The Thesis

Landslide hazard on a 26 degree slope. All footings had to be socketed 3-4m into ground. More footings meant cheaper subfloor materials, but more footings meant a blowout on excavation through the difficult site. There was a perfect balance somewhere between minimal footings and minimal subfloor structure.

This was a Bal-FZ. Flamezone, the worst Bal rating. The cost of suspended subfloors were increased by non-combustible linings. The wall systems and roof systems all had to be designed, priced, and quantified to meet budget and practicality.

Topographic factors meant the cyclonic wind was amplified to 198km/hr. A minimal structure meant bracing was severely tested. Within the first year the house withstood a Tornado and a Cyclone.

Built after the bushfires, during the aftermath of Covid and with rising interest rates. Every month that went on throughout the build interest rates increased 1%, material prices increased 6-10% per annum, and trade labour rates were increasing 10-20% per annum.

Engineers struggle with creativity if they are unbound. If they are bound by the codes and rules, they flourish with creativity.

This project is a prime example of being creative with oppressive restrictions, and calculating the exact point of too much and too little.

The project was a solo build with favours asked by many friends and family. Earthworks, blocks, formwork, slab, frame, trusses, windows, and the metal roof were done in 8 weeks. Then I got an apprentice to carry me the rest of the way because I was tired.