Australian Building Code Board approves use of fire- and acoustic-rated timber-frame construction systems for some three-story buildings from May 2014; amendment follows three-year industry campaign led by Forest and Wood Products Australia

Wendy Lisney

Wendy Lisney

DUNEDIN, New Zealand , January 31, 2014 () – The culmination of three year’s work, orchestrated by industry body, Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA has led to the Australian Building Code Board recently approving amendments enabling timber framing to be used on a far wider range of projects. The new regulations now permits the use of fire and acoustic rated timber-framed construction systems for 3 storey Class 3 buildings (eg hotels/motels) and broadens the market for timber. The amendment will apply from May 2014.

“This welcome change in the building code to allow deemed-to-satisfy solutions will provide architects and building designers with the opportunity to use more wood and wood products,” said the University of Tasmania’s Associate Professor Gregory Nolan, “hopefully this is the tip of the iceberg and we can look forward to more approved applications for traditional wood framing and new engineered wood products in taller buildings.”

Australian designers and builders have to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) that includes performance standards for different classes of buildings and specifies materials that have been tested and approved to meet the standards. Until now, 3 storey timber framing has not been an approved method of construction for Class 3 buildings, which covers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, motels, hostels and residential parts of health-care facilities for staff accommodation.

The three-year process, which involved submissions by Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd (FWPA), testing by fire engineers Exova Warringtonfire and work by the Timber Development Association, led to the Australian Building Code Board approving the amendments in late 2013. This is a step towards bringing Australia into line with the majority of overseas building codes that allow deemed-to-satisfy solutions for much taller timber buildings.

“This is a positive development for all stakeholders,” said Ric Sinclair, FWPA’s managing director, “designers and builders gains a broader material palette – and the option of bringing the environmental advantages of wood to more projects, while for the timber industry it’s part of a market development process that will add substantial volume for Australian companies.”

“However, as the international comparison above shows, there’s still an enormous opportunity to increase the use of timber in taller buildings – and we’re working to ensure our industry can make the most of it,” Mr Sinclair concluded.





* 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.

Share:

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

We collect data, including through use of cookies and similar technology ("cookies") that enchance the online experience. By clicking "I agree", you agree to our cookies, agree to bound by our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. For more information on our data practices and how to exercise your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.