.5 kilometres, a lot of it recycled off-cuts from apple crates. The problem was Cordwell was working on his preferred lump sum contract. This left him very venerable once the complexity of the project grew.

SC: It really wasn’t a place contractually you’d want to find yourself in… in the end we were good! We worked it out, but it wasn’t a good way to travel.

bottom: Balook Street house – Preston Lane Architects photography: Jonathan Wherett

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PC: What did that experience with architect John Wardle give you?

SC: I really learned a lot from John in his understanding of country buildings in the landscape.

SC: If you look at the pay rates of their peers, carpenters are probably third on the totem pole behind electricians and plumbers as far as pay rates go. Electricians are paid a lot more.

PC: In what way?

SC: I understand the purity of country buildings – that they’re built fundamentally for a reason. There’s a real pared back beauty...

PC: What advice can you give for young carpenters wanting to progress?

SC: When I first started I wanted to be that guy who’s got the nice clean ute, who doesn’t have the dog in the back and a thousand invoices sitting on the dashboard with the crack of your arse showing. We started out being clean-cut, good looking and reliable, but then people’s perceptions were that we were camped out too close to the big end of town. We were almost apologising for being too successful and, in a smaller market, that sometimes doesn’t work in your favour.

In a relatively small market, trying to run and oversee a large building company is

PC: You’ve worked on new and old buildings. Is it hard getting the balance right between preservation and innovation?

SC: You can transform, but still maintain that tactile beauty you get from old timber buildings.

PC: Why did you choose building as a career?

SC: My dad said, ‘You need to get yourself a trade.’ The idea of going to university just wasn’t a thing. I also remember coming back from footy one morning at a mate’s place and his old man was sitting across on a table. He was a house builder and he had a pile of money on that table, done for cash. I thought, ‘This guy’s rich…’ I understand now that this money was coming from the client to pay suppliers, but I thought then building could be a career.

Getting experience in the city during the 1980s was also important but, as Cordwell explains you need to be careful what you wear.

SC: I’d never been to Sydney or Melbourne, I’d never left Hobart. And I was walking down Oxford Street wearing my King Gee shorts, tank top and tool box. I was looking like one of the Village People and there were these guys walking hand in hand, giving me a bit of a whistle. Back in the day I was going to the gym, all tanned up, doing all right and here I am with shorts on like Warwick Capper. I thought, ‘Wow, this is an unusual place...’ I earned a lot of money, but pissed it up against the wall and had to come back home.

Cordwell believes carpentry is the best way of becoming a master builder and short-term pain needs to weighed against long-term gain.

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top: Dunalley house – Stuart Tanner Architects photography: Brett Boardman bottom: Arm End house (Brian Ritchie's house) – Stuart Tanner Architects photography: Brett Boardman

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perilous. Recently Cordwell and business partner Michael Lane have downsized and gone their separate ways.

PC: What drove the decision to split up? Was it a change in philosophy or a difference of opinion?

SC: No, not really. One reason was a loss of control over how you’re being presented by your contractors. We had created a pyramid of authority where we were getting pushed further and further away from the point.

I didn’t know what was happening on these jobs until I’d turn up and everything had gone to s**t, thinking, ‘How did it get to this?’ Having to apologise to a client or having to unravel and fix at our cost, because I didn’t have my finger on the pulse.

At the end of the day, the bloke who runs the show has to be out there and be accountable, not necessarily to bang the nails in, but in a leadership role to let the guys know what your responsibilities are and to maintain your culture.

Cordwell believes the best ratio for workers to management is around nine to one.

SC: If you’ve got nine guys out there, you can do the bookwork (probably with the

help of your missus). For me, I’ve got 20 guys, so that means I’ve got the support of an administrative assistant and three very good foremen, spread across about five to six jobs. That’s the sweet spot for us.

PC: Do you see yourself doing some designing yourself now, after working with the best?

SC: One thing I’ve learned over these years is: no matter how clever you think you are as builders [architecture] is a trade in itself. It’s a discipline that takes years and years of honing and perfecting.

It pulls together engineering, architecture, building and art all in one. I have clients who have come to me asking, ‘I see what you’ve done down there. I want you to build me something like that.’ I say, ‘Well, you go see that architect.’ They say, ‘No, no, no I don’t want all that expense.’ I say, ‘That’s not how I work, I could mimic something up, but that wouldn’t suit your block. You cannot beat and you cannot replace good design!’

PC: But architects generally can’t build either? It’s a two-way street?

SC: Oh sure, it’s a collaboration. I know

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top: Dominic Chapel – Elvio Brianese photography: Peter Whyte

architects who also think they can knock that up and have almost cut their fingers off.

So there’s a mutual respect.

PC: What sets a country builder apart?

SC: I think it’s our versatility. I did notice working in the big smoke a carpenter may come in and just fit locks, another crew would come in and just hang the doors.

Other guys do the roof. Down in Tassie you just don’t have the market supply, so you have to learn every single thing. That sets the country boy up with a broad range of skills.

PC: What has building given you?

SC: I think at its core, it’s through the accumulation of training as a greenhorn, learning how to frame a house and maybe one day build your own. You become the conductor of all activity on-site. You garner an understanding of how things work. Then, as a man and this may sound chauvinistic and a bit old school, there’s something nice about not relying on anybody. I can pretty well design my own ways through life now and I’ve learned that through my skills with building – how to deal with people, how to resolve conflict, make things stay and hold up. I think building gives you a good fundamental skill set to take you anywhere.

It gives you a lot of confidence of what you can do.

After almost 30 years in the business, it’s time for a change. Now approaching 50, Cordwell and his wife Penny, a country girl herself, have just bought a farm outside Hobart. It seems even for a country boy from Tassie, life can always be simpler...

PC: What will you do with yourself?

SC: On a Tuesday if I’ve got no work on, I’ll just go out and trim the grass or feed the ducks.

Who can argue with that?

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Better Building | Site adviser

Collaboration technology for enhanced productivity To optimise productivity in any industry, it is essential that communication is clear and efficient. But collaboration technology hasn’t been supporting the building and construction industry as well as it could, leading to less than optimal productivity.

The last few years have seen extraordinary advances in so many areas of the building and construction industry, with factors like mobile capability, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, AI and threedimensional printing all having a profound impact on the way the industry works.

There has also been technology developed to address various issues encountered by those in the industry – document control, for example, or incident management. But this piecemeal approach leads to disjointed systems that don’t talk to each other, resulting in data silos and further obstacles to productivity.

Not only this, it also causes roadblocks on the path to collaboration and prevents companies from being able to draw comprehensive pictures of project health and status.

expenditure of around US$10 trillion. This may seem like a huge amount of money, but the sector’s labour productivity growth has been slow for decades. A recent McKinsey report revealed that if the sector’s productivity were to catch up with that of the total economy, that figure could rise

by US$1.6 trillion. How much is a trillion? It’s a thousand billion.

Or a one followed by 12 (count them!) zeroes.

In the simplest terms, we’re talking about boosting the global GDP (gross domestic product) by two percent.

evolved sufficiently to really add value, winding up in inconsistent data and lags in productivity.

Do any of the following sound like familiar issues in your company?

