THE

DESIGNERNo. 165, April 2011 r.r.p. $5.95

building designersassociation of thenorthern territory

building designersassociation of

queensland inc.

The Government's delayed and much maligned

emissions trading scheme is firmly back on the

agenda after a joint announcement with the

Australian Greens on 24 February 2011.

In what is billed an "essential economic reform",

the Government has proposed a two-stage

mechanism that will impose an initial fixed price

on carbon from 1 July 2012, before transitioning

towards an emissions trading scheme within three

to five years. The proposal will particularly impact

large emitters of greenhouse gases, such as

mining, petroleum, energy and transportation

companies. It is also likely to have flow-on effects

throughout the entire economy.

The proposal is the culmination of four meetings

held by the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee

since September 2010, comprising members of the

Government, the Greens, and independents Tony

Windsor and Rob Oakeshott. The Committee

released a high-level proposal for public comment

in February, which included a set of principles to

guide development of a carbon price mechanism.

The key aspects of the proposal are as follows:

�A fixed price on carbon will come into

effect as early as 1 July 2012 and last for

three to five years.

�At the end of the fixed price period, the

scheme will revert to a flexible price

emissions trading scheme.

�The Government will consider the

international environment before moving

towards an emissions trading scheme, and

may delay the transition based on the

state of the international carbon market,

our progress in meeting international

emissions targets, and potential impacts

on the Australian economy.

�The mechanism will cover the following

six greenhouse gases identified under the

Kyoto Protocol:

o carbon dioxide;

o methane;

o nitrous oxide;

o hydrofluorocarbons;

o perfluorocarbons; and

o sulphur hexafluoride.

�Emissions from the following sources

may be covered:

o the stationary energy sector;

o the transport sector;

o the industrial processes sector;

o fugitive emissions (other than

from decommissioned coal mines);

and

o emissions from no-legacy waste.

�Agricultural emissions will be excluded.

�Emitters may use international emissions

units to help them comply with targets,

but only once a flexible carbon price has

been introduced.

Although the building and construction industry

will not be directly liable for emissions, it will

nevertheless be affected due to the carbon-

intensive nature of its supply chains. As many

common construction materials come from raw

materials, which are mined or extracted by large

greenhouse gas emitters who will be subject to the

new tax, builders may find themselves facing

higher costs for these materials.

The extent to which the construction industry will

be affected may depend on several factors,

including the actual carbon price adopted (and

how that evolves during the operation of the

market-based emissions trading scheme), the

ability of large emitters to pass costs down the

supply chain, and any concessions granted to

emitters supplying the construction industry. The

best way for both building designers and builders

to lessen the impact of the price on carbon will be

to focus on sustainable procurement and aim to

use less carbon-intensive (and more

environmentally-friendly) building materials.

For more information on the Government's

proposal or sustainable procurement strategies,

please contact HopgoodGanim on 07 3024 0000.

The contents of this paper are not intended to be acomplete statement of the law on any subject and shouldnot be used as a substitute for legal advice in specific factsituations. HopgoodGanim cannot accept any liability orresponsibility for loss occurring as a result of anyoneacting or refraining from acting in reliance on anymaterial contained in this paper.

How the new price on carbon will affect the building and construction industryBy Andre Dauwalder, Solicitor, HopgoodGanim Lawyers

HOPGOODGANIM LAWYERS

9The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 1

T h u r s d a y , 2 4 M a r c h 2 0 1 1 1 1 : 4 8 : 1 6 A M

BEDI/BDAQ PARTNERSHIPPRESENTS

2011ENDORSED SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGNER

PROGRAM

Preparing and Empowering Built Environment Professionals for a Sustainable Future*

* Building Green - Preparing and Empowering Future Built Environment Professionals for Market Readiness

is the ecospecifier Tertiary Curriculum Program developed by Ecospecifier

PROGRAM

DAY 1Environmentally Sustainable Design Compliance and Solutions

DAY 2Building Rating, Materials, Issues and Solutions

DAY 3Green Building and Materials Procurement

DAY 4Life Cycle Assessment in Practice

VENUES

Times: 9.00am to 5.30pm each day

SOUTH QUEENSLANDMetro Hotel Ipswich International

43 South Street, Ipswich

NORTH QUEENSLANDRydges Tradewinds Cairns

137 The Esplanade, Cairns

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

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

Successful completion of this course constitutes the training requirement for certification as an Endorsed Sustainable Building Designer.

