Use of prefabricated wood components makes elevated housing affordable and efficient, says Timber Queensland CEO, dismissing reports of extra AU$50,000 cost as 'untrue scaremongering'

Wendy Lisney

FORTITUDE VALLEY, Australia , March 9, 2011 (press release) – A return to the Queensland” Highset” house, particularly in flood prone areas, would cost no more than a house on the ground if designed properly for that application says timber industry peak body Timber Queensland.

Timber Queensland CEO, Rod McInnes says a return to the highset Queenslander has many advantages over currently popular lowset construction.

“Our forefathers had it right when most Queensland houses were built high and dry, our of harms way, allowing efficient lightweight construction, being able to catch prevailing breezes and utilizing building materials with a lighter carbon footprint than heavy mass alternatives,” he said.

Highset houses provide car accommodation, storage and recreational opportunities underneath, which can be easily and quickly moved in the face of impending flooding.

Modern construction techniques also allow for prefabrication of components such as wall frames, roof trusses and flooring systems in factory environments to provide more affordable and efficient construction.

Timber is a natural for these applications, coming from sustainably managed forests with international certification and storing carbon taken in by the tree whilst growing in the forest.

Timber Queensland is conducting a Seminar on March 15 to discuss efficient high & dry construction. Speakers include Deputy Premier & Planning Minister Paul Lucas, the Government Planner, Building designers and Timber Engineers. This seminar is sold out with 275 builders, designers and other building professionals registered to attend.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.