Building a home is a tricky-enough process, whether you’re choosing designs, materials or location. Many Australians choose to live regionally, to take in the breathtaking landscapes that our country has to offer. But, for those looking to build in a bushfire prone area, it can make the pre-build process a little more complicated.
In bushfire prone areas, understanding the landscape and integrating safety measures into your home's design is essential - in fact, it’s government regulated. We want to guide you through the key considerations to keep in mind when building a house in a bushfire-prone area.
Understanding the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
In Australia, bushfires pose an annual threat for some zones. But, the spectrum of what’s classified “bushfire prone” ranges quite a bit, and the threat may be less pressing for some plots of land.
That’s why we have what’s called a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). This lets homeowners gauge their risk of fire impact.
The BAL metric assesses the potential exposure of your property to ember attacks, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. BAL ratings, ranging from BAL-LOW to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone), inform the construction standards required for your home.
Engaging a qualified Bushfire Consultant for a BAL assessment is the first step in this journey. This assessment not only rates your property but also provides actionable insights and, if necessary, a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) to mitigate risks.
Reducing your Bushfire Attack Level is doable. For example, clearing trees from the land around the home can make a massive difference. Along with taking steps to reduce the risk your land poses, choosing fire resistant materials for your build adds a further layer of protection.
Material Choices and Construction Standards
The choice of materials used in your build significantly impacts your home's resilience to bushfires. Non-combustible materials like concrete, steel, and fire-resistant timber are not just durable against fires; they can also offer the added benefit of being low maintenance.
Steel frame homes are an excellent choice for those who are building in any bushfire-prone area. Not only do they provide a fireproof skeleton for your home, they are also borer-proof, warp-resistant and rot-proof. Imagine Kit Homes, and Kitome are examples of prefabricated kit home builders who offer a range of steel frame home options. JG King and Rawson Homes offer knockdown rebuilds and flexible floor plans for those in VIC and NSW respectively.
Your home's BAL rating influences the construction standards, and this means your build may incur additional costs. Higher BAL ratings may necessitate more robust materials and innovative construction techniques, potentially increasing the overall expense.
Design and Structural Considerations
The design of your home should take into account bushfire protection measures. Windows, doors, and roofs are critical points that require careful consideration.
Opt for fire-resistant or fire-retardant materials, and consider metal roofing to reduce the risk of ignition. These days, there are various options for fire resistant doors and paints, which are typically used in apartment buildings to mitigate the risk of spreading fires.
Simplifying the structure and keeping the home low to the ground can minimise the chances of embers getting trapped. Strategic placement on your plot of land, and design choices such as using fire resistant paints or concrete walls, can significantly enhance your home's defence against bushfires.
Beyond the structure itself, additional protective measures can provide a safety net. Installing a sprinkler system on the roof, adding external taps connected to an independent water source, and ensuring a backup power system are all further steps homeowners can take to protect their home.
Building your Fire-Ready Home
Constructing a home in a bushfire-prone area requires an understanding of the local environment, choosing the right materials, and integrating defensive design principles. Doing the research upfront, and comparing your options in both protection and design is the best way to ensure you’re living in a resilient home that suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Publisher Website: www.homeshelf.com.au