The real estate industry is booming in Australia at the moment. It seems like a new house, apartment complex, or renovation project is going on every other street. But with every new building bigger than the last, the space available becomes smaller and smaller. This results in builders and architects trying to maximize the space available, and buildings tend to end up too close to the boundary allotment. Fortunately, SOTERA has experience providing performance solutions addressing boundary allotment issues in residential occupancies.
ABCB Housing Provision Clause 9.2.3 requires an external wall within 900 mm of the allotment boundary to have an FRL of 60/60/60 and any openings within the wall to be non-operable fire windows with an FRL of -/60/-. Most people want to be able to open their windows to enjoy a breeze, especially during these hot Queensland summers. We at SOTERA have provided numerous performance solutions for various residential buildings from Class 1 through 4, allowing operable windows as close as 300 mm to the boundary without any FRLs. The solution is based on a heat transfer assessment – specifically radiation analysis – on the windows at the allotment boundary to determine the risk of flame spread to the building. Based on the results, we can select what other measures can be taken to meet the intent of the building code regarding this issue. This tailored approach provides our clients maximum design flexibility without compromising the building and future occupants’ safety.
Let SOTERA be your first choice to help you achieve boundary allotment compliance today.