Timber Supplier in Brisbane Applauds Changes to National Construction Code
Announcement posted by Narangba Timbers 18 Apr 2016
Timber supplier in Brisbane reveals why recent changes allowing mid-rise timber structures will provide more affordable housing.
Brisbane, QLD, 18 April 2016 - Beginning 1 May 2016, builders will be able to build timber structures up to 25 metres high. They will be required to have fire sprinklers and fire-resistant cladding, among other requirements. These changes in the National Construction Code catch Australia up with numerous countries that have made similar changes.
Jack Kyle, Owner of Narangba Timbers, timber suppliers based in Brisbane, is happy about the new construction code because it will eventually result in more affordable housing. Mid-rise apartment structures are often cost-prohibitive in many suburbs due to the high cost of building a traditional cement and steel building.
According to Mr Kyle: “This is great news, not only for the timber industry but for builders and developers of mid-rise apartments and anyone looking to buy or rent one at an affordable price. There is really no downside here. Timber is a natural insulator. We expect timber to provide the same benefits that it does in smaller buildings: lower heating and cooling costs and more consistent temperatures.”
Timber will allow smaller developers with a bit less money to build mid-rise apartment structures and make them more affordable. While the materials involved only save approximately 2% for builders, there are many other savings because of the nature of the materials. Generally, materials only account for around 25% of the cost of a building. The rest of the cost is labour.
Timber buildings go up faster because timber weighs less than concrete and steel and is more easily workable. The costs for foundation, scaffolding and cranes are far less. The process of installing air conditioning, ventilation, heating and electrical services is much faster using timber. Timber buildings can save as much as 20% compared to concrete and steel buildings.
Firefighting Technology has Improved
For more than 350 years, building codes have been influenced by the Great Fire of London. After structural integrity, fire prevention and fire fighting have been the main focus of building codes. Construction technology and firefighting technology have improved greatly in the last fifty years.
The fire sprinklers, fire resistant cladding and fire resistant plasterboard which will be mandatory are all recent developments. Insulation and thermal breaks can also be used to make a timber building safer in the event of fires.
According to Mr Kyle: “A lot of people in the construction industry think timber buildings will be safer than concrete and steel buildings thanks to all of the safeguards that are going to be required. Concrete and steel buildings aren’t required to have water sprinklers, for example. Ultimately, the goal of fire regulations is to save lives. That is done by giving those who live in the buildings enough time to escape in case of a fire. I am fully confident that timber mid-rise structures will be as safe as their concrete and steel counterparts.”
Narangba Timbers are foremost timber suppliers in Brisbane. They are a three generation family business that specialises in having a wide selection of high quality timber at low prices. They pride themselves on providing top notch customer service. All of their timber comes from ethical, sustainable sources. To learn more or to place an order, call (07) 3888 1293 or visit their website: http://www.narangbatimbers.com.au/
Jack Kyle, Owner of Narangba Timbers, timber suppliers based in Brisbane, is happy about the new construction code because it will eventually result in more affordable housing. Mid-rise apartment structures are often cost-prohibitive in many suburbs due to the high cost of building a traditional cement and steel building.
According to Mr Kyle: “This is great news, not only for the timber industry but for builders and developers of mid-rise apartments and anyone looking to buy or rent one at an affordable price. There is really no downside here. Timber is a natural insulator. We expect timber to provide the same benefits that it does in smaller buildings: lower heating and cooling costs and more consistent temperatures.”
Timber will allow smaller developers with a bit less money to build mid-rise apartment structures and make them more affordable. While the materials involved only save approximately 2% for builders, there are many other savings because of the nature of the materials. Generally, materials only account for around 25% of the cost of a building. The rest of the cost is labour.
Timber buildings go up faster because timber weighs less than concrete and steel and is more easily workable. The costs for foundation, scaffolding and cranes are far less. The process of installing air conditioning, ventilation, heating and electrical services is much faster using timber. Timber buildings can save as much as 20% compared to concrete and steel buildings.
Firefighting Technology has Improved
For more than 350 years, building codes have been influenced by the Great Fire of London. After structural integrity, fire prevention and fire fighting have been the main focus of building codes. Construction technology and firefighting technology have improved greatly in the last fifty years.
The fire sprinklers, fire resistant cladding and fire resistant plasterboard which will be mandatory are all recent developments. Insulation and thermal breaks can also be used to make a timber building safer in the event of fires.
According to Mr Kyle: “A lot of people in the construction industry think timber buildings will be safer than concrete and steel buildings thanks to all of the safeguards that are going to be required. Concrete and steel buildings aren’t required to have water sprinklers, for example. Ultimately, the goal of fire regulations is to save lives. That is done by giving those who live in the buildings enough time to escape in case of a fire. I am fully confident that timber mid-rise structures will be as safe as their concrete and steel counterparts.”
Narangba Timbers are foremost timber suppliers in Brisbane. They are a three generation family business that specialises in having a wide selection of high quality timber at low prices. They pride themselves on providing top notch customer service. All of their timber comes from ethical, sustainable sources. To learn more or to place an order, call (07) 3888 1293 or visit their website: http://www.narangbatimbers.com.au/