AUSTRALIA\u2019S growing towns and cities are encroaching areas most at risk of fires, and Archicentre Australia says it is important that precautions be taken to minimise the threat.<\/p>\n
The national architect\u2019s advisory service also maintains that these risks can be minimised through sound architectural design principles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe onset of warmer weather and the abundance of drying vegetation presents a risk to many residents, particularly those close to bushland or open paddocks,\u201d Archicentre Australia director Peter Georgiev said.<\/p>\n
\u201cProtection from bushfires for people and property has become a significant issue and legislation is in place in most states to regulate construction in designated bushfire-prone areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngaging with an architect when planning a new home or additions to an existing residence ensures that sound design principles are incorporated to minimise the bushfire risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means that the home can appropriately respond to the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said that before embarking on any building project, professional advice should be sought to ensure an appropriately bushfire-resistant design is put in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cHouses should be sited to minimise the risk \u2013 this may mean keeping away from steep hillsides where the intensity of the fire can double for each 10 degrees of slope, or ensuring enough cleared land is available between the house and the bush.\u201d<\/p>\n
All bushfire design principles seek to protect the home from burning debris.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe key differences between bushfire design and traditional architectural design are that bushfire design uses a plan with a simple roofline, a minimum of angles and a range of fire-resistant alternative construction materials,\u201d Mr Georgiev said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood design for bushfire-prone areas seeks to protect the house and its occupants from the five major dangers \u2013 wind, radiant heat, direct flame, ember attack and smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n
To download Archicentre Australia\u2019s Bushfire Design Guide, head to bit.ly\/2Bf2vWz.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AUSTRALIA\u2019S growing towns and cities are encroaching areas most at risk of fires, and Archicentre Australia says it is important that precautions be taken to minimise the threat. The national architect\u2019s advisory service also maintains that these risks can be minimised through sound architectural design principles. \u201cThe onset of warmer weather and the abundance of […]<\/p>\n