DOME SHELL HOME

A Dome shell home is constructed entirely from non-combustible materials. There are absolutely no
combustible materials in its structure. The structure of those domes consists of one hundred
millimetres thick structural concrete with another layer of lightweight insulating concrete over the
top meaning that a Domeshell could virtually withstand a blast furnace. If you want to remain
confident that the house you are living in will not burn, then you seriously need to consider a dome
shell home.

DURIMBUL BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE – WYE RIVER, VICTORIA AUSTRA

Durimbul house bushfire resistant Matt Goodman architect

Durimbul house bushfire resistant Matt Goodman architect

On Christmas day 2015, an out of control bush fire swept through Wye River, 116 homes were lost in
the fire. This project replaced one of these homes. The site is located on a steeply sloping block,
obliquely facing Bass Straight. Perched high on the hillside, the house sits where the tree canopy
once stood, anxiously awaiting the regrowth of the surrounding bushland.

The buildings form loosely references the skillion roofed beach shacks built during the ’60s-’70s. The
rational footprints, expressed with simple construction methods and common materials produce a
modest, humble quality to the village. This project aims to continue that legacy. Upon approach, the
building presents an impenetrable skin, yet once inside the building gradually opens itself up,
revealing the stunning view toward the ocean and the village beyond, seen through a foreground of
mature trees which the clients fought to save.

Keep safe from the bushfires

I want to inspire

But

Do not cut down the trees

It is my plea

Tree clearing

Noone will cheer it

Don’t build in a bushfire zone

Just let them alone

Find your spot

Not too remote

Nature & people can be together

Easy & light like a feather

Mau

ELEMENTAL HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT DESIGN

Design: Ben Callery Architects. Location: High Camp, Victoria, Australia.

Benefit: The external timber is spotted gum, an Australian hardwood that is so durable it complies
with bushfire rating requirements. The windows are the maximum allowable size with the high wind
loads, and they needed to be 1.31 feet above the ground on the eastern facade, due to the risk of
bushfire.

Elemental house bushfire resistance design Ben Callery High Camp Victoria Australia

Elemental house bushfire resistance design Ben Callery High Camp Victoria Australia

CLAM-SHAPED CABIN – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE DESIGN AUSTRALIA

bushfire resistant house design corrugated steel aluminum window frames non-combustible
materials cabin australia

bushfire resistant house design corrugated steel aluminium window frames non-combustible
materials cabin Australia

Architect Mark Fullgar chose corrugated steel, aluminium window frames, and strengthened glass—
cost-effective, non-combustible materials, given the cabin’s location in a rural fire zone Northwest of
Sydney, NSW, Australia

MT MACEDON HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE – FIELD OFFICE ARCHITECTURE – MACEDON

RANGES, VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

bushfire resistant house design mt macedon house melbourne victoria australia field office
architecture
bushfire resistant house design Mt Macedon house Melbourne Victoria Australia field office
architecture

An affordable fire-resistance architect-design house depending on the size and location may cost
between AUD$250.000 to AUD$500.000, according to the information we have gathered on the
internet.

AIREYS RAMP HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT TIMBER HOUSE – IRONS MACDUFF – AIREYS INLET
GREAT OCEAN ROAD VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

bushfire resistant timber Aireys Ramp House Irons McDuff Architecture Aireys Inlet great ocean road
victoria australia

bushfire resistant timber Aireys Ramp House Irons McDuff Architecture Aireys Inlet Great Ocean
Road Victoria Australia

WHAT IS BAL?

A BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) is a means of measuring a building’s potential exposure to ember
attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact, in a bushfire event. It is a basis for establishing the
requirements for construction to improve the protection of building elements from attack by
bushfire.

If your property is in a designated Bushfire Prone Area, a site assessment is required to be carried
out for all building permit applications for both new homes and renovations to existing homes,
regardless of whether or not vegetation is present on or adjacent to the site. The reason for this is
that the relevant building surveyor (RBS) issuing the building permit will need to be satisfied that the
correct level of construction has been applied to the building as per the new Standard. Measuring
the distance from vegetation that may pose a threat is most important and the Standard requires
that

measurements are taken horizontally from vegetation to the external wall of the proposed building,
or for parts of the building that do not have external walls (including carports, verandas, decks,
landings, steps and ramps), to the supporting posts or columns.

The following parts of the building are excluded when determining the distance to vegetation:

Eaves and roof overhangs

Rainwater and domestic fuel tanks

Chimneys, pipes, cooling or heating appliances or other services.

