PLANNING with the current requirements under BASIX. The reference building verification method (V2.6.2.2) has been made and also clarifies which software tools can and cannot be used to undertake modelling for this method (note: this method doesn’t apply in NSW). The requirements for building sealing are now more prescriptive and there is the inclusion of an optional verification method for building sealing utilising a ‘blower door’ test, this provision applies both nationally and in NSW under BASIX. Condensation The inclusion of the condensation management provisions is in response to growing calls for this issue to be addressed in particular in houses in colder climates of Australia. The provisions are intended to be the first of a suite of changes to come in future editions of the code. The new provisions address condensation management including the use of vapour permeable membranes AS PART OF THESE material that meet prescribed criteria to and external ducting of exhaust has REQUIREMENTS, TWO be used in external walls required to be been introduced. non-combustible. NEW TYPES OF FIRE Acceptable Construction Practice SPRINKLER SYSTEMS HAVE When will the changes take effect? On a positive note the NCC will BEEN INCLUDED, AS WELL The majority to the changes will take effect re-introduce ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions’ AS CONCESSIONS FOR from 1 May next year, though to assist (DtS) for masonry veneer construction, industry with adjusting to these changes provide additional fire safety measures OTHER FIRE SAFETY the ABCB Board agreed for a 12 month between attached dwellings and introduce FEATURES ON ACCOUNT transition period for all of the energy new DtS provisions for earth retaining OF THE ADDITIONAL efficiency provisions for all classes of structures and the attachment of decks buildings. and balconies. PROTECTION... HIA sought the inclusion of this content Want to know more about the changes back into the NCC itself rather than being included, as well as concessions for other HIA will be running a series of seminars in wholly reliant on referenced standards. fire safety features on account of the capital cities and regional workshops. These The major changes to NCC additional protection afforded by the fire seminars will include a ‘deep dive’ analysis Volume One low- and mid-rise sprinkler systems. of the major and other changes tailored specifically to those changes that will affect Class 2 buildings Energy efficient requirements houses and other residential buildings. Mandatory fire sprinklers in There will be an increase in energy efficiency Class 2 and 3 buildings stringency for commercial buildings with In the Hunter a seminar will be held at our A requirement for fire sprinklers to be regards to common areas, shared services Newcastle office on April 4. installed in apartment buildings and other of apartments and mixed-use buildings Other NSW workshop locations and dates residential buildings four storeys and above (apartments with ground floor cafés and include: and up to 25 metres in effective height shops), and meeting the similar energy • Wollongong 6 March will be included in the DtS provisions. This efficiency measures mentioned above • Port Macquarie 20 March means, anyone using a DtS pathway for for housing. • Coffs Harbour 21 March compliance for these types of buildings Other changes include the retention • Sydney 5 April will need to install a fire sprinkler system. of the bonded laminate materials clause • Tamworth 9 April As part of these requirements, two new from C1.9(e) (former C1.12) and • Penrith 15 May types of fire sprinkler systems have been permitting certain types of sarking-type • Orange 29 May BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 1/2019P25