• human error/manipulation

SO WHY DON’T WE? What is holding the industry back? Experts believe that it’s a case of not catching up quickly enough. Yes, the industry is moving away from the manual inputs and paper-based documents of days of yore, but the technical solutions being implemented instead haven’t

• working longer hours to complete both on-site and off-site responsibilities, including day-to-day field operations, data entry and mistake correction, or • fear of losing information, or a lack of confidence in the information available.

WHY THIS MATTERS The construction industry is one of the largest sectors of the global economy, employing about seven percent of the world’s working age population and accounting for an

• loss of information or referencing documentation that is not up-to-date • slow, manual administrative tasks, including managing paperwork and spending hours searching for information

CATCH-UP Single point solutions make tools cumbersome to use and leave gaps in the tasks at hand.

Companies are then forced to conjure up workarounds or

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implement additional software solutions to plug these gaps, resulting in a patchwork of internal servers, files and emails. This is not sustainable, streamlined or productive.

Other industries have already discovered ways to work smarter not harder. While the productivity gains in the construction industry have grown just one percent over the last two decades, industries such as manufacturing have more than tripled that, with a 3.6 percent growth rate. Back to the dollars and cents (or sense?), the average worker in every other industry now adds US$37 worth of value for every hour worked, US$12 more per hour than workers in the construction industry.

MIND THE GAP The problem at its most fundamental lies in the communication between the site and the office, the people in the suits making the decisions and those getting their hands dirty at the coalface. What is needed is technology that consolidates information and is able to integrate real-time data to increase both visibility and collaboration. And the result?

Much greater productivity.

This technology needs to be a single across-the-board solution, with robust mobile capabilities and ease of access.

It is vital that it works for purpose – a platform type of technology that suits all of the functions and stages across a construction project’s life cycle – from project management to HSEQ to financials and beyond.

Once the data is centralised, and streamlined and standardised processes are put in place, communication will become clearer, more consistent and, certainly, more effective.

More effective communication between teams and also between them and their clients means more efficient project management and a dramatic improvement in not only productivity but staff morale and pride in their work. It’s a win/win all round.

“ The problem at its most fundamental lies in the communication between the site and the office, the people in the suits making the decisions and those getting their hands dirty at the coalface. ”

THE FUTURE IS NOW Such technology does of course already exist. Procore is one such solution with tangible proven results: • 76 percent of users say that using it reduced their project duration by at least three days • 57 percent say it reduces project duration by an entire week over the course of a six-month project, and • the average reduction of administrative work reported by users is two hours.

The prediction is that Australia and New Zealand will both experience huge growth in the construction sector in the coming years – thanks to population rises and the necessity of building the housing and infrastructure to accommodate that. To fully take advantage of these opportunities construction companies need to have the sharpest tools in the toolbox at their command.

Content provided by experts at Procore. www.procore.com

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Better Building | Marketing

Getting started with marketing for developers and builders Marketing is one the key pillars of your business. The problem is, it may also be one of the most time consuming and complicated parts of your business. Here are some tips for quick and easy digital marketing.

TEXT JOSH LOH

There is a deep rabbit hole of behavioural economics, neuromarketing and consumer trends analysis for the average developer or builder to get lost down; however, you are likely to emerge with more questions than answers.

Better Building speaks to Ellie Cashman, marketing and communications director at Crown Group, to figure out a basic guide to getting your digital marketing game off the ground.

“If you've got minimal marketing spend, digital is the way to go,” Cashman asserts. “A hundred times over I would spend the money on digital before I waste money on business cards, brochures or press advertising in the local paper.”

Cashman’s time with Crown Group totals more than four years.

Prior to that she worked as an associate director for Coronation Property and as project marketing manager at Ausin Group before that – she knows her stuff.

WEBSITE Investing in an easy-to-use and well-maintained website enables your audience to learn about your great services in the most seamless and painless fashion possible.

Earlier this year, a report from

Hosting Facts found that every one-second delay in loading a website results in a seven percent loss in conversion; and if your website takes more than three seconds to load, you can expect to lose approximately 40 percent of your prospective viewers.

“Having a website that is userfriendly on mobile and tablet is so important too,” Cashman continues. “So many people are interacting with your website through mobile now, barely anyone is using desktop to surf these days.

“I know website design and hosting can be a big cost, but there are quite a number of great websites out there... that allow the average punter to play web designer with beautiful, easy to use drag-and-drop templates.”

Of course, a professional website developer who can create custom designs and troubleshoot problems for you is ideal, but if the budget for this area is on the leaner side, trying playing with website design services such as WIX, Squarespace or WordPress.

Cashman continues, “Having social media is a great start, but I would recommend creating a website. Even if you don’t have

the time to update it regularly, it should be kept up-to-date with company information, images of recent construction or project work and any special offers.”

DIGITAL AWARENESS Another key part of having a website is making sure your customers can find it and pushing it up on the list of Google’s suggested websites.

For example, if someone Googles ‘new apartments Sydney’ or ‘construction company Melbourne’, you want to appear as close to the top of those results as possible – this is a practice known as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

SEO expert and founder of StewArt Media, Jim Stewart advises the use of Google’s free website tool ‘Google Search Console’, which he says “every website owner should have set up”. In Search Console, you can look for the phrases that people most commonly use to arrive at your website.

“From there you can narrow down on those phrases and look for those including ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’, and see what kinds of questions are being asked,” says Stewart.

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“If you have enough traffic you’ll find that there’s a trend that emerges from those questions. Then you can start producing content, packaging, marketing or whatever it may be, that actually targets and answers these questions.”

Finally, the best way to ensure that the information about your business on the internet is accurate is to verify that information yourself.

“Get your company listed on Google My Business ASAP if you’re not,” urges Cashman. “You have the option of sharing your website, Facebook page, phone

number, office address and more crucial information for people to get in touch with you.

“To have your location verified

by Google, it’ll send you a postcard, which usually arrives within a month – all you need to do is verify you are where you say you are and voila! You’re online.

“Now, if someone searches ‘CROWN GROUP’ on Google, we would appear at the top of the search results and on Google Maps.”

LET’S GET SOCIAL Social media is perhaps the most powerful of your tools; it allows

you to not only communicate with your audience in real time, but see what people are saying about you.

One important part of getting your word out online is omnichannel marketing – which is a fancy way of saying you need to use multiple social media channels in order to spread your news effectively.

In an interview with Marketing magazine, Facebook Australia’s head of brand and group industry director Naomi Shepherd explained that businesses need to engage with at least four channels if they want

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to maximise awareness. “It is no longer just the job of one or two channels to bring your brand to life, or to be able to invest in some pretty healthy longterm brand building – it’s always going to take more than that,” says Shepherd.

Taking this into account, Cashman warns that new businesses should be wary of “smashing four channels straightaway”.

“Facebook is still the triedand-true channel for small business, as it allows you to open up a conversation with potential clients, to post photos of recent builds, market updates or products for sale.”

Regular engagement on social media, particularly Facebook, is essential. As with your individual accounts, it's a fine line between posting too much and not enough – you want your audience to be thinking about your business regularly, but you don’t want to oversaturate them with messaging either.