Unroofed pergolas

Sunblinds

Landings, terraces, steps and ramps, not more than 1 m in height

Your state government provides information about “Bushfire attack level” (BAL) categories and
areas at risk. The examination will include assessing:

Construction type

Resistance to radiant heat from a fire

Proximity to outbuildings

Vegetation issues

Fire shielding

BELLBIRD RETREAT HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT ROOF – STEENDIJK ARCHITECTS – KILLARNEY,

GOLD COAST HINTERLAND, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

bushfire resistant roof Bellbird Retreat House Steendijk Killarney gold coast hinterland queensland
australia

bushfire resistant roof Bellbird Retreat House Steendijk Killarney gold coast hinterland Queensland
Australia

The cost of fire-proof building materials is decreasing. CSRIO-tested window shutters are a good
example of this.

BELL-EASTAWAY HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE DESIGN

bushfire resistant house design ball eastaway house glenorie sydney nsw glenn murcutt architecture

bushfire resistant house design ball Eastaway House Glenorie Sydney NSW Glenn Murcutt
architecture

This house design offers a defensive system against forest fires. The role of the roof as introducing a
sprinkler system in addition to being the capstone to the vertical lines. The metal coatings are also
designed on the basis of “high risk of fire” in the area, in fact, paints used are also resistant to fire
long-range and a network of small sprinklers are installed to soak the outside in case of need.
Did you know >> Australia is the only developed nation to be listed as one of 24 global deforestation
fronts in the latest World Wide Fund for Nature report.

KARRI FIRE HOUSE – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE DESIGN EXAMPLE

bushfire resistant house design build karri fire house architects Ian Weir and Kylie Feher Denmark
Western Australia

bushfire resistant house design build karri fire house architects Ian Weir and Kylie Feher Denmark
Western Australia

Designed for a professional firefighter and his family, the Karri Fire House is an exemplar of
affordable construction for extreme levels of bushfire attack. Sited in a Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri)
forest, south of the town of Denmark WA, this house conserves its setting by prioritizing bushfire
resilience above vegetation clearing. It does so by achieving a Bushfire Attack Level of BAL-40
through the industrial design of architectural components and the integration of technologies and
materials from commercial construction and fire fighting apparel.

With a thorough understanding of AS3959 – the Australian Standard for Building in Bushfire Prone
Areas – the architects developed a highly integrated design wherein energy efficiency and bushfire
safety features are cross-purposed. Here bushfire shutters are used on a daily basis for sun, glare
and insect control. The spatial planning of the house links the daily pattern of life to the performance
of the shutters which slide between full and half-width structural steel bays on the north (most fire-
prone) elevation.

Extreme bushfire-prone areas in Australia are cold in winter and hot in summer. In response, the
Karri Fire House integrates fireproof cavity masonry walls and a suspended concrete floor (with
fireproof insulation) to provide the necessary thermal mass for the winter seasons. Summer heat
and glare are moderated by the shutters, the verandah overhang, and importantly, the Karri forest
itself.

A bushfire responsive home which has been completed for less than $3000/m2 for the internal
enclosed areas. The Karri Fire House thereby challenges the misconception that building to the
higher Bushfire Attack Levels is cost-prohibitive – BAL 40 (40 kw/m2 exposure) being the second-
highest level specified in AS3959.

The aesthetic objective of ‘light resilience’ is expressed through contrast – with rock-anchored heavy
masonry walls – from which spring the shop-fabricated structural steel cantilevered frame.
Galvanized sheet cladding and roofing not only reflects the texture of the granite outcrops and the
Karri trees but also the radiant heat of bushfire. This steel shield overlays an envelope of fire-proof
sarking adapted from fire-fighter’s tunics to provide a second line of fire defence.
The 1400m2 steeply sloping site is immediately adjacent a nature reserve on the Bibbulmun Track
and is dominated by magnificent Karri’s amongst granite outcrops and features a vegetation
conservation corridor on the downslope from the house.

EARTH SHELTERED “WHITTLESEA HOUSE” – BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE DESIGN IDEA

Design: Sean O’Bryan. Location: Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia.

Benefit: The soil around the house is a buffer from flames and also insulates against extreme
temperatures.

bushfire resistant house design whittlesea house sean obryan

bushfire resistant house design whittlesea house Sean O’Bryan

EARTH SHELTERED “NARWEE” HOUSE

Design: Baldwin O’Bryan Architects. Location: Narwee, Sydney, Australia

bushfire resistant house design build baldwin obryan architects narwee sydney australia

bushfire resistant house design build baldwin obryan architects narwee sydney australia

RAMMED EARTH HOUSE

Design: Robson Rak Architects. Location: Merricks North, Melbourne, Australia.