An Endorsed Sustainable Building Designer will receive promotion through BEDI Ltd programs and can use the ESBD logo shown on left.

COST Course fees include the full four days training with materials, lunch and tea breaks.This course attracts a Construction Skills Queensland subsidy for a limited number of participants.To qualify for the subsidised rate you MUST REGISTER AND PAY BEFORE 25 MARCH 2011.

FULL FEE: STUDENT FEE:

$750.00$440.00

SUBSIDISED FEE:SUBSIDISED STUDENT FEE:

$500.00$0.00

all these fees include GST. if registering before 25 March 2011 please pay the subsidised feeto qualify for the student fee participants must currently be enrolled in a building design related tertiary course

Program supported by:

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

The Building Designer No.165 April 201110

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 2

T u e s d a y , 1 5 M a r c h 2 0 1 1 4 : 5 6 : 4 3 P M

C 0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 3 - p r o o f

F r i d a y , 1 1 M a r c h 2 0 1 1 3 : 4 9 : 3 1 P M

13

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

Sustainable PavilionsBrett Grimley and Ecolibrium Design were presented with a

reasonably open brief for the design of this beautiful home

which is situated within the Currumbin Eco Village.

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 5

W e d n e s d a y , 1 3 A p r i l 2 0 1 1 1 : 2 4 : 0 5 P M

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 201114

They were asked to design a

sustainable house that would take

full advantage of the environmental

conditions of the site.The home was

to reflect the traditional

Queenslander style but also have a

Japanese influence.

The design, for a couple looking for

somewhere to spend their

retirement years, needed to include

two bedrooms and a home office in

an open plan style.

The covenant for the village

ensures that the structure has

minimal impact on the site and

the planet. The design is required

to employ maximum efficiency in

energy and water use, a net gain

power and water generation, a

social connection to surrounding

community, a minimum of 40%

recycled materials and

wheelchair accessibility.

The design brief also included the

possibility of a pavilion or pod style

layout and this was used in the design.

The dwelling contains two separate

pavilions occupying three levels,

with a central landscaped walkway.

The upper level houses the main

living area, bedroom and bathroom

in one pavilion.

A living room, dining room and

kitchen constitute the living area in

an open plan design. A cantilevered

deck outside the dining room and

kitchen provides 180º views to the

north.To the south, the living room

looks out over a cool, flat, outdoor

garden terrace and breezeway.The

bedroom receives the morning sun

and has its own private deck.

Car accommodation, a laundry and

home office occupy the upper level

of the second pavilion. Car

accommodation includes one lock

up garage as the owners needed to

house only one vehicle. A carport is

available for use by visitors but can

also double as a deck.

The laundry and a storage cupboard

are incorporated into the garage. A

drying court can be found adjacent

to the laundry. Completing this level

is a home office.This room can be

transformed to be used as a third

bedroom, guest accommodation or

a media/library room as needed.

Recycled timber stairs descend to

the lower level of the second

pavilion where a bathroom and

second bedroom can be found.

The water tank at this level

impinges on the bathroom making

it look as if the tank forms part of

the bathroom wall.This is cleverly

accentuated by the use of a fake

water tank skin on the inside of the

bathroom wall. On this level, access

can be gained to storage space and

the lower half of the property.

The design brief called for a

combination of Queenslander and

Japanese styles.The red header tank

and two side tanks, which feature

prominently, are reminiscent of a

rural Queenslander.The influence of

Japanese architecture is apparent

though the use of pergolas and

small stepped roofs over the stairs.

Efficiency of space was also a high

priority for the clients. This has been

achieved by minimising corridor

space and by designing all the living

spaces to allow for flexibility of

furniture layouts.The sliding doors

of the dining room can be pulled

back to open the corner of the

house to create an indoor/outdoor

feel, adding a feeling of space.