Cashman advises that above all, social media content must be kept relevant to the business. “Whether it be a new restaurant opening a couple of hundred metres from a project of ours, a brand new library that has just opened next door to one of our projects or maybe we’ve reached one of our construction milestones.

“Just keep the content relevant, keep things interesting.

Most important would be product shots, construction updates, etc. People love behind the scenes stuff, content of your staff and your team working hard on-site, that kind of thing.”

It’s also a great idea to credit and hashtag all and any suppliers, partners and even product names, especially on social media. As you share

the love around, you’ll find it comes right back, with your business’ name receiving tags in return and a profile that is amplified exponentially.

Another option on Facebook (and other social media outlets) is to pay to promote your online content. Prior to this step though, it’s definitely helpful to have an idea of what your target audience looks like.

Whether it be through Facebook Forms, a survey you conduct yourself or a newsletter subscription on your website – collecting data on your audience helps you narrow down the people who are more likely to respond to your messaging, and avoid wasting precious marketing spend.

“You could pay a small amount – say $50 – to boost your post on Facebook,” Cashman continues. “That allows you to promote your business to myriad different people based on things like demographics, interests, geography – the filters are endless and you can reach hundreds of thousands of people that way.”

After you’ve tackled Facebook, Cashman says Instagram is the logical next step. If you haven’t used Instagram before, it’s predominantly a visual medium that allows users to share augmented images and videos with captions (that do not allow URLs).

One of the primary ways users navigate platforms such as Instagram is hashtags. “Hashtags are a big part of Instagram, you definitely need the right hashtags,” says Cashman.

“Using the right hashtags like #SydneyConstruction and #ApartmentsWaterloo rather than #Apartments or #Property, which are generic, will ensure you get followers organically.”

Next on the list is LinkedIn. “It’s

great for B2B communication and developing a following of like-minded people in similar industries,” says Cashman.

LinkedIn allows you to foster relationships with potential clients and prospective customers in an environment geared toward professionalism. Similar to Facebook, LinkedIn also offers an easy way to pay to promote your posts or marketing collateral.

ELLIE CASHMAN’S TOP SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TIPS: • If you’re a Chinese company (or aiming at a Chinese audience) you could use WeChat and Weibo; Crown Group certainly uses those a lot in the property space.

• Make sure your contact details are up-to-date and you respond to messages quickly on Facebook, because if you don’t your rating goes down quite quickly.

• Don’t be a sucker and buy followers – they’ll end up being fake profiles and random people from Kazakhstan, and that isn’t your target market. Paying to promote is the best way to organically grow your following on Instagram and Facebook.

• So many builders and developers get social media wrong – posting pixelated images or uploading a dodgy low-res looking logo as their cover photo. Take the time and keep a high standard of content.

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Better Building | Insurance

Insurance 101 Whether mandatory or recommended, insurance is a topic every builder needs to be across. The possible consequences if you’re not properly covered simply don’t bear thinking about.

TEXT MADELEINE SWAIN

Having the correct insurance in place is part of operating a well-run business in the building trade. The insurances and schemes can vary depending on where you operate. Mandatory across all of Australia is the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), otherwise known as Home Warranty Insurance. This is a consumer protection cover, protecting homeowners in the case of death, disappearance or their builder becoming insolvent and cover for the homeowner in the event the builder fails to comply with a court order.

DBI has to be obtained before any work commences.

“It’s a legislated product and is compulsory for all licensed builders. It is required for works that exceed a certain amount, for example $16,000 in Victoria; this threshold differs in each of the individual state schemes,” explains Wayne Goldsworthy, a representative at Marsh Advantage Insurance (MAI). “Each of the states operates independent schemes. In Victoria, there are multiple insurers offering DBI – AssetInsure, Berkshire Hathaway and the government insurer,

which is the VMIA (Victorian Managed Insurance Authority).”

In many other states there are currently single government providers. Victoria has seen a reinvigorated market in recent times with multiple insurers providing competition and premium relief from a previous monopoly-style scheme.

MAI has been instrumental in assisting the building industry with providing the best possible DBI facility option. “Having the choice of multiple insurers for our clients provides an option for each of our builder clients’ different circumstances,” Goldsworthy says.

The premiums also vary greatly. An average cost for homeowner’s warranty insurance could be around the $1000 mark for a $300,000 build and up to $3000 in other states.

NON-COMPULSORY COVERS Apart from the mandatory insurance (DBI), builders should also consider Contract Works and Public Liability insurance.

Goldsworthy says that nearly all builders will and should have this policy because “it protects

the builder as an insured party for any damage to the works during the construction period… and also any damage or injury to third parties or their properties. It’s in place for the life of the construction period.

“The majority of policies are placed on an annual basis as it affords better cover and is also more price-effective that way,” says Goldsworthy.

Other recommended insurances for the building industry to investigate include those covering Professional Indemnity, Management Liability, Cyber Liability, Commercial Motor Vehicles, Display Homes, General Property (for your tools of trade) and business insurance.

ADVICE Insurance is an extremely broad topic and one where it pays to seek some advice. As an insurance broker, Goldsworthy negotiates with a range of insurers to get the best possible solution for his clients. “A lot of builders come brand new into running their business and don’t know what type of insurance they need, so it’s important to

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“ A majority of policies are placed on an annual basis as it affords better cover and is also more price-effective that way. ”

talk to an expert in this space,” he says.

“We have been assisting builders with their insurance requirements for a long period of time and can offer our industry specific advice to building companies across the country.” marshadvantage.com.au Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369) (MAI) arranges the insurance and is not the insurer.

Wayne Goldsworthy (Insurebuild Pty Ltd ABN 31 081 358 303) is an authorised representative (AR No.000341715) of MAI. This is general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/ or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request.

Any statements concerning legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisers. LCPA 18/0020

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Better Building | Heritage

Our first builders In this sunburnt country our design inspiration is driven by the environment. A flick through the history books shows this has always been the case.

TEXT PETER COLQUHOUN

We inhabit one of the most beautiful, harshest and remotest environments on the planet.

Is it not remarkable native civilisations were able to survive here for so long without any obvious signs of permanent shelter? Who then laid the first building blocks in Australia?

In terms of planning and engineering there is mounting evidence to suggest that indeed traditional owners did lay down structural foundations that suggest periodic settlement in traditional meeting lands.

The stone fish traps in Brewarrina in western New South Wales are made up of 12 teardrop-shaped pools along a 500-metre stretch of river. They show a thorough understanding of dry-wall construction , hydrology and fish ecology. Some argue these stone foundations could be the oldest man-made structures on earth! In effect, they could be Australia’s Stonehenge.

While ancient construction in Australia has its roots with our First Peoples, building as we know it today starts with with sails on the horizon in 1788.

The area is now flanked by two of the world’s most

identifiable structures – the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge – but when the First Fleet arrived at Farm Cove, they had two years of food supplies, tents, a few tools, a portable hut for the Governor, a small amount of lime and around 10,000 bricks, which had been used as ballast. OK lads, get to work!

Our captain and foreman was 39-year-old Arthur Phillip, who had been sent by his superiors halfway around the world to establish a colony – without an architect. Phillip and his overseers did have a few things in their favour. In those days, you could still use the lash and, with no councils or review panels, they decided to build whatever the bloody hell they liked.

Substantial buildings were commenced straightaway.

British authorities assumed all the timbers needed would be found locally. However, local trees were unlike anything back home and it took months before their problems became apparent. While bark-covered shelters were observed, they were seen as inferior and it took several years before bark was

adopted as a viable roofing material. Things were looking grim until the brick moulds were found in the bottom of one of the ships and fortunes turned when it was discovered that lime could be made from local seashells.

Phillip described the situation in his first dispatch to head office, written on 15 May 1788: “As there are only 12 convicts who are carpenters, [they] ...work on the hospital and storehouses. The people were healthy when landed, but the scurvy has, for some time, appeared amongst them, and now rages in a most extraordinary manner. Only 16 carpenters could be hired from the ships, and several of the convict carpenters were sick.”

So it seems the ‘sickie’ is as old as the First Fleet itself.

Also most of the tools were in a bad condition, as the good ones had been used to barter with the natives off the cost of Guinea.

Despite the challenges, construction in Australia was off and running. By the arrival of Governor Macquarie on 1 January 1810, Sydney town was established.

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“ It seems the ‘sickie’ is as old as the First Fleet itself. ” top left: Sydney St James improvement of Sydney Cove sketch sent to Colonial Secretary 28 December 1832 top right: A Direct North General View of Sydney Cove 1794 © Thomas Watling bottom left: Brewarrina Fishery © Lindsay Thompson 1893 New bottom right: Sydney Cove © Flickr

Fast forward to today and we continue to import building ideas and techniques, struggle to meet expectations and demands. Builders and designers are still living and dealing with the legacy of British planning. But a balance must be struck between respecting heritage and employing innovation while always responding to landscape.

In a country dominated by the sun and the specific demands of a local area, our

design inspiration must be driven by the environment, as opposed to overseas trends or the preservation of the past.

If there is a split decision between emulating a period detail or using something new, one must always inject a better idea. Builders must be versatile and nostalgia must never impede innovation.

In this country, as Captain Phillip could attest, long-term survival depends on it.

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Better Building | Feature

Constructing better mental health in the building trades The issue of poor mental health outcomes in the construction industry has been well-documented. AccessEAP is one of the organisations committed to providing solutions.

A

lmost half 1 of all Australian men will have a mental health problem at some point in their life and one in eight2 will experience depression. When you consider that the rate of suicide among men in the construction industry, especially lower-skilled employees, is approximately double that of the general male

working population, it is easy to see why construction workplaces need to have a focus on mental well-being.

With a recent focus on promoting a healthy body and healthy mind, AccessEAP is proactively building awareness in some of the more male orientated workplaces where mental health issues are prominent.

“Talking about problems and taking action are proven ways for male construction workers to stay mentally healthy, but it’s still difficult to get them to take that all important first step,” explains Marcela Slepica, clinical services director at AccessEAP. “Often in male dominated industries, the macho mentality still exists where men are afraid

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stressful job, long hours or family troubles, these everyday stresses can develop into something much more serious.

Managers and employees need to be educated on the behaviours that may indicate a colleague is going through a tough time and learn ways to encourage them to seek help if there is concern for their welfare.

to show weakness, sadness or vulnerability. If men don’t feel like they can open up, it can have a detrimental effect on their mental well-being. Apprentices in construction are two and a half times more likely to suicide than other young men their age.”

Toolbox talks In an effort to raise mental health awareness AccessEAP has introduced toolbox talks.

These sessions focus on increasing awareness of mental health issues and helping men to understand that at some point most people need help and that help is available.

Eleni van Delft, director, Relationship Management at AccessEAP, has already provided tailored toolbox talks to organisations in the manufacturing, mining and construction industries and is amazed by the immediate effect it has had on participants.

“Often at the beginning of a session, we struggle to get men to talk, but by the end, they can be reluctant to leave and I’ve witnessed large-scale discussion among participants about issues that may be affecting them in their personal or work life long after the session has ended. The toolbox talks are not only helping men to reach out for help, but also show them their organisation cares about them and values their well-being.”

Men’s priorities tend to change with age and with that come work commitments, longer hours and the possibility of family commitments. It is often difficult to keep in touch with friends and invest time in hobbies, which can lead to a lack of social connection. Without someone to talk to about the demands of a

“Often in male dominated industries, the macho mentality still exists where men are afraid to show weakness, sadness or vulnerability.”

Top tips AccessEAP offers some suggestions to use when talking to workers and attempting to help them reach out in times of need: • Seeking help is positive for your mental health. It is not a sign of weakness.

• The best health is achieved by looking after both your physical and mental health.

• Make self-care a priority and set goals for sleep, exercise and ‘me’ time.

• Maintain social contact and keep in touch with friends and family.

• Equip yourself with the tools and strategies you need to cope with challenging life events. Start with your EAP and a confidential appointment.

Footnotes 1 ABS National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results www.abs.gov.au/ ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4326.0 2 Suicide in the construction industry report by MATES in Construction and Deakin University http://micaus. bpndw46jvgfycmdxu.maxcdnedge.com/wp-content/ uploads/2015/11/17584-micqld-Deakin-report-volume-2297x210mm-v10.pdf For more information please visit www.accesseap.com.au.

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18/12/18 11:14 AM

Better Building | Site Adviser

Experience is the key Every typology has certain restrictions or specialised knowledge, but one of the most complex to negotiate is childcare centres. Colab Architecture has long established expertise in this space and the practice’s Kane Barnett guides us through some of the need-to-knows…

T

he most important thing to remember when addressing childcare projects is that they are not simple buildings. Nor should they be – the health and safety of some of society’s most vulnerable members, our children, are at stake.

Accordingly there is a whole raft of legislation and rules in place to ensure that work is carried out correctly, which means that the projects are a lot more complex than many developers initially appreciate.

Above and beyond the expected planning and building permits, a third level of approval is required. In Victoria, the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) must inspect, approve and license the centre before any children are allowed on-site. This approval ensures that the centre can operate in compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF) for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Some guidelines are explicit; for example, there are minimum areas required per child for indoor and outdoor space.

Other guidelines aren’t so specific. They are more difficult to quantify and are based on balancing a number of factors simultaneously; for example, the quality of the landscaping and the dimensions of the area.

This is deliberate, as the overall experience of a centre cannot be determined by a single element or minimum requirement. The DET’s main concern is that the buildings and grounds are appropriate and

safe for children, and give those children good, quality experiences.

Above all, remember that designing childcare centres to the minimum requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) will not guarantee you a licence.

The DET is looking for centres that illustrate a deep understanding of best practice in terms of both architecture and performance.

And this is why it makes sense for developers to make sure that they engage practices with a great deal of experience and practical knowledge in the space. Any design firms with such experience, those that have worked many times with childcare providers, will know that it’s essential to engage with DET as early as possible when designing new childcare centres.

If the design practice is lacking in this experience, it can be very difficult to judge exactly what DET is looking for, particularly when more multistorey centres are being built – with the extra considerations they require.

Starting out Before a site is even purchased, it’s important to speak to someone who knows exactly what is required and what DET will and won’t accept.

For example, an architect should be able to take one look at plans or the intended site and let you know whether a permit is likely to be issued. Is there a second stairwell? How much parking is there? Are there overhangs that will affect the amount of natural

light available to the children?

If such considerations aren’t taken into account from the very beginning, developers could well be wasting their time.

Parking may seem like a minor issue, but the requirements are 0.22 car parks per child, which for a centre holding 100 or so children will mean 22 car parks, it’s necessary to have the full contingent because during peak hours there are so many people coming, dropping off and going.

This again is where experience comes to the fore. Being able to balance the building size that you would like with the number of children you would like to be able to accommodate, the playground size and then factor in the car parking, particularly with council restrictions… can all be quite a challenge.

There are times when it’s possible to get away with fewer car parks, but only when the centre has access to excellent public transport or is perhaps close to a shopping centre, so that shared parking facilities are an option.

Design considerations Another important element in the design is the provision of easy surveillance. Does your design mean that it is simple for carers and other staff to have their eyes on their charges at all times?

If you’re designing a centre with myriad nooks and crannies, there is immediately an issue with children being able to hide and, potentially, get trapped out of view.

Although every childcare worker,

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parent and guardian will tell you that they need to have eyes in the back of their head, when a carer is responsible for a number of mobile children, while also needing to be vigilant about sleeping babies, who may be at risk of SIDS, for example, simply trusting to their instincts is not enough.

Borrowing from the traditions of non-traditional educational systems like Montessori or Steiner, DET now also places a great emphasis on the use of natural materials – and

above: Ravenhall Kiool Kidz photography © Kit Haselden

lots of different surfaces to fire up budding imaginations and the urge to explore.

Guidelines There are guidelines produced by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) to help developers and design firms in this space – the aforementioned NQF – but while the guidelines describe qualitative elements, they don’t really cover quantitative ones.

Recently, Co-lab has been engaged by the DET to author the Early Childhood Centre Design Guide for Victoria.

This newly appointed role will involve close collaboration with the DET and involvement in workshops with key consultants to create a framework for the guidelines. The appointment is both an exciting opportunity for the practice and recognition that, once again, experience is your absolute best friend.

www. colabarchitects.com.au

THE CARDINAL RULES There are some must-haves and tips that any developer working on a childcare centre project and looking to secure DET approval needs to consider: • Avoid outdoor play areas that are substantially enclosed or covered by levels above.

• Avoid children’s rooms that rely on borrowed light or without adequate natural ventilation.

• Consider surveillance and supervision of children by the educators.

• Consider the orientation of the building to maximise solar access to outdoor play areas.

• Ensure children are able to experience the natural environment in outdoor areas.

• Examine how outdoor and indoor areas can be integrated for flexible use.

• Do not skimp on playground design and quality of materials.

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Better Building | Project

Hunting Located in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Armadale, Huntingtower was a collaboration between builder/ developer Agushi Construction and architecture practice Workroom. The four-bedroom residence is now home to Agushi founder, Bear Agushi, who shares his experiences of the project.

TEXT MADELEINE SWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY DAREK SWALWELL (COMPLETED PROJECT) AGUSHI (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

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t owe r

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Better Building: How did you become involved in the project?

Bear Agushi: We (Popi and I) had been considering downsizing from our previous home, which we had recently built, but felt was too large. We noticed this property up for sale and thought it would be a great opportunity to build ourselves a custom home that suited us better with respect to size, amenity and aesthetic.

and landscapers. The ground floor and first floor concrete slabs have gigantic spans and cantilevers, so we engaged an amazing engineer who designed concrete slabs, which we built with their site input. The joinery detailing in particular was unique and tricky to get perfect and we relied heavily on advice from our joinery [team] with the design to ensure every detail was perfectly considered.

What was the relationship like on the build with the a/ architects and b/ client (realising this is asking you to be a little self-reflective here…)?

Our relationship with Workroom (architects) is very close, as we’ve worked on numerous projects together over the years. As a result, the communication between us is awesome – whenever we are unclear on a detail we know we can pick up the phone or SMS them and get a fast reply. The relationship with the client was even better because we were the builder and client! This makes things so simple because if we as client want to change something, there is no admin in getting it all documented and, subject to the architect’s approval, we can act fast. If we as builder don’t like the way something is detailed or see a better way of building something that’s been detailed by the architect, we don’t need to jump through hoops to make a change to the design and build. Overall, the collaborative approach to the design and build kept the process highly efficient.

Have you worked with Workroom on any previous projects?

We had used Workroom on a few of our own development projects in the past, including our previous house. Workroom was the obvious (and only) choice of architect and interior designer because we had enjoyed such a wonderful relationship in the past.

We absolutely love their aesthetic and their style and would never have considered using anyone else.

How long did the build take?

Eighteen months.

Were there any other particular specialists that you had to work with on-site?

A house this complex and detailed requires specialists across all trades beginning with consulting engineers through to joiners

What were the particular challenges on this job and how did you address them?

Getting the spaces right was the most critical thing. Because the land was significantly smaller than our previous house block, we still wanted to incorporate a lot of rooms into the house, as well as a great outdoor area. We really challenged Workroom to come up with a floorplan that gave us all the internal and external spaces we felt we needed. We do 99 percent of our living in the kitchen, dining and living rooms, so it was super critical this area was spot on. From there the rest of the plan simply flowed.

From a construction perspective, the hardest part was dealing with a tight site. The basement took up such a significant portion of the land that there was very little space left for deliveries on-site. Even getting cranes into

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“From a construction perspective, the hardest part was dealing with a tight site… Even getting cranes into the job was hard due to the street trees and limited space on-site.

So the build became a logistical nightmare at times.” the job was hard due to the street trees and limited space on-site. So the build became a logistical nightmare at times.

Now that it’s finished, what are your favourite elements of the project?

My favourite object in the house is the staircase. The staircase was such a tricky thing to build. We built this ourselves, which meant all the risk fell on the shoulders of me and my team, and that meant getting it perfect the first time. Thankfully, we nailed it! My favourite room in the house is the front lounge room, which has two sides of full-height glass overlooking the sunken garden and tree-lined street. The room feels so secluded and green.

It’s beautiful.

Conversely, is there anything you’re unhappy with or would like to do more work on?

The one small regret I have also relates to the staircase. I was so obsessed about creating the widest possible staircase I didn’t keep it off the side wall enough – currently there is a small gap between the staircase and the side wall and I think I should have made this bigger, so you get a true sense of the fact that the stairs are not actually connected to any of the walls – they are completely freestanding (cantilevered), which is a pretty amazing feat given how much weight is in them and complexity involved in building them. It’s a tiny thing that no one really notices. I think it’s impossible to create anything bespoke and original without having a few minor regrets.

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BEAR AGUSHI ON… What was the best advice you received as an apprentice?

Pay your bills on time, because the faster you pay, the more pull you have with your contractors!

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made on a job?

Not listening to my architect when he disagreed with my opinion on something we built years back!

Who are the best and worst trades to work with and why?

I don’t want to look like I’m playing favourites because I love all my subbies. We don’t shop around subcontractors and search for the cheapest deal. We use the same subbies on every job. We are like a footy team. Each contractor plays their role in the team and I know their strengths and weaknesses, and I utilise these strengths to get the best out of them every time. Occasionally, I have to replace a subbie who may have become complacent or lost key staff, but that has only happened a few times over the past 10 years. What I would say is that there are neat contractors and messy ones, and the messy ones are the ones who do my head in the most and they are the ones I need to give a kick up the pants occasionally because I’m a neat freak! But I still love them just the same because they respect me and my team and work with us to get a mutually beneficial outcome on every job.

What advice would you give them to make your life easier?

Clean up your mess!

What sort of margin do you put on new builds as opposed to renovations?

We only do new builds (no renos). I don’t like to discuss margins because we only work on fixed price contracts. I always tell my clients that every builder has a different percentage they say they put on a job, but we generally charge the same margin. At the end of the day it’s all about getting good value out of your subbies and running an efficient business so you can pass on the best value to your clients.

What are the biggest disputes/ misunderstandings that occur with clients usually about?

I hate confrontation, so I go to massive lengths to manage my clients’ expectations from the outset

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“The staircase was such a tricky thing to build. We built this ourselves, which meant all the risk fell on the shoulders of me and my team, and that meant getting it perfect the first time.”

of a job and all the way through. To avoid any misunderstanding around the details of a project, I make sure that we’re all on the same page from the beginning. I’m lucky that I get to work with great clients and actually remain friends with many of my past clients.

What are the secrets of a good working relationship with architects and/or clients?

What advice would you give to other builders in this regard?

Manage expectations. Make sure that everyone is on the same page from the word go. And be honest from start to finish.

If you weren’t a builder, what do you think you would be?

An accountant, as that’s what I was after I left uni, until I realised it wasn’t the job for me and got into the building game.

Would you advise your daughter to become a builder?

I would love her to follow in my footsteps as long as she has a passion for it. The creative side of what I do is what spurs me on.

Working with amazing designers and clients is the buzz that pulls you through the mundane and challenging times. So if my daughter thinks she would be into it, I would love her to have a go at being a builder. If she is to know her stuff, and she knows her subbies’ stuff as well as they do, then it’s irrelevant if you’re a man or a woman. She can exert her influence and be highly successful in this male dominated industry.

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Better Building | Project

Bradford Road house, Mount Martha

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Built by Clancy Constructions from a Kart Projects design, this project takes full advantage of its coastal location and views.

TEXT MADELEINE SWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY TATJANA PLITT (COMPLETED PROJECT) CLANCY CONSTRUCTIONS (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

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With a steep coastal site overlooking Mornington Peninsula, the owners of the Bradford Road house – a retired couple – wanted to make the most of the amazing bay views and to have a home that was comfortable and intimate when occupied by just the couple, but also able to adapt and expand to host their extended family or when their adult children came to stay. In response to this, the design for the house avoided the open plan and was built around the idea of a ‘connected plan’ – creating a series of distinct, flexible indoor and outdoor living spaces, which are connected visually when closed but which can be opened and connected when required.

Following the topography of the site, the project employed a whole-of-site strategy, organising the house and landscape as a sequence of connected terraces, which set up a range of captured and framed views. The roof opposes this natural slope, opening up the main living spaces to the bay on the south, but at the same time is cut and folded to allow northern light deep into the house.

From the street, the house presents a restrained, humble single-storey volume clad in dark, standing seam metal. A timber lined awning is created by pushing the entry and bedrooms into the main volume to create a compressed, framed glimpse of the view beyond without giving too much away before

moving inside. Internally, the controlled entry moves into a larger, timber-lined doubleheight circulation space, which cuts through the house, bridging interior and exterior spaces, connecting different levels, and opening out to the vast view of the peninsula and bay beyond.

A VIEW FROM THE BUILD WITH SHAUN CLANCY, DIRECTOR AT CLANCY CONSTRUCTIONS

Better Building: How did you become involved in the project?

Shaun Clancy: We were asked to be involved in the project by an architect [Kart Projects] we had worked with before.

Can you talk about the initial concept?

The architect was the designer, but was able to assist the value management by reducing costs and maintaining the design intent.

How long did the build take?

Twelve months.

Were there any other particular specialists that you had to work with on-site?

There were over 40 contractors involved in the project; access for all was challenged by the weather. We also encountered large rock

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“ We also encountered large rock boulders bigger than cars that had to be altered with dynamite.”

boulders bigger than cars that had to be altered with dynamite, as rock breakers did nothing.

What was the relationship like on the build with the other stakeholders?

The client went overseas for six months of the project, so the builder/architect relationship was very strong and key to the success. The builder/client/architect relationship is still very strong and I was down there calling in only a few months ago.

What were the particular challenges on this job and how did you address them?

Access was an issue, as you’ll see from the cranes used in the building photos. The large rocks threw up some challenges as explained above. The weather was very windy and cold.

Now that it’s finished, what are your favourite elements of the project?

• The view from the rear of the house and how unassuming the property is from the front.

• Our carpentry team’s timber linings throughout the property.

Conversely, is there anything you’re unhappy with or would like to do more work on?

No. And some more general questions about you and your career: What was the best advice you received as an apprentice?

Measure plum and parallel and don’t stand still. Ask questions and get moving.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made on a job?

I set the slab out incorrectly on a renovation. I went off the plans and they were different to the existing house dimensions.

What are the funniest characters or nicknames you’ve come across with people you’ve worked with on-site?

Lobster as all his meat was in his tail.

Who are the best and worst trades to work with and why?

Worst – concreters, because they have no idea about the next trades and how a bad

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“There were over 40 contractors involved in the project; access for all was challenged by the weather.�

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“ The design for the house avoided the open plan and was built around the idea of a ‘connected plan’. ”

finish is something we have to deal with 12 months later and the impact on other trades.

Best – chippie as they need to know every part of the building, as they interact with and drive all trades.

What advice would you give them to make your life easier?

Be good at what you do and finish it. Trades don’t realise how lucky we have it and they still want to do as little as possible.

What are the biggest disputes/ misunderstandings that occur with clients usually about?

Their interpretation of how the plan or finishing is going to look.

What are the secrets of a good working relationship with architects and/or clients?

Communication and transparency – every project is a team effort between the consultants, the client, the designer, the trades and the builder.

What advice would you give to other builders in this regard?

We can always do things better. Don’t be complacent and put yourself in the clients’ shoes.

If you weren’t a builder, what do you think you would be?

A builder!

Would you advise your children (if you have any) to become builders? If not, why not?

I will advise my kids to do what they love. If that’s means joining our company, then great.

If not, I’m fine with that. Deep down, I would love to see one of my three boys doing their trade and moving up the ranks through our organisation.

Client Private Site area 2001 square metres Floor area 260 square metres (main house) Construction Clancy Constructions Architect Kart Projects Structural engineering Hive Engineering Civil engineering Perrett Simpson Photography Tatjana Plitt

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Better Building | Project

Sorrel S t r e et Ho u s e

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Carmel and Antun Cule are the owners of Cule Constructions Ltd. When the time came to build their own new home, who better to take on the project than their own company?

