The Importance of Regulation 126 Certificate of Compliance in Victoria

October 26, 2024

Seismic Design in Australia Are You Complying With the National Construction Code and Earthquake Standard?

According to the NCC Performance Requirements for structures, buildings must perform adequately under all reasonable, expected, and extreme design actions, including earthquake actions. The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the NCC require buildings to be designed and constructed in compliance with AS 1170.4 to meet such requirements.

Modular Homes

October 6, 2024

The Rise of Modular Expandable Container Homes: A New Trend in Australia's Housing Market

Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne's urban sprawl, increasing housing demand, and rising costs have led to the search for alternative housing solutions. Here's why modular expandable container homes are particularly well-suited to this city's need

Seismic Ceiling

September 2, 2024

How to build round seismic ceiling using steel framing and be compliant with AS1170.4

Specifically designed for suspended ceilings, the Keylock® system offers a robust framework that can accommodate various ceiling types, including recessed round ceilings. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for both standard and complex architectural designs, ensuring compliance with relevant building standards, including AS1170.4 for seismic resilience.

3D Rendering

August 5, 2024

Realistic Architectural Details 3D Rendering - Expert Integration of Architectural, Design and Engineering

Realistic architectural rendering is a process that transforms architectural plans and concepts into highly detailed and lifelike visual representations. Our rendering services focus the attention to details, therefore we emphasis on how each individual elements come together. This includes intricate details such as textures, materials, lighting, and environmental context, all brought to life with remarkable precision.

Thermal

July 19, 2024

Why Australian Homes are so cold? WHO ranks Australian homes as some of the coldest in the world

When Australians complain about their houses being cold during the winter, they're not just having a whinge, it's scientifically proven,' he said. 'The World Health Organisation consistently ranks Australian homes as some of the coldest in the world

Modular Framing

July 13, 2024

Lightweight Metal Framing That Performs Like a Welded System

In the realm of construction, ensuring the strength and reliability of framing systems is crucial. Traditionally, welded systems have been the go-to solution for their robustness and durability. However, advancements in modular framing systems have introduced alternatives that offer comparable performance with added benefits.

June 24, 2024

The Shift Towards Transportable Homes as Permanent Homes: Possibly The Quickest Way to Having A Home

For many young adults, the dream of homeownership has become elusive. With median house prices in many urban areas far out of reach and above $1 Million AUD, younger generations are often left renting or living in less-than-ideal situations. However, a growing trend is providing a glimmer of hope: transportable homes and converting into permanent homes

June 16, 2024

Certificates of Compliance: Why do you require Regulation 126A - Design and and Regulation 126B - Inspection

Securing Certificates of Compliance under Regulations 126A and 126B is a critical aspect of any building project in Victoria. Our expertise, comprehensive services, cutting-edge technology, tailored solutions, strong regulatory relationships, and unwavering commitment to quality and safety make us the top choice for ensuring your project’s compliance from design through to construction.

Prefab homes

June 11, 2024

Importing Prefabricated Homes into Australia: Achieving Compliance with Standards and NCC Requirements

Discover why prefabricated homes are the future of affordable, sustainable, and quick-build housing. From detailed design assessments to rigorous quality assurance, we provide the expertise needed for a seamless, compliant project. Partner with us to navigate the complexities of importing and installing your dream home, ensuring safety, durability, and regulatory compliance every step of the way.

Compliance

May 7, 2024

Comparing Compliance: The Difference Between Generic Certificate and Regulation 126 Certificate in Victoria

In Australia's landscape of engineering and construction, adherence to compliance standards is paramount. Among the various certificates ensuring regulatory compliance, two prominent ones stand out in Victoria: the Generic Certificate of Compliance and the Regulation 126 Certificate of Compliance. While both serve the overarching goal of ensuring safety and quality, they differ significantly in their purpose and efficacy.

Photobooth

May 14, 2024

Crafting the Perfect Walk-In Magazine Photobooth: A Guide to Australian Standards

In the age of social media and digital sharing, photobooths have become more than just a novelty at events; they're an essential part of the experience. And when it comes to creating photobooths that truly stand out, adhering to engineering standards is paramount. In this guide, we'll delve into the process of designing and engineering walk-in magazine photobooths specifically tailored to meet Australian standards.

Product Display

May 5, 2024

Strengthening Safety and Visual Impact: The Importance of Structural Engineering in Exhibition Stand Design

Crafting captivating brand experiences and drawing the gaze of attendees hinges greatly on exhibition stand design. Yet, amid the quest for visually arresting designs, one element must never be sidelined: structural engineering. By infusing robust structural engineering principles into the design journey, builders of exhibition stands can guarantee not just aesthetic allure but also safety.

Taiwan Earthquake 2024

April 27, 2024

What can Australia learn from Taiwan 7.4 magnitude earthquake

The recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan in April 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seismic design and preparedness. While Australia may not face earthquakes as frequently or intensely as Taiwan, there are valuable lessons we can glean from their approach to seismic design

March 17, 2024

Seismic Restraints in Joinery, with a Focus on Built-In Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves are popular architectural features that add functionality and aesthetic appeal to residential and commercial spaces. However, their integration into building structures introduces potential vulnerabilities in the event of an earthquake. The weight of books and other items stored on shelves, combined with the inertia generated during seismic shaking, can lead to significant displacement and structural failure if adequate seismic restraints are not in place.

March 17, 2024

Safeguarding Structural Integrity: How to provide Seismic Restraints in Baffle Ceiling Systems

Interior designers play a vital role in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of indoor spaces. While their primary focus may be on creating visually appealing interiors, it's essential for interior designers to be aware of relevant building codes and standards, including AS1170.4

March 18, 2024

Securing Your Structure: The Importance of Seismic Anchors in Australia

Australia is a land of diverse landscapes, but one constant threat across the nation is earthquakes. While the frequency and severity vary by region, the potential for seismic activity demands responsible construction to safeguard lives and infrastructure. Though the frequency and intensity vary by region, seismic activity necessitates seismic-resistant construction to safeguard lives and infrastructure. This is where seismic anchors come into play.

How to achieve compliance with seismic design AS1170.4

As we are getting more attention on seismic designs from our blog, I thought this may be a good time to explore a little more in details. We will cover some of the basic requirements of the NCC around seismic compliance, in particular, the need for conformance with AS 1170.4-2007: Structural Design Actions Part 4: Earthquake actions in Australia, and we will explain how these requirements play out for internal wall and ceiling linings and framing, and their associated fixtures

Building Smart: Fitout Engineering Meets Earthquake-Resistance

Investing in seismic design is not just about complying with regulations; it's about investