Specifying Fireplaces in Commercial Projects
Fireplaces continue to play an important role in shaping atmosphere and shared spaces across a wide range of commercial projects. They can be found everywhere from hospitality venues and hotel lobbies to apartment developments and aged care environments. It should be noted, however, that integrating a fireplace into commercial architecture can present a number of […]
With more people choosing to age at home and an increasing focus on inclusive environments, the demand for fixtures that blend functionality, safety and style has never been greater. Today’s session explores how tapware and grabrail design can support independence, safety and accessibility in both residential and commercial spaces. By the end of today’s session, […]
Thanks to various factors – including population growth, the ongoing housing crisis, and environmental concerns associated with urban sprawl – Australia’s urban landscapes are changing. The country that was once best-known for its ubiquitous quarter-acre suburban blocks is now seeing more and more medium and high-density residential developments. As we move to higher density living, […]
Secure facilities designed specifically to house IT infrastructure (including servers, data storage drives, and networking equipment), data centres are becoming familiar sights across our urban landscapes. In fact, thanks largely to the AI boom, it is estimated that by 2030 USD1.85 trillion will be spent on the construction of data centres globally. Meanwhile, over the […]
Though the exact figure varies slightly depending on methodology and source, it is generally accepted that the built environment is responsible for around 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A sobering statistic for all involved, it nevertheless leaves architects, builders, and others with some important question – along the lines of ‘how can we make […]
Distinct from airtightness, weathertightness refers to a building’s capacity to protect itself from external weather conditions, as a means of reducing air/water intrusion and the presence of moisture in the building envelope. The reason weathertightness is important, and the reason architects should seek to create barriers against inclement weather, is that it helps to protect […]
This session takes a practical, performance-based look at the selection of aluminium window and door systems for commercial buildings. We examine the structural, compliance, energy, and finishing considerations that influence product choice, while unpacking how framing systems, glazing, movement allowances, and surface treatments affect long-term performance. The module covers the key considerations involved in commercial […]
Today’s session explores the importance of transitioning to a circular economy and how circular design principles can be embedded into architectural practice, particularly as it relates to design and material specification. We also consider how circular design principles align with green building frameworks such as Green Star. This topic is becoming increasingly important as Australia […]
Today’s presentation unpacks the regulatory framework governing aquifer interference activities in NSW, including the Water Management Act 2000, Water Sharing Plans and the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy. We’ll walk through how Councils, WaterNSW and DCCEEW assess groundwater impacts, and why early, informed design decisions, particularly around basement design, can mean the difference between a smooth […]