What a fantastic end of year event and presentation from the 2018 Emerging Architect winner Christina Na-Heon Cho and we were packed to the rafters. The SONA and EmAGN crew had time to meet with her for an informal chat which lead into her presentation which was really inspiring. We followed on with our Christmas drinks and nibbles and it was great to see so many people attend and what a great way to celebrate members involvements and achievements for 2018.
As you are aware the 2019 Northern Territory Awards Entries have opened and close on the 13th March 2019. This is a firm date and all additional materials must also be submitted by this date. This year the awards are on earlier than normal as the original date clashed with the National Conference and we also need to be mindful of public and school holidays. The EOI for the Jury has gone out and we have had replies already which is great. The Jury visits start on the 8th April 2019.
As part of the Awards program we are running a membership drive to attract new members to the Institute and NT Chapter. This year we are offering the benefit of becoming a financial member and being able to enter the awards for 2019. This is a once off membership drive allowing membership and awards entry in the same year. As an organisation we need to come together to celebrate Architecture as well as having a strong voice to advocate for good policy decisions and strong policy advocacy has much more weight if we represent all NT Architects. As architects I encourage you to identify potential members then work with us to send them information and meet with them to confirm their membership. You are the greatest advocate for membership you just need to let them know what we have been doing locally and nationally. We are also offering an incentive to members where you will go into a draw once they have signed up and you could win a bottle of wine and a complimentary seat at the Ministers table for our event in February. A membership pack will be sent around soon.
Now for an exciting announcement. We have confirmed Pio as our new SONA representative from CDU. I know you will all welcome him as enthusiastically as we have and we look forward to working with him in 2019.
The EmAGN group have been meeting regularly for Regfrustration sessions and a big thanks goes to Beck and Bede for organising this as our EmAGN representatives. We also want to thank Rossi Architects who support these sessions through mentoring as well as suppling the venue and nibbles to keep everyone going. If you are interested in coming on board as a mentor along with Rossi please let us know for 2019.
In the back ground we have been really busy and are in the process of finalising CPD and Networking events for 2019. Our first confirmed events are in February 2019 with Wednesday the 13th being a CPD event. This is a presentation by JMT Builders on Holovision 3D scanning technology taking BIMS to the next level. This will be held in partnership with other associations and we can be first on the ground looking at new tech that supports Architecture practice.
We are also working with the Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Hon Eva Lawler MLA to have a members’ only event on the directions the government is taking in 2019 and beyond. This will be a good opportunity to hear from her and to be able to ask questions and raise concerns. As soon as this is confirmed we will send the date through. On the 6th of March in conjunction with NAWIC we will host an International Women’s Day Cocktail on the party. We are working together to find some inspiring speakers as well as bringing people in the industry to network. We would love to look at doing this as an annual event so put the date in your diary.
Recently the Australian Building Codes Board gave consideration to the content of the 2019 edition of the NCC. We have put some of the key points in a table at the end of my report so that you are aware of some of the significant changes. More information on this will be forthcoming in the new year.
On the advocacy front the Planning Commission has released Stage 2 consultation on the Central Darwin Area Plan https://planningcommission.nt.gov.au/projects/central-darwin-area-plan-new. I went to the launch of this and am waiting to confirm a date for AIANT members to be briefed in the last week in January 2019. I will keep you posted once this is finalised.
Well we are all about to head off on Christmas breaks and holidays. I am on leave from the 14th December to the 29th of January and Karen will be holding the fort in my absence. The AIA has a mandatory shut down with Karen’s last day on the 20th of December with the office reopening on the 8th of January.
Finally from Karen and me I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would like to acknowledge the amazing members we get to work with and we are looking forward to an exciting 2019.
Christmas Cheers
Raquel
Table: The Australian Building Codes Board key changes from the 2016 edition:
| What to expect from NCC 2019
Content The Australian Building Codes Board recently gave consideration to the content of the 2019 edition of the NCC. Some of the key changes from the 2016 edition are described below: Quantification The most significant change to the NCC since the performance-based code was introduced in 1996, is an estimated 40% of the Code’s Performance Requirements will be quantified either directly or by a NCC Verification Method. This work stems from the Board’s increased and competent use of performance initiative <https://www.abcb.gov.au/Initiatives/All/Performance> aimed at assisting the reduction of non-compliance caused by poor application of Performance Solutions. It is intended that the remaining Performance Requirements will be quantified in the same manner for NCC 2022. Readability The NCC has undergone significant structural change to improve access, awareness and understanding including the introduction of consistent governing requirements across all three Volumes and changes to the format and structure of NCC online. NCC Volume Three has been redrafted consistent with a new information architecture that aims to improve access and readability of the document in a digital environment, as well as in preparation for a consistent volume structure in 2022. Fire safety A new Fire Safety Verification Method (VM) will be introduced with a delayed adoption date from 1 May 2020. The new VM, which is a voluntary tool under a Performance Solution pathway, provides for a documented process in the design of fire safety Performance Solutions, and is based on the International Fire Engineering Guidelines. Fire sprinklers in Class 2 & 3 buildings A requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in apartment buildings and other residential buildings 4 storeys and above and up to 25 metres in effective height will be included in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. This means, anyone using a Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway for compliance for these types of buildings will need to install a fire sprinkler system. As part of these requirements, two new types of fire sprinkler systems have been included, as well as concessions for other fire safety features on account of the additional protection afforded by the fire sprinkler systems. Bonded Laminate Concession The ability to use a bonded laminated material with specified characteristics and controlled fire hazard properties, where a non-combustible material would otherwise be required, will remain for NCC 2019. Energy efficiency The commercial building energy efficiency provisions have undergone their first major overhaul since 2010, consistent with the COAG National Energy Productivity Plan. A package of measures for Volume One will focus on reducing energy consumption by a potential 35%, representing a step-change for commercial buildings. Additionally, new non-mandatory Verification Methods have been introduced to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Performance Requirement by way of NABERS and Green Star. New heating and cooling load limits for the NatHERS compliance pathway will be introduced for Volume Two. Energy efficiency provisions for Volume One and Volume Two will have a transition period of 12 months until 1 May 2020 during which either the new provisions or those from NCC 2016 may be used. Volume Two Acceptable Construction Practice Improvements have been made to the provisions of numerous Acceptable Construction Practices (ACPs), and new ACPs have been introduced for earth retaining structures, masonry, and attachment of decks and balconies. Condensation management Provisions to reduce the likelihood of risks associated with condensation within buildings will be introduced to help deal with potential health risks and amenity issues. Roof-top spaces New provisions clarifying the application of requirements to occupiable outdoor areas, such as occupiable roof-top spaces, will be introduced in Volume One. Accessible adult change facilities Volume One will include new requirements for accessible adult change facilities to be provided in large shopping centres, sporting venues, museums, theatres and airport terminals. Plumbing For NCC Volume Three, in addition to the quantification and readability changes described above, heated water temperature control, cross-connection control and rainwater harvesting and use requirements will be included. Additionally, some sections of Volume Three that were only enacted in a minority of States or Territories, such as on-site wastewater systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and stormwater, have been relocated to the relevant State or Territory appendix. Want to know more? Register to attend the ABCB’s 2019 NCC Seminars in your capital city. Seminars will be held through February and March 2019 to inform practitioners about important changes to NCC Volumes One and Two, the BCA. You can register to secure place today <booking website>. Webcasts of the Seminar, including a video on amendments to NCC Volume Three (PCA), will be released in May 2019. Further information NCC 2019 will be available for public preview in February 2019 and will be adopted from 1 May 2019. |