Cyclone effected North Queensland
Sun, Jul 17 2011 07:22
| Cyclone Yasi, North Queensland
| Permalink
Some images from the Cyclone effected North Queensland.
Pre cyclone Yasi - Dunk Island 2008
Prost cyclone Yasi - Dunk Island 2011
Pre cyclone Yasi - Dunk Island 2008
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Queenslanders build back stronger
Sun, Jul 17 2011 07:10
| Queensland, Cyclone Larry, Cyclone Yasi, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
| Permalink
TOWNSVILLE: Premier and Minister for Reconstruction, Anna Bligh, today released guidelines designed to rebuild a stronger North Queensland following Queensland’s summer disasters.
Rebuilding in Storm tide prone areas: Tully Heads and Hull Heads is designed to help those who choose to rebuild their homes following the effects of Cyclone Yasi.
The document is the first of a series of guidelines designed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, James Cook University and experts on cyclones and architecture, to rebuild a stronger Queensland following the recent natural disasters.
“We have said we want to build it back better in Queensland and we mean it,” said the Premier at a demonstration of the effects of cyclonic winds on houses at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station in Townsville with the Chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Major General Mick Slater today.
“These guidelines will give people rebuilding their homes or building new homes some directions on how to limit the damage should a storm surge hit their region again,” said the Premier.
“We know the best way to survive a storm tide is to raise your house above storm tide level, but if that is not possible these guidelines recommend you make sure that walls which are essential to the structure are built perpendicular to the shore line.
“That means they offer the least resistance to the storm tide and are less likely to collapse. Simple tips like this can save homes and maybe even lives in the future.”
The Premier also released the draft of the second in the series of guidelines for consultation - Wind Resistant Housing - whichcontains practical information and recommendations for protecting houses in Cyclone conditions.
“We saw in Innisfail after Cyclone Larry how effective rebuilding homes to category 5 standard can be and these guidelines will learn again from the experience of Cyclone Yasi,” said the Premier.
“Public feedback is welcome and we expect to finalise the guidelines within the next six weeks and those interested on commenting should visit the Authority website atqldreconstruction.org.au.
“These guidelines are of particular relevance to residents of North Queensland but almost our entire coast can experience cyclones. These guidelines are relevant for communities from the tip of the Cape to the Sunshine Coast.”
Major General Mick Slater said the summer disasters also reminded us that cyclones do not only affect the Queensland coast.
“Cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland coast causing millions in damage, but its sheer size meant its effects were felt 1500 kilometres west in Mount Isa,” General Slater said.
“Therefore, guidelines like these have benefits for communities not only around Australia, but anywhere in the world where serious storms like typhoons and hurricanes are prevalent.
“Queenslanders cannot afford to be complacent about the dangers natural disasters present. And as we approach the next cyclone season we need to make sure we’re prepared.”
The guidelines have been developed in partnership between the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and leading cyclone and architecture experts at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, CSIRO, Australian Institute of Architects, GHD and Cassowary Coast Regional Council. The Bureau of Meteorology also contributed to the second guideline.
Source : http://www.qldreconstruction.org.au/news-media/78
Rebuilding in Storm tide prone areas: Tully Heads and Hull Heads is designed to help those who choose to rebuild their homes following the effects of Cyclone Yasi.
The document is the first of a series of guidelines designed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, James Cook University and experts on cyclones and architecture, to rebuild a stronger Queensland following the recent natural disasters.
“We have said we want to build it back better in Queensland and we mean it,” said the Premier at a demonstration of the effects of cyclonic winds on houses at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station in Townsville with the Chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Major General Mick Slater today.
“These guidelines will give people rebuilding their homes or building new homes some directions on how to limit the damage should a storm surge hit their region again,” said the Premier.
“We know the best way to survive a storm tide is to raise your house above storm tide level, but if that is not possible these guidelines recommend you make sure that walls which are essential to the structure are built perpendicular to the shore line.
