5 Arkular Sustainable Modular Homes in BAL Rated Areas
Fire
Rated.
Building in Bushfire Prone Areas – BAL Rated Arkular Homes
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating is the Australian standard for determining a home’s risk of exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact areas. Read on to view 5 Arkular homes that have been designed to comply with a range of BAL ratings or click here for everything you need to know about BAL ratings and building fire resistant modular homes.Â
1. Kangaroo Valley House – BAL 40
Off-grid and bushfire resilient, this modern bush design reflects the simplicity of the rural vernacular.
The home is constructed to BAL 40 requirements, with non-combustible sarking, thickened glass and bushfire resilient internal and external materials including Colorbond external cladding.
Two reinforced concrete water tanks with a capacity of 140,000L are located on the property, with water run off from the tanks and roof providing fresh water for the pool.
View full details of Kangaroo Valley House.
2. Fish Creek House – BAL 29
A beach-bush home designed to maximise sustainability and enhance liveability.
The home had to be built according to BAL 29 specifications. All the external walls needed to be a non-combustible material, so corrugated Colorbond was chosen for the cladding.
Silvertop ash – one of only several hardwoods deemed suitable for homes in bushfire-prone areas – was picked out for the decking and eaves. Meanwhile, blackbutt, another fire-retardant timber, was ordered for the internal flooring throughout.
A CFA water tank of 10,000L has also been included on the property for firefighting requirements.
View more about the Fish Creek House here.
3. Cedar Brush Creek – BAL FZ
A linear Flame Zone design that sits gently nestled along the sloping contours of the densely forested site
FireCrunch K-Wall Passive Fire Cladding was used externally and painted black, providing a simple linear pattern and the FZ protection required.
The lighter James Hardie HardieDeck was also used as wall cladding within the courtyard to provide contrast and tonal relief against the black cladding. Bushfire Control Warrior Motorised shutters protect the windows and can be mobilised with the flick of a switch.
The courtyard is surrounded with protective mesh, preventing embers from landing in internal corners if the house is under ember attack.
View Cedar Brush Creek Flame Zone House.
4. Shoreham Banksia House – BAL 29
Responsive and adaptable, the Banksia House harmonises with the varying coastal weather conditions, akin to the enduring nature of the native plant.
– Colorbond external cladding has been chosen to comply with BAL 29 rating
– Silvertop Ash has been chosen for the decking, with Silvertop Ash identified by the Building Commission in Victoria as one of seven hardwood timber species suitable for home construction in bushfire areas. Reduced gaps in the boards ensures minimised risk of ember attack.
– A 10,000L water tank is located on the property with cleared pathways for firefighting purposes
View Shoreham Banksia House.
5. Arkular Flame Zone Home – BAL FZ
A home designed for the most extreme level of fire rating, the Ark Flame Zone Home fully complies with the most extreme BAL rating requirements, including:
– Analysis of the property in collaboration with the bushfire consultant.
– Form extrudes over the veranda, so there is a refuge and protection from the elements.
– The exterior is clad in a lightweight material that resists fire, water, sound, termites, impact and mould.
– Thicker glass windows and sliding doors than standard with the highest quality finish with a priority to maximise safe solar gain and views.
– Customisable position of the modular home and windows to reduce bushfire risk by planting vegetation as a fire blocker, not a starter.
– Commercial fire-rated doors and windows.
– Customised to the site with necessary tweaks will be required to meet individual requirements.
– External shutters are concealed behind all openings, and fire collars are to all penetrations.
