NatHERS 7-Star Compliance – Principles & Practices for Energy-Efficient Homes
There are several important considerations when designing energy-efficient homes under the NatHERS 7-star framework. Beyond meeting minimum regulatory requirements, residential design must respond to climate, orientation and material selection to achieve improved thermal comfort, reduced energy demand and long-term performance outcomes. NatHERS plays a central role in assessing residential energy efficiency in Australia. The shift […]
Aluminium cladding has become a staple in contemporary building facades due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and adaptability in various environments. However, the performance, lifespan and structural integrity of these installations depend heavily on the correct specification and application of fixing systems. This presentation will explore the different types of fixing systems, the nuances of […]
There are several important considerations when designing and specifying windows and doors under the NCC 2022. In particular, these elements play a key role in managing heat flow, solar gain, condensation risk and energy efficiency. Therefore, they are essential for thermal performance and regulatory compliance. As energy efficiency requirements tighten, understanding how windows and doors […]
Today’s session focuses on an aspect of architectural design that directly shapes how people experience a space: interior acoustics. Beyond visual impact, your role as architects, designers and specifiers is to create spaces that support clear communication, minimise distraction and promote occupant wellbeing. Effective interior acoustic design is not just about sound control; it’s about […]
Thanks to a range of factors – including population growth, the housing crisis and environmental concerns associated with urban sprawl – Australian cities are in a process of transformation. With the traditional quarter-acre block now beyond the means of most first home buyers, we are seeing more and more high-density residential developments, particularly around transport […]
Clean, safe, and reliable drinking water is a critical consideration in the design and specification of commercial and health environments. In this CPD Live session, we explore the key factors architects, designers, and specifiers must take into account when incorporating filtered drinking water systems into projects. Beginning by identifying the various bodies responsible for water […]
Unlike the traditional economic model in which products are manufactured, sold, and eventually disposed of – all in a relatively linear fashion – circularity is about re-use, recycling, and refurbishment. It is about disposing of materials only when they can longer be used in any other practical way, and in so doing, minimising negative environmental […]
Beyond style and aesthetic appeal, the key considerations when designing commercial bathrooms centre around adherence to guidelines, the maintenance of hygiene, and sustainability. The good news for specifiers is that, right now, they have a set of sophisticated tools to help them meet these broad goals. Thanks to the Internet of the Things – and […]
There are several factors to keep in mind when specifying external cladding and façade systems. Beyond design considerations, the materials chosen should be durable and easy to maintain. They should be sound in terms of thermal performance, environmentally sustainable, acoustics and fire safety. And they should be waterproof. Dependent upon local conditions, façade systems need […]
There are several factors that specifiers should consider when choosing ceiling grid systems. Beyond their function – as frameworks with which to suspend panels or tiles and conceal wiring, pipes and so on, in commercial applications – they should be visually appealing. On top of this, ceiling grid systems should perform well in terms of […]