The timber framed home in Kiara, designed by the Department of Communities and built by Dale Alcock, achieved a seven- NatHERS rating, exceeding industry sustainability standards.
The Forest Industries Federation of WA has welcomed a new timber framed demonstration home which has achieved a seven-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) valuation, exceeding industry standards. Source: Timberbiz
Housing Minister Peter Tinley this week announced the achievement of the Kiara home, designed by the Department of Communities and built by Dale Alcock, which highlights the many benefits of a timber frame home.
Mr Tinley said the timber frame demonstration home was not only affordable, but environmentally sustainable.
“Timber is a renewable resource and a natural carbon store, making it an ideal environmentally friendly building material,” Mr Tinley said.
“It is more resilient and has the added bonus of producing less waste than brick construction, which means less material ending up in landfill.”
The Sugargum Rise property is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom open plan home.
Reaffirming the fact that timber frame homes are faster to build, the walls and roof trusses of the home were prefabricated off-site, with the walls taking just two days to erect.
It also serves as an example of how narrow timber framing can maximise internal floor space (compared to brick), creating a more adaptable home which can be easily adjusted to suit various living requirements.
FIFWA Executive Director Melissa Haslam congratulated those involved with the design and building of the innovative home and hoped it would inspire others to consider timber framing.
The use of timber as a preferred material is also outlined in the State Government adopted Wood Encouragement Policy, which is designed to encourage the use of responsibly sourced wood in the construction and fit-out of buildings or other structures, on its own or in combination with other materials.
“Local renewable timber is an excellent choice in construction, so it is really exciting to see such an innovative, affordable and sustainable home demonstrating those benefits,” Mrs Haslam said.
“Building with renewable timber is building for a better future and that is what our industry is focused on, which is why regeneration is such a critical component.
“That is why we need to ensure we are prepared for the ongoing demand for timber, by expanding and developing our plantation estate. FIFWA keenly awaits the outcome of the State Government’s Market-led Proposal initiative, announced in August, seeking private investment to expand the plantation estate.
“We thank the State Government for continuing to support the industry and recognising what a valuable resource our local timber is.”