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 6

W e d n e s d a y , 1 3 A p r i l 2 0 1 1 1 2 : 5 6 : 3 5 P M

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011 15

DESIGN FEATURE

Brett GrimleyEcolibrium Designs07 5442 8155info@ecolibrium.com.au

The many aspects of the

covenant, as well as the client's

desire for a sustainable home,

have been accommodated more

than adequately.

All roof water is collected and used

to service the entire house with all

tanks fully integrated. An EcoVision

Integrated Monitoring Control

System monitors the use of gas,

water, electricity and water and

power generation within the

dwelling. The home is linked back to

the central hub of EcoVillage for

monitoring of the entire estate.

Air conditioning is not needed due

to the good passive design

principles used. Ceiling fans installed

in all habitable rooms are all that is

required in hot conditions.

Energy efficient lighting is used

throughout the home. Low E glass is

used in all new windows and sliding

doors and each fireplace is ethanol

burning. Brett and his team made

extensive use of computer

generated modelling to design sun

shading to the windows.

This inspired design is practical,

sustainable, unique and beautiful,

adding to the environment in which

it is built.

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 7

W e d n e s d a y , 1 3 A p r i l 2 0 1 1 1 : 3 4 : 2 5 P M

OPERATIONAL

The BDAQ/BEDI office will use sustainable practices inregard to recycling and waste minimisation, lightingand appliances, air-conditioning practices and wateruse.

Teleconferencing will be used where practical inpreference to face to face meetings to reduce theenvironmental impact of travel.

Meeting and event dates will be planned to ensure thatrepresentatives attending more than one activity aretravelling once for multiple meetings and/or events.

Procurement policies will give consideration tosustainable principles including life cycle impacts,transport, packaging issues, recycling and efficientresource use.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

The partnership will develop and deliver training andeducation materials which advance the policy ofpromoting sustainable practices in the design of builtenvironments and to equipping practitioners toadvance to uptake of sustainable building design.

The partnership will work towards the inclusion ofquality training on sustainable building design in theteaching of future practitioners.

The partnership will include topics on sustainablebuilding design office practices in professionaldevelopment programs.

POLICY ELEMENTS

ACTIVITIES& EVENTS

Consideration will be given to sustainable credentialsin the selection of venues for activities and events.

Consideration will be given to sustainability inselection of catering menus, use of materials andequipment.

On-line or email registration and EFT payments will beencouraged for all events and activities managed bythe partnership.

Sustainable building design and sustainable workpractices will be promoted at all activities and events.

BDAQ and BEDI ANNOUNCE A JOINT

SUSTAINBILITY COMMITMENT STATEMENT

Built Environment Design Institute Ltd. and Building Designers Association of Queensland Inc. are committed to maintaining sustainable practices within their operation, topromoting sustainable practices in the design of built environments and to equippingpractitioners to advance the design of sustainable built environments in Queensland andthroughout Australia.

This policy will shape the operation of the partnership as well as BDAQ and BEDI. Allexecutive,staff,volunteers and members will be made aware of the policy and will be guidedin their activities by to contents of the policy.

OUR POLICY

FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE COMMITMENT VISIT WWW.BEDI.COM.AU

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 8

M o n d a y , 2 8 M a r c h 2 0 1 1 1 0 : 4 7 : 5 7 A M

�Residential andcommercialbuilding approvals

�Building approvalsanywhere in Queensland

�Town planning applications

�One-stopapprovals

for residential work

�Fast, reliable and friendly service

�Expert knowledge

�Next day buildinginspections in S.E.Q.

Visit us: 1/199 Gympie Road, Stathpine

Contact us:

3049 5555

enquiry@pcgroup.net.au

�

The Sustainable Industries Division of the Department

of Environment and Resource Management (DERM)

has programs that have shown businesses all over

Queensland how to save thousands of dollars in

running costs every year.

Even your building design practice or other small

business can easily benefit. Check it out at

www.derm.qld.gov.au.

Here are the Top Ten Tips for your workplace to save

costs and impress your potential clients by reducing

your carbon footprint.

Plan to reduce, re-use and recycle and get everyone

involved by setting targets and implementing

achievement awards.

Have shut down and start up procedures that turn off

computers and other equipment when not in use.

Install energy efficient lighting.

Save money on water by fixing leaking taps, installing

flow restrictors and reviewing cleaning methods.

Re-use or recycle waste paper, cardboard and

packaging and sell items that are no longer required.

Close windows and doors when running air

conditioning or better still open windows and doors

and turn off the air conditioning whenever possible.

Switch of after hours. Set the thermostat to a higher

temperature.

Source goods and services locally and coordinate

dispatch and receipt procedures.

Track progress against targets and evaluate results on a

regular basis.

Visit the web sites www.derm.qld.gov.au and

www.climatechange.qld.gov.au regularly. Monitor

local council information and watch for advice from

BDAQ and BEDI.

Talk to BDAQ or visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/ecobiz.

Find local recycling companies and services and join

local business networking groups.Visit

www.derm.qld.gov.au/questnet.

1. Develop a plan

2. Reduce energy

3. Save water

4. Reduce waste

5. Adjust the air conditioning

6. Cut down on transport

7. Monitor your progress

8. Seek up-to-date information

9. Get assistance to get started

10. Network and connect

A sustainable business is a good business!

0

5

2 5

7 5

9 5

1 0 0

A p r i l 2 0 1 1 _ 0 1 9 _ p r o o f

T h u r s d a y , 3 1 M a r c h 2 0 1 1 1 0 : 0 5 : 4 4 A M

19

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

EXECUTIVE LEVEL

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 201120

originated when

investor clients approached

DesignBuild Homes requiring the

design of a high end home that

would be made available as

accommodation for visiting

executives. The client came armed

with an existing set of plans which

were drawn up for construction

costing. These plans had proved to

be way over budget and with some

prompting from DesignBuild, the

clients agreed that the original

design be discarded to allow them

to begin again from scratch. The

project outline was for a four

bedroom house which was to

include an office, study and media

layout as well as standard living

areas. Because of the purpose of

the dwelling, a high end finish with

an extraordinary level of attention

to detail, all while keeping to the

client's budget, was a must.

DesignBuild faced many issues

when designing Jeet Residence.

The property was to be built on a

small lot with a tremendous fall.

The neighbours to the north of the

property are one metre higher

while the southern neighbour is

four metres lower. This slope and a

difficult soil classification meant

that a suspended floor on stumps

made the best and most cost

effective solution. The garage

remains the only area on a slab. Lite

Steel Beam floor joists and bearers

were used for the ground floor

because of their weatherproofing

capabilities and termite solution.

With the block being only 10

metres wide, a lot of thought was

given to creating a modern façade

while maintaining the

requirements of the small lot code.

Open plan living was deemed to be

the best approach to the small lot.

The end result was a strikingly

modern façade with a multi level

roof structure and a double height

ceiling to the portico. The living

and entertainment areas

positioned to the southeast corner

of the block while the utility

components, including garage are

located to the northwest.

Upon entering the residence

through the pivot entry doors,

the semi cantilevered stairs

feature predominantly. The void

in the ceiling gives the foyer a

sense of volume that belies this

small lot home. An opulent

Design Build Homes07 3909 4444Jason.Middleton@avalonproperty.com.au

chef's kitchen leads into the

open plan living areas. A drop

ceiling feature over the kitchen

adds flair to a plain ceiling and

creates lighting accents.

The living and dining areas

extend out to the rear deck

through expansive double corner

sliding doors with one

disappearing corner. The back

deck gives access to the feature

pool and sun deck area.

The upper storey of the residence

contains the four bedrooms, a

home theatre room and an open

study. Well appointed finishes

and fixtures, give the master

bedroom ensuite an exclusive

feel. A free standing spa

surrounded by glass walls with

views of the pool entertainment

area and surrounding bushland

completes a room that is elegant

in nature and characteristic of the

entire residence.

Jeet Residence

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011 21

DESIGN FEATURE

In creating a home that elevates

the market value of the

neighbourhood, DesignBuild

homes have produced an up

market home that has exceeded

the expectations of the client while

maintaining budget concerns.

Innovation in insulation

Kingspan Insulation: High performance range, zero ODP

Kingspan Insulation: Technical expertise

Speak to Kingspan Insulation about 6-Star or Section J. You’ll get

expert advice on your project, with your materials and goals in mind.

http://www.kingspaninsulation.com.au/ – Options

Kingspan Insulation: Imitations are not the same

Cheap imitations can end up costing even more in the long run.

