Building Resilience
As concerns about our changing climate become an ever-present issue in our day-to-day lives, it is crucial that we don’t get immersed in the trappings of nihilism and hopelessness. Yes, my dear readers, I understand that whenever you turn on the news, all you might see are constant reminders of a bleak future, but above all else, we must look to the future not with creeping trepidation, but with unshakable optimism. Sydney Home Design + Living’s Robin Harper sits down with the CEO of Resilience Design and Build, Siobhan Pearson, to explore the clever planning and technology that goes into creating homes designed to withstand the worst that Mother Nature has in store for us.
As Australians, we are no strangers to the devastation left in the wake of natural disasters. Although we are blessed (for the most part) in avoiding the cruelty of earthquakes and tornadoes, Australia’s environment unfortunately attracts the ire of destructive bushfires, floods and cyclones. With global warming affecting climate change and aggravating the spread and frequency of these natural disasters, we as a community need to start considering the ways in which we can plan, design and develop our homes so that they are fortified securely against the worst-case scenarios. Even if you are living in urban areas where natural disasters are less likely to strike, it is still important to consider the future to ensure that you and the next generations can live safely and comfortably in your homes.
WITHSTANDING THE WORST
As highlighted by the Australian Government, there are eight climate zones defined by the National Construction Code: one, hot humid summers with warm winters; two, warm humid summers with mild winters; three, hot dry summers with warm winters; four, hot dry summers with cool winters; five, warm temperate; six, mild temperate; seven, cool temperate and eight, alpine. Due to the diverse nature of New South Wales’ landscape, its climate spans across multiple zones, from two all the way to eight. According to Pearson, “There’s an update to the national construction code coming out soon.” This update will be in response to the influences of climate change that has ever so slightly altered our zones and consequently, introduced new natural hazards that could threaten our daily lives.
These climate zones are carefully considered with Resilience Design and Build. “What we found was, with the way that the climate is, we’re looking at global warming and we’re seeing such a change that we believe we have to design houses that meet all catastrophic conditions,” Pearson says. We have already seen a transition for certain houses towards passive temperature control designs such as doubleglazed windows and earth pipe cooling.
It only makes sense in modern home design advancements to take things one step further and create houses that are not only sustainable and eco-friendly, but can withstand the harshest of weather conditions. In taking these pre-emptive measures in response to climate change, we can help guarantee a more stable future not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
RESPONDING WITH EMPATHY
After the catastrophic destruction left behind by Black Summer bushfires that tore through New South Wales, Pearson says that she couldn’t sleep at night knowing there were people still left displaced or homeless. “There’s still 4000 homes that still haven’t been replaced,” she explains. “The community is so badly affected by that.” Pearson’s highly empathetic investment in the Australian lives affected by natural disasters positions her as a beacon of hope for our country’s future.
Given the specialised niche of Pearson’s company and its goals, the team have a range of experts all working together to make the world a better place. “It’s a collaborative,” she says. “We have structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, fire-compliance officers, builders, planners … we’re a bunch of people working together and using all our materials and resources to make sure we’re giving our clients everything available that is the very best.”
One of Resilience Design and Build’s new homes, which is featured on page 64, will be constructed on a cliff in Airlie Beach, meaning it can be prone to slippage if it is not designed and constructed properly. On top of that, it is also designed to withstand CAT 5 cyclones, mitigating any risks of flooding. “Even the surveyor couldn’t get down there. They had to use a drone!” says Pearson. “It will be interesting getting the earth-moving machines in – but we’ll do it,” she says, determined.
THE LATEST IN HOME PROTECTION
You are probably curious by now as to some of the latest technology that Resilience Design and Build installs in its homes to brave against extreme elements. For Australians in bushfire-prone areas, the company’s landscaper says that the biggest issue is gumtrees. “They burn so quickly,” says Pearson, “there are so many other native plants we can use in yards that are less flammable.” According to Pearson, succulents and pebbled paths are great for landscaping, as they are less flammable than grass lawns.
Digging further into the details, there are materials that are a no-brainer when it comes to building in bushfire areas. “I actually do like timber,” she says. “But you can’t have houses in timber for bushfire areas because you’ll have issues getting approval for that. You have to use non-combustible materials that are either concrete or metal.” For Pearson, her advice is to avoid standard forms of construction. There are other factors at play that you must consider beyond your house burning down – there is also the issue of your internal insulation. Internal insulation incompatible with extreme bushfire climates could produce noxious gases deadly for if you choose to stay to defend your home.
Further, cyclones that track right down to the Gold Coast can create winds from up to 280 kilometres per hour. “Before the 1980s, houses didn’t survive well,” she says. “We’ve made sure we’ve maxed out all the potential that all those materials make one of ours durable.”
With Pearson’s revolutionary team of experts putting their brilliant minds together to create safe, long-lasting homes, you can rest easy knowing that there are good, intelligent people out there working hard to make our futures sustainable and – more importantly – resilient.
Images courtesy of Resilience Design and Build
