THE CHALLENGE
Building in the Blue Mountains means building with bushfire in mind. This site required BAL Flame Zone compliance – the highest bushfire attack level – demanding fire-resistant construction throughout, from external walls and windows to roofing and gutters. The home also needed to provide comfort in scorching summers and below-zero winter days.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
The external walls are constructed from Timbercrete, which is a lightweight block that combines fire resistance and thermal mass with good insulation properties. The material choice meets BAL FZ requirements while enhancing the home’s thermal performance.
The concrete floor slab incorporates hydronic heating throughout, providing efficient warmth through the colder months. A roof-mounted bushfire sprinkler system adds active protection, able to wet down the roof and the surrounding area when needed. Windows, doors, vents and seals were selected to meet Flame Zone requirements.
THE RESULT
A home that offers peace of mind in a bushfire-prone landscape, with the comfort and efficiency to match.