Make sure the environment you’re creating performs the way you

intend it to, with genuine Kingspan innovative products and knowhow.

http://www.kingspaninsulation.com.au/ – Options

Kingspan Insulation: Insulation and sustainability

Continuous innovation and a commitment to improve has created a

range of products that perform better, with less environmental impact.

http://www.kingspaninsulation.com.au/ – Options

Australia’s No. 1 fibre-free, thermo-

reflective insulation for residential

and commercial applications.

Innovative super high performance

rigid cellular insulation to help future

proof your buildings.

Innovation in insulationVisit kingspaninsulation.com.au for more

information, innovations and case studies.

There’s only one ZINCALUME® steel.And it’s guaranteed to meet AS1397.

Check for the BlueScope Steel name on any metallic coated steel to ensure it meets AS1397.

ZINCALUME® steel is guaranteed by BlueScope Steel to comply with Australian Standards.

ZINCALUME® steel is made in Australia for Australian conditions.

If it’s not made by BlueScope Steel, it’s not ZINCALUME® steel.

ZINCALUME® steel is a trademark of BlueScope Steel. Other metallic or zinc aluminium coated

steel is not genuine ZINCALUME® steel and may not comply with Australian Standards.

For information and tools to help you manage the steel compliance in Australian

buildings, visit steelselect.com/check or call 1800 022 999.

steelselect.com/check

ZINCALUME® and BlueScope are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2011 BlueScope Steel Limited

ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved. TBD32723CZ

25

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

DESIGNEDfrom afar

DESIGN FEATURE

26 The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

This beautiful canal home was

originally designed by Osman

Designpac in 1983. When new

owners wished to re-design the

residence and add a second storey,

the firm was up to the challenge.

The clients wished to create space, a

sense of volume and to maximise

views to the canal.They also wanted

to retain as much of the existing

structure as possible.

The result is a rear two storey high

glass wall overlooking the pool and

canal which maximises the views.

Volume is created by voids, both at

the entry of the home and to the rear.

On the lower level, the kitchen was

relocated to allow for a large open

living space leading out to the pool

and outdoor entertaining area. The

lower level also includes a formal

dining room and wine cellar.

Visitors can feel at home in a large

guest room which includes a gym,

sauna and ensuite.

Two sets of stairs lead to the new

upper level.The front staircase leads

to the media room, while the back

staircase leads to an open living

space and bar which opens to a

covered outdoor balcony

positioned to make the most of the

canal views.Three bedrooms, each

with their own bathroom and study,

complete the upper area.

The fact that the clients were living

in California during the design

process was one of the challenges

facing Osman Designpac. Means of

communication via the internet

included live time walkthroughs

while conversing with the clients

by phone.

In spite of this difficulty, the design

was completed, with the end result

delighting the clients who now

reside in the home.

This

27

DESIGN FEATURE

The Building Designer No.165 April 2011

Jeff OsmanOsman Designpac07 3841 3200jeff@osmandesign.com.au

Want a negative carbon footprint?Have ours.Weathertex puts sustainability and durability at the forefront of all its products. Weathertex works to ensure the raw timber for the production of its reconstituted

natural hardwood is sourced from local sawmill tailings, thinnings and sustainably

managed forests.

No old growth hardwood is ever used, so the sourcing of our timber has minimal

environmental impact and avoids depletion of our natural resources.

All hardwood sourced for the production of Weathertex products comes from local

new growth forests within 150 kilometres of the site.

The trees used to produce Weathertex cladding have sequestered sufficient carbon

dioxide during their growth to counter any carbon dioxide equivalent emissions

produced at the Weathertex factory during its manufacture.

Weathertex’s timber product is the only product of its kind in the world. Weathertex is an all-natural product produced from 100% sustainable new growth

Australian hardwood in an ISO 9001 certified process: 97% hardwood, 3% natural

wax and no chemical additives, artificial glues or binders.

1800 040 080www.weathertex.com.au

Weathertex Pty Ltd ACN 084 713 986