“That means they offer the least resistance to the storm tide and are less likely to collapse. Simple tips like this can save homes and maybe even lives in the future.”
The Premier also released the draft of the second in the series of guidelines for consultation - Wind Resistant Housing - whichcontains practical information and recommendations for protecting houses in Cyclone conditions.
“We saw in Innisfail after Cyclone Larry how effective rebuilding homes to category 5 standard can be and these guidelines will learn again from the experience of Cyclone Yasi,” said the Premier.
“Public feedback is welcome and we expect to finalise the guidelines within the next six weeks and those interested on commenting should visit the Authority website atqldreconstruction.org.au.
“These guidelines are of particular relevance to residents of North Queensland but almost our entire coast can experience cyclones. These guidelines are relevant for communities from the tip of the Cape to the Sunshine Coast.”
Major General Mick Slater said the summer disasters also reminded us that cyclones do not only affect the Queensland coast.
“Cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland coast causing millions in damage, but its sheer size meant its effects were felt 1500 kilometres west in Mount Isa,” General Slater said.
“Therefore, guidelines like these have benefits for communities not only around Australia, but anywhere in the world where serious storms like typhoons and hurricanes are prevalent.
“Queenslanders cannot afford to be complacent about the dangers natural disasters present. And as we approach the next cyclone season we need to make sure we’re prepared.”
The guidelines have been developed in partnership between the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and leading cyclone and architecture experts at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, CSIRO, Australian Institute of Architects, GHD and Cassowary Coast Regional Council. The Bureau of Meteorology also contributed to the second guideline.
Source : http://www.qldreconstruction.org.au/news-media/78
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WHAT'S GOING ON UP THERE? AN INVENTORY FOR AUSTRALIAN GREEN ROOFS
Tue, Jun 21 2011 04:27
| Permalink
As the number of Australian green roofs continue to grow, some very important questions remain unanswered. This is potentially hampering the success of both current and future projects. Just how many green roofs are there? Where are they located? What are some of the products they have used? To date, no comprehensive inventory of Australian Green roofs exists. However, steps are being made to address this.
The Australian Green Roof Inventory is project is being conducted as a University of Melbourne Masters research project in collaboration with Green Roofs Australia. The project aims to construct a detailed, meaningful and comprehensive inventory of green roof projects throughout Australia. Collected data will then be used to build a database and conduct an analysis of industry trends. This will be a publically available resource that could be continually updated and expanded; addressing a current knowledge gap for the horticultural industry green roof professionals and researchers.
Building such an inventory is no small task. As such the project team is requesting some help. It is seeking those who can identify locations and provide data about green roof projects they may have worked on or are familiar with.
To make gathering this information simple and time efficient the project team has compiled a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire will gather the basic information about the green roof project, but also allows for more detailed responses.
The questionnaire can be taken by following the below link-
http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/australian-green-roof-inventory/
The inventory will be compiled by Master’s student Lachlan Yourn, with supervision from leading green roof academics Nicholas Williams and John Rayner.
Source : www.sustainablebuildingproducts.com.au/news
Graphisoft - New ArchiCAD 15 Release
Mon, Jun 20 2011 03:47
| Permalink
Graphisoft - New ArchiCAD 15 Release
The evolution of forms has always walked hand-in-hand with the evolution of structures. From the simplest barrel vaults to the most sophisticated rib vaults, the architect has always aspired to combine durability, utility and beauty (Vitruvius). These very principles can be seen in the finest examples of Modern architecture as well. ArchiCAD 15 expands the design capabilities of its BIM tools, including new Shell structures, to support the broadest spectrum of architectural shapes and forms found in both classical and modern architecture.
Source : http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/
2011 Building Australia's Future National Conference
Mon, Jun 20 2011 02:51
| Permalink
2011 Building Australia's Future National Conference
2011 Building Australia's Future National Conference
The Australian Building Codes Board is proud to announce the Building Australia's Future Conference to be held at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort on the Gold Coast, Queensland 18 - 21 September 2011.
Source : Australian Building Codes Board