Considerations for rebuilding after the fires
NEW BEGINNINGS: Many architects are already designing in fire prone areas using designs that are more sustainable and cost effective in the long term.
The final days of summer are here, and after what was an extremely traumatic fire season for many, thoughts turn to continued recovery, and for some, rebuilding in the place they call home.
It is possible for residents to rebuild in bushfire affected zones, the Dean of UNSW Built Environment, Professor Helen Lochhead says. But no matter what part of Australia you're rebuilding in, designs need to be well located and designed, in line with the Australian Standard, AS3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas.
"In the majority of cases, we can design much better, more fire resistant, more sustainable and climate responsive houses, than what we are doing today," Professor Lochhead says, adding that one of the first considerations in rebuilding is assessing the suitability of the site.
"There are locations where it's probably not appropriate to rebuild," she says. "For example, if your home is in a remote location, with one road in, surrounded by bush and without any support infrastructure, or any potential for a fire break, that's obviously a very vulnerable location to rebuild.
"On the other hand, more effective solutions may require people working together. If you're part of a settlement that was affected, communities can and should be part of the future planning and decision-making process so investment and reconstruction benefits the broader community." She suggests the possibility of building more community infrastructure and establishing fire breaks in public spaces to protect housing against travelling fires in the future.
We can design much better, more fire resistant, more sustainable and climate responsive houses, than what we are doing today.
Professor Helen Lochhead
According to Professor Lochhead, people planning to rebuild should consider adequate clearing around the house, self-cleaning gutters, and fire resistant decking on verandahs. The underside of buildings should be enclosed so embers don't get trapped underneath the floor, and in more isolated areas there should be adequate stored water, be it tanks, pools, ponds or dams, to fight possible fires. Also consider non-flammable materials - masonry, brickwork or rammed earth, and concrete instead of timber.
"This doesn't mean you can't use timber, but you might use it on the inside rather than the outside of buildings in these of locations," says Professor Lochhead. "We're not promoting buildings that are beyond the reach of the average person. We're just talking about designing sensibly, sustainably and for the long term, acknowledging the climate and environment which we live in."