Bushfires are becoming more frequent around the world and, as a consequence of global warming and changes in weather patterns, they are increasingly severe. The destruction from uncontrolled bushfires disrupts families, businesses and communities alike. The question of how and where to build, or rebuild, to minimise risk is top of mind.
Designing to ‘build out’ bushfires requires minimising the risk of ember, radiant heat and even flame damage. With appropriate design decisions you can create an attractive timber home, using sustainably sourced timber for use both internally and externally.
Building safely means building out bushfires – it does not necessarily mean abandoning timber. AS3959–2018 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas has the benefit of many years of scientific development and provides an extensive guide to building homes to minimise risk for different levels of bushfire attack.
Innovative bushfire research supporting the use of timber-framed construction began with the first roof system tested to comply with the most demanding bushfire classification, BAL−FZ (Flame Zone). This roof system uses a timber-framed roof structure, with seasoned plywood as a roof membrane to provide additional ‘insulation’ and to support other required components such as roof insulation. The roof system was jointly funded by FWPA and has been incorporated into AS 3959 as a Deemed-to-Satisfy solution.