Benefit: The use of rammed earth as a building material is perfect for any home that is located in an
area that is considered a high fire risk, giving the property a 4-hour fire rating. The “rammed earth
has a very low ‘embodied energy’ in its production and construction.

rammed earth house design bushfire resistant robson rak architects merricks north melbourne
australia

rammed earth house design bushfire resistant robson rak architects merricks north melbourne
Australia
THE MUD CAVE – MUD BRICK HOUSE DESIGN

Location: Hornsby Heights, Sydney, Australia

the mud cave - mud brick house design bulding hornsby sydney australia

the mud cave – mud-brick house design building Hornsby Sydney Australia

BEKAA VALLEY MUD BRICK HOUSE

Design: Issa el Khodr. Location: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

mud brick house bushfire resistant design building bekaa valley lebanon

mud brick house bushfire resistant design building Bekaa Valley Lebanon

ROSEDALE, NSW BEACH HOUSE

bush fire resistant house design Rosedale NSW Australia

bush fire resistant house design Rosedale NSW Australia – Thomas Caddaye

THE BEST TIPS FOR CHOOSING A BUSHFIRE RESISTANT HOUSE DESIGN

1. Check the current Australian Bushfire Standard

When you are building in a bushfire-prone area, always consult the Australian Bushfire Standard. It’s
free and easy to download. Here are some general tips to get you started.

2. Know your BAL level

This refers to the severity of your fire risk. Homes range from BAL 12.5 (the lowest risk level), to BAL-
FZ (the highest risk zone with direct flame exposure). Get a professional to assess your BAL level, or
look for pointers online.

3. Check the area

The landscapes, slopes and vegetation all have an impact on bushfires. Homes built on or near steep
slopes typically have higher BAL ratings, since bushfires travel faster uphill. High-density vegetation
also poses a risk. If you need to trim trees, make sure you plant the same amount of trees you trim
in other locations where it is safe.

4. Seal any gaps

When we think of bushfire destruction, you tend to picture houses ravaged by the flame front.
When in reality, most homes catch ablaze when embers creep in through small gaps. Houses can
burn from the inside out. The weakest link in buildings is the openings in the walls, windows and
doors. Aim to seal any gaps wider than 2mm. The Australian Bushfire Standard provides the best
guidelines on how you should go about this. But you should generally use concrete or terracotta roof
tiles and non-combustible roof framing, and stainless steel bushfire mesh over openings.

5. Choose the right doors and windows

Choose toughened glass windows. The thickness of the glass panes ranges from 4mm (for lower BAL
ratings) to 6mm (the most extreme). Opt for roller doors to keep the flames out. The thickness of the
glass will again, depend on how at-risk your home is.

6. Use the right construction materials

In low to medium risk areas (up to BAL 29), you can build your whole internal structure – walls,
roofs, cabinets and bookshelves – out of bushfire-resistant timber. Brick, concrete and steelwork
well as alternative fire-safe options too.

7. Add an external structure

The external structure, or protective ‘envelope’ exists to keep the fire out. The Bushfire Standard
provides extensive info on external wall structures for your specific BAL rating. But brick, timber,
concrete and steel are good defences. In many cases, it’s as simple as adding a mesh screen.

8. Don’t forget landscaping

You want to minimise the amount of fuel that could catch alight. This means you should avoid
planting garden beds around your house or swap them out with heat-resistant plants. ‘Having paved
areas around your house is a good way to provide a bit of separation’. Remember to also keep your
drains and gutters clear of leaves, branches and other debris.

9. Pick the right insurance

Prepping for bushfire season includes getting the right insurance for your most valuable asset. When
you take out a home insurance policy, make sure you get a free safety net home protection. This
means you’ll be covered more than your set sum insured if repair or rebuilding costs unexpectedly
rise at claims time.

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THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID WHEN DESIGNING FIRE-RESISTANT HOUSES

Flammable wooden decks, verandas, wooden cladding (aka wooden walls).

Whiting 8 metres of your house avoid having: trees, fallen dry leaves, woodpiles, shrubs, mulch,
combustible outdoor furniture.

Gutters full of dry leaves.

Gas bottle release valves facing your house. Keep them away.

Brushwood fences. Replace them for metal fences.

One single outdoor water point. Install multiple water points so you can use multiple hoses if
required.

Any type of debris, trash and rubbish away from your house.

FIRE-RESISTANT HOME DESIGNS – NICE TO HAVE

Sprinkler systems and multiple water points around the house with hoses that get good pressure.

Thicker windows

Removing all flammable fences, decks, verandas, etc.

A shed away from home to keep all flammable liquids. Ideally, do not even store them.
Gutter guards

Galvanised sheet cladding and roofing.

BAL-40 rated decking planks

Non-combustible steel joists and bearers.

BUSHFIRE-RESISTANT ARCHITECTS AND CONSULTANTS IN AUSTRALIA

Christine Eriksen

Eldon Bottcher

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Disclaimer: While we strive to ensure our information is accurate, complete and up-to-date, such
information does not constitute advice. eDigital does not guarantee and accepts no legal liability
whatsoever arising from or in connection to the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of
any information contained in this article. You should consider seeking appropriate professional
advice before making any decisions based on information in this article.