Resilient house designs helping Shoalhaven build better
Published on 20 May 2022
Bushfire Building Council of Australia (BBCA) has launched free architectural drawings, specifications, and handbooks to make it easier and more affordable for Australians to build sustainable houses resilient to bushfires, floods, storms, heatwaves and cyclones.
The resources have been developed as part of the FORTIS House project, led by the BBCA and supported by NRMA Insurance and Council, alongside leading independent bushfire, storm, flood and cyclone resilience experts, engineers and architects.
The resources were developed through a community-led design process with members of the Shoalhaven community who were impacted by floods and bushfires.
FORTIS House features and benefits:
- Protective outer shell that can be completely closed to provide disaster resilience, energy efficiency, ventilation and security.
- Designed to last with non-combustible, robust, quality construction and materials.
- Save money and time with optional prefabrication provides a fast build time.
- Team are scientists, engineers, architects, builders and researchers.
- Flexible to suit people’s individual preferences, locations, budgets and lifestyles.
- Resilient system which includes the design, construction, landscaping, emergency planning, and storage of materials.
- Community-led design ensures maximises light, connection to nature, views and indoor-outdoor living.
- Sustainability: 100% electric house, self sufficient water and solar power, energy efficient design, and uses recyclable materials.
- Built to last and withstand extreme weather and disasters, reducing landfill and rebuilding environmental impacts.
The protective outer shell and set-back glazing is designed to keep the house functional, even if the outer shell is damaged in a disaster. Optional prefabricated FORTIS Houses can be built in 12 weeks, fast-tracking recovery. Services, vehicles and tools of the trade are protected in a standalone Resilient Shed.
FORTIS House reduces the emotional and financial costs of losing houses in disasters. FORTIS House is designed to be self-defending in a disaster, so people are encouraged to evacuate, stay safe and have a house to return to. FORTIS House resilience features also provide ventilation, thermal comfort in extreme temperatures, security, safety and pest and insect protection.
For more information and to download the free FORTIS House design and handbooks, visit www.fortishouse.org