A Guide to Window and Door Design & Compliance in Bushfire Prone Areas
Australia’s bushfire-prone environment presents unique challenges for building design, particularly when it comes to windows and doors. These elements play a critical role in protecting structures from ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame exposure. Compliance with bushfire construction standards is not just a regulatory requirement—it is essential for enhancing resilience and safeguarding lives and […]
This CPD Understanding Acoustics will explore how windows and doors contribute to the acoustic performance of the building envelope. We’ll unpack the fundamentals of sound, how it is measured, and how it behaves in built environments. Then we’ll move into testing standards and acoustic ratings before examining real-world design and specification factors for windows and […]
This session is based on the latest research from James Hardie, the Modern Homes Forecast 2026, developed in collaboration with WGSN, that identifies the key social, economic, environmental, technological, and human factors shaping how Australians want to live. We will walk through how these macro drivers are translated into clear home living trends, design principles and ultimately […]
Balconies are a popular feature in multi-residential buildings, offering occupants an appealing blend of indoor and outdoor living. However, these spaces present specific challenges in terms of drainage. Without effective water management systems, they are susceptible to water accumulation, which in turn, can lead to structural issues and building degradation. As multi-residential developments continue to […]
There are several considerations when specifying flooring for commercial projects. To varying degrees – and depending on weather the job in question involves an office, a kindergarten, a public bar, or a hotel foyer – the floor chosen needs to be durable, easy to clean and safe. Beyond functional requirements, commercial flooring should also look […]
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 […]
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 […]