Building Materials: The Big Decisions
Planning a new build, a renovation or an iso DIY project?
- Building materials - properties, form v function and industry trends
- Cost, value, availability, local v imported plus post-COVID supply chain issues
- Waste minimisation - from design solutions to sourcing recycled materials
- Sustainability, quality and lifecycle considerations
- Avoiding pitfalls - top tips and advice
- Further reading and useful websites
According to Your Home technical manual, ‘Choosing environmentally preferred materials can reduce harmful health impacts, minimise waste, reduce embodied energy consumption and minimize or eliminate other off-site issues’. So whatever the project’s scale, it’s important to select the expensive structural elements carefully. Our expert panel including an architect, a builder, a sustainability consultant, an energy rater and a window manufacturer will share their industry knowledge.
In this seminar, local building professionals will discuss contemporary building techniques and the relevant costs, properties and availability of building materials. Gain a better understanding of the key structural components including: slab, frame, floors, walls, roofing, windows and cabinetry. Find out how natural materials can be used to increase your home's thermal efficiency and lower its carbon footprint, without harmful chemicals.
Windows are a key aspect of any new build or retrofit, filling the space with natural light and connecting occupants to the natural world outside. However as they are the weakest part of the building envelope they require proper consideration. Used strategically, windows can improve your build, but the wrong windows may undermine your home's energy efficiency and thermal performance.
Sustainable design is not a recent concept ~ it was lost and is now being refound! Research and careful selection of materials and how they are combined can yield significant improvements in the comfort, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. We should also consider the lifecycle of materials and processes adopted to extract, process and transport them to site.
About the panelists
Architect
Kim Irons
BPD B.Arch (Hons) ARBV RAIA
Kim Irons is the Principal of Irons McDuff Architecture.
Her architectural skills range from creative conceptual design thinking, to detailed on site problem solving and contractual management.
She has extensive experience on institutional and community projects, managing multiple and, sometimes, complex clients and stakeholders.
Sustainability Consultant & Energy Rater
Fleur Pitman
Fleur has over 25 years of experience in the building industry. Fleur is an Accredited Energy Rater, Scorecard assessor and Whole-of -Home assessor and is also a member of the Design Matters National and Renew.
She established Eco Select in 2008 in response to the needs of Architects, Building Designers, Developers and home-owners for specialist advice on sustainable building.
Sustainable Builder
Shamus O'Reilly
Shamus’ family run business, SO'R Construction specialises in sustainable building practices, strawbale construction, solar passive design, and utilising eco building materials to create quality new homes and renovations.
Solar passive design ensures homes require little to no heating or cooling, creating a comfortable living environment all year round. Greener building materials ensure both new homes and renovations are as safe and healthy as possible.
Window Manufacturer
Lachlan Cameron
Pickering Joinery was established in 1960 and is still run by the same family, with Lachlan being a part of that team for over 15 years.
Focusing on custom built timber windows and doors, they pride themselves on their quality craftsmanship and passion for the industry, ensuring they provide the desired aesthetic while also delivering the most efficient and functional design, building them a solid reputation amongst builders, architects and homeowners.
Image gallery
Zoom Event
Facilitator:
Vicki Perrett
Experts:
Kim Irons, Irons McDuff Architecture
Fleur Pitman, Eco Select
Shamus O’Reilly, SO’R Construction
Lachlan Cameron, Pickering Joinery
Further Resources
- Your Home Technical Manual, www.yourhome.gov.au/materials
- Renew’s magazines, Sanctuary and Renew are a good self education resource
- Renew membership - provides access to free solar advice and expert consultancy services at very affordable prices
- Choice - useful independent reviews of domestic appliances and household products
- Ecospecifier - is a third party, green building product rating and certification system, underpinned by rigorous scientific and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) processes
- Secondhand materials - Timber Zoo, Geelong Restorers Barn, Nullarbor Timber, Urban Salvage & Regional Recycle
- European style Tilt & Turn windows - Pickering Joinery or Thermosmart Windows
- Sustainable cladding - Weathertex