How To Specify Ethically: First Nations Engagement
Architecture is a powerful medium for storytelling, offering the chance to forge meaningful connections to place and culture. For Indigenous communities, these connections are deeply tied to the concept of Country—a holistic relationship with land, water, and sky that shapes identity and traditions. While Indigenous perspectives in architecture have historically been underrepresented, architects and designers […]
In recent years, the conversation around sustainable design has expanded beyond aesthetics and functionality to include environmental impact, health, and long-term safety. Kitchens and bathrooms, which are some of the most used spaces in any building, can greatly affect indoor air and water quality through the materials and fixtures chosen. Traditional materials in these spaces, […]
As architects, designers, and engineers, we’re often faced with the challenge of integrating essential amenities, such as bathrooms and kitchens, in a way that maximises both form and function. Lifting stations are a key solution when conventional gravity drainage systems are not feasible. Today, we’ll explore how these systems work, how they enhance design flexibility, […]
Acknowledging the significant role it plays in the task of reducing carbon emissions – and in so doing minimising the negative consequences of climate change – the most recent update to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) includes significant changes relating to the thermal efficiency of Australian homes. Effectively, it requires them to meet a […]
A synthetic surfacing material, typically made from a mix of clays, feldspar, and natural mineral oxides, sintered stone can be found everywhere from residential kitchens and bathrooms to floors, walling, and swimming pools. In this session of CPD Live on Demand, we shine a light on this increasingly popular surface material. Beginning by considering its […]
This CPD presentation will explain the relationship between project design, materials specifications and environmental sustainability outcomes, with a specific focus on timber and its properties as a renewable material that sequesters carbon emissions. It will also provide information on how to screen timber products for credible third-party verification of suitability and compliance with green rating […]
The rise in the popularity of bottled water over the past couple of decades has come at a price. Beyond its expense, the production of these products has several environmental drawbacks, including the carbon emissions associated with its productions, the pollution it causes, its association with microplastics, and more. In this context, the installation of […]
As illustrated by numerous incidents, including the Lacrosse fire in 2014 and the Neo200 tower fire in 2019, building fires represent a significant threat to human life, property and the economy. Passive fire protection is a technique for containing a fire at its source and stopping the spread of flames and smoke throughout a building […]
There is a requirement, in many urban jurisdictions across Australia, for developers to spend a percentage of their budgets on public art. Considering the many benefits of this work – and its capacity to work as both a placemaking strategy and a way to increase the liveability of our cities – regulations of this type […]
Adaptive re-use is one of the surest ways to ensure heritage buildings continue as more than historical artifacts. In the right hands – when re-imagined as residential, commercial or retail buildings – the factories, schools and convents of yesterday can be given a new lease of life. That said, transformations of this kind are not […]