TEXT MADELEINE SWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY SB PHOTOGRAPHY (COMPLETED PROJECT) CULE CONSTRUCTIONS (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

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Better Building: How did you become involved in the project? Can you talk about the initial concept?

Antun Cule: 10 Sorrel Street is our home.

We knew we wanted to use Shaun Lockyer Architects, so we commissioned him as soon as we purchased the property to design a home that would accommodate an active young family with children approaching their teenage years and which would also meet the needs of our son with special needs. The home also had to present as a modernist piece that had both open and intimate retreat spaces. Shaun expertly fused the existing 1900s Queensland workers’ cottage sitting on the property with the new extension.

The majority of the living, sleeping and bathing zones had to be on one level to accommodate our special needs son and Shaun did this by levelling out the backyard and creating a beautiful ‘L’ shaped home, which gave us plenty of green space and room for everything essential on one level.

How long did the build take?

Fourteen months.

Were there any other particular specialists that you had to work with on-site?

We worked with an iron craftsman to produce the balustrading and front entry door. The air-conditioning grilles are all custom made.

We had a large four-metre by one-metre roof window custom made by a window/skylight manufacturer, which had to be craned over the house to be fitted and installed.

What was the relationship like on the build with the other stakeholders; i.e. what’s it like when you’re your own client?

Building this home was relatively stress free.

Carmel is an interior designer, so she knew exactly what had to be done in terms of getting the look she wanted. She curated the furniture and the art specially for the house. And the architectural drawings were so well-drawn and

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detailed that execution was made simpler. We also had an extremely knowledgeable and technicallydriven site supervisor for the whole build, who was always one step ahead of everyone on-site in terms of progress and execution.

What were the particular challenges on this job and how did you address them?

The major challenge was joining the cottage to the new concrete extension and making sure the two were aligned exactly. Once the old layers of the cottage were peeled back and the structure exposed, it became obvious the building was in need of restoration, so we had to tackle that first before we made the connection between old and new. This involved straightening existing walls, installing new trusses, adding additional support beams and correcting floor levels.

Now that it’s finished, what are your favourite elements of the project?

We love the huge open plan kitchen and outdoor entertaining areas. When you enter the front door, the large foyer is an introduction to the spaciousness of the house, especially as you climb the stairs and enter the open plan dining, lounge and kitchen area.

Conversely, is there anything you’re unhappy with or would like to do more work on?

No! ANTUN CULE ON...

What was the best advice you received as an apprentice?

The first priority is your work – to turn up and perform well. This is your living!

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made on a job?

Using inexperienced subcontractors.

What are the funniest characters or nicknames you’ve come across with people you’ve worked with on-site?

A painter who was very accident prone and clumsy was called Spencer (from Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em).

“The major challenge was joining the cottage to the new concrete extension and making sure the two were aligned exactly.”

Who are the best and worst trades to work with and why?

Depends on the trade. There are some people who are a dream to work with in any trade and some that are a nightmare.

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“Knowledge is everything.

Knowledge about product, about technique, about the building industry in general all helps.”

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“We had a large four-metre by onemetre roof window custom made by a window/skylight manufacturer, which had to be craned over the house to be fitted and installed.”

What advice would you give them to make your life easier?

Knowledge is everything. Knowledge about product, about technique, about the building industry in general all helps.

What sort of margin do you put on new builds as opposed to renovations?

Between eight and 10 percent.

What are the biggest disputes/ misunderstandings that occur with clients usually about?

Levels of expectations. Sometimes what the architect draws is not possible when building, so convincing the client that a detail needs to be reworked is hard. The more detailed the plans, the easier it is to build.

What are the secrets of a good working relationship with architects and/or clients? What advice would you give to other builders in this regard?

Open and consistent flow of communication. A builder is only as good as their subcontractors.

And architectural plans are only as good as the level of detail provided.

If you weren’t a builder, what do you think you would be?

I was a painter before I became a builder, and I probably would still be a painter.

Would you advise your children (if you have any) to become builders? If not, why not?

Depends on their personality type. Building is not for everyone, as not all personality types can handle the pressure and stress of time limitations, budgets and different clients.

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Better Building | Products

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Better Building investigates some of the latest and greatest building-related products on the market.

Professional DryErase There are no ideas too little, only little spaces to put them.

Professional DryErase will transform classrooms and offices into boundless erasable surfaces, giving you the space you need to communicate, connect and accelerate learning and collaboration. No matter where you use it, minds will open and fill with big ideas. www.dulux.com.au

EXPANDO T The first fixing solution for thin fronts for drawers, doors and lift systems Making minimalist furniture design simple, EXPANDO T for thin fronts gives the freedom to create not only individual units, but an entire kitchen. First in the Australian market, EXPANDO T is a steel pull-in anchor that ensures a secure fit for harder materials, while plastic jaws secure the fit for softer materials.

With options for a variety of thicknesses, it is suitable for various materials including chipboard, highpressure laminate, mineral composite and ceramics. www.blum.com

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Banker Wire The Wisconsin-based US manufacturer supplies woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications. The products are sourced for a variety of commercial and residential projects from basic safety rails to lining the inside of office elevators to creating decorative rose gold custom chandeliers… and everything in between.

Recent applications include the Fontenoy building in Paris, Pizzeria Campanile in Japan and a residence in Colorado. www.bankerwire.com

EasyVJ – Wet Area Our most popular wall and ceiling feature panel, EasyVJ makes a great impression with visually appealing V-grooves allowing renovators to easily add texture and appeal to any room in the house.

Exceptionally versatile, it can be used vertically or horizontally as a feature wall, at dado rail height and even to create a stunning ceiling.

Our wet area option is recommended for highmoisture internal areas like bathrooms and laundries, and semi-external undercover spaces like patios and verandahs. Made from a 9.5-millimetre reconstituted hardwood, EasyVJ – Wet Area has excellent environmental credentials and comes preprimed on both sides with a commercial grade undercoat. www.easycraft.com.au

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WoodWall Timber panelling applied like wallpaper.

Produced from high-quality timber veneer WoodWall is applied directly to walls, ceilings and columns etc, with no requirement for any heavy substrate such as MDF and at less than half the cost of traditional veneered panelling. Its outstanding flexibility means it can cover curved surfaces; it can even fold around a one-millimetre radius in the grain direction, for seam free corners.

It’s available in a range of Eveneer and natural timbers, and the large number of sequenced sheets assures consistent matching. WoodWall is suitable for residential and commercial applications and is Group 1 fire-rated. eltongroup.com/woodwall

New Porta Endure Durable concealed fixed timber cladding…

Porta Endure is a beautiful and high-performing exterior timber cladding, created by combining durable Porta Cumaru hardwood with an engineered design.

National marketing manager, Michelle Kelly, says, “What makes Porta Endure Timber Cladding advanced is its engineered profile for superior weather resistance. When that cladding profile is moulded from durable Porta Cumaru hardwood, it becomes the complementary combination of technology and materiality for an enduring product.”

Porta Endure has evolved from research and development

by Professor Perry Forsythe, Professor of Construction Management, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building at the University of Technology Sydney, and as a result of a project funded by the Forest and Wood Products Research and

Development Corporation.

The results from Forsythe’s project have provided innovative features, which have been incorporated in Porta Endure timber cladding for improved performance. With small details, such as the protective rounded corner and angled drainage recess, to large features, including the extended overlap and robust tongue, the Porta Endure profile has been designed to outperform traditional cladding profiles.

Porta Endure is made from Porta Cumaru hardwood, the ideal Class 1 rated timber to meet the requirements of contemporary design and the NCC (National Construction Code). This means the timber cladding is extremely durable, has near zero-leaching and is termite resistant.

Porta Cumaru is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified as being responsibly harvested and processed. www.porta.com.au/endure

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All Weather Exterior Taubmans Now with a new formulation to increase performance, All Weather Exterior features Advanced Nanoguard Technology and added UV inhibitors, while being backed by Taubmans Lifetime Guarantee. Additional benefits include maximum hiding

power, self-priming, water resistant, mould and fungal protection, dirt resistance, will not blister or crack and tannin stain resistance.

It’s available in Low Sheen, Matt, Gloss and Semi Gloss from Taubmans Professional Trade Centres, independent paint and hardware stores. www.taubmans.com.au

PGH Bricks Lang Mursten range This range of extra-long format, water-struck clay bricks is exclusively imported from Denmark. Defined by its sleek, elongated form, this rustic yet contemporary brick delivers an elevated aesthetic to luxury builds while still accentuating the raw, authentic beauty of clay.

Crafted through environmentally

sound and sustainable practices, the range is manufactured by one of the most renowned brick makers in Scandinavia.

Their long, thin form (468 x 108 x 38 millimetres) accentuates the linearity of contemporary architecture while their gritty, textured finish offers warmth and personality. www.pghbricks.com.au/ langmursten

USG Boral Ensemble Acoustical Plasterboard Ceiling System Architects, interior designers and their clients look for a clean, seamless ceiling finish in impressive public spaces. Acoustical ceiling solutions with a smooth plasterboard appearance have been traditionally costly to install. Now the USG Boral Ensemble Acoustical Plasterboard Ceiling System offers the clean, elegant aesthetics you want with the sound performance you need.

A cost-effective solution for lobbies, atriums, galleries, educational and other spaces with multiple hard surfaces and ambient noise, Ensemble is a sound choice. To view the Chancery House Perth case study video visit: www.usgboral.com/au/ensemble

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Better Building | Downtime

AUSTRALIA’S TOP CAMPING AND FISHING SPOTS It’s a very hard ask to whittle it down to just seven when you’re talking about a land as vast and varied as Australia, but project manager and dedicated camper and fisherman, Nick Jojkity, has certainly seen enough of the country to recommend these top picks.

Cathedral Ranges © Madeleine Swain

VICTORIA

Cathedral Ranges State Park, Taggerty Only two hours from Melbourne, this is the perfect getaway for a weekend with the kids. The campsite at Cooks Mill is at a point where two rivers intersect, which is great for swimming in the warmer months. There are walking trails for all levels, from a leisurely walk along the river to tackling the 11-kilometre trek to Sugarloaf Peak and the Razorback. I used this camp as a place for respite for the wife when the kids were little. I’d take the kids for camping weekends without my partner. What happens on camp stays on camp. Tip: take your own firewood.

Book on line at parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/cathedral-range-state-park

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Gnaraloo Gnaraloo is a campsite about 150 kilometres north of Carnarvon on the ocean by Ningaloo Reef. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef there is no need for a boat ride to get to the reef. You simply walk off the beach and you are among the coral, fish and turtles.

If you want to camp by the beach, snorkel every day in the pristine waters of an untouched reef and cook your meals on an open fi re by the beach, then this is the place for you. Tip: You need to be prepared with a four-wheel drive and your own drinking water. www.gnaraloo.com North Island © Nick Jojkity

Gnarloo © Nick Jojkity

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Wiyibi Fishing & Wilderness Lodge, North Island If it’s a wilderness fishing adventure you want, then this is the place for you. It is no five-star fishing lodge, it’s the real McCoy. Situated near the middle of the Gulf of Carpentaria on a deserted island, this place is one of the last bastions of the wild side of the Northern Territory. The fishing is untouched and you can expect to catch Spanish mackerel, coral trout, blue bone (aka blackspot tuskfish) and mangrove jack (mangrove red snapper), as well as barramundi. The accommodation is basic, but includes bunks, a semi commercial kitchen and, of course, lots of refrigeration for cold beer. To get there you first need to get to Borroloola, then to King Ash Bay fishing club and then travel approximately 30 nautical miles by water to North Island. Tip: expect the unexpected. www.facebook.com/wiyibilodge

QUEENSLAND

Cape York, Punsand Bay At the very tip of Australia is a very special camp. Punsand Bay campground is on the beach, has a bar, restaurant, toilet facilities and pool. It is only a short drive to the very tip of Australia. If you are heading to the Cape make sure you put this on your list. Tip: swim in the pool not at the beach; there are crocs up this way! www.capeyorkcamping.com.au

Cape York 123RF's ekays © 123RF.com

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges The Flinders Ranges is a fantastic place to visit and this is my favourite camp.

Set at the foot of steep deep red hills, this camp has the look and feel of the Outback. The kids can run amok exploring the ancient riverbed and look for fossils in the foothills, while the parents sit back and relax, enjoying the serenity. If you’re lucky you may see the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby. Tip: Follow the camp road, turn left and cross the dry riverbed towards a copse of trees.

This will get you away from the main part of the campsite; you will not be disappointed. www.environment.sa.gov. au/parks/find-a-park/ Browse_by_region/ flinders-ranges-outback/ ikara-flinders-rangesnational-park

Flinders Ranges 123RF's gregbrave © 123RF.com

TASMANIA

Scott Kilvert Hut (overnight hike) I’ve stayed at Scott Kilvert hut a few times and it never disappoints. Exploring the side of Cradle Mountain in the high country, this hike is a great way to get the feel of the Overland Track with a relatively short hike and without the crowds. The best way to experience Scott Kilvert is to do the 20-kilometre overnight circuit walk.

The walk starts and finishes at Lake Dove car park, the start of the Overland Track, and basically circumnavigates the lake, which offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing. Tip: It can snow even in summer, so you need to be well prepared. Also, the track is steep in parts so you need a reasonable level of fitness. www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX. aspX?base=3297

Bermagui 123RF's David Haworth © 123RF.com

NEW SOUTH WALES

Bermagui Approximately five hours from Sydney and eight hours from Melbourne, Bermagui is a small fishing village nestled by a harbour on the Pacific

Ocean. During the autumn months ‘Bermi’ becomes a mecca for striped marlin and tuna fishing. While in the summer months it is known for its idyllic beaches and estuaries. Bermi offers a range of accommodation from caravan parks to serviced apartments. Tip: if you want to go game fishing on a charter, make sure you provide the skipper with a range of days you are available to allow for changing weather. www.visitbermagui.com.au

Dove Lake Cradle Mountain 123RF's atosan © 123RF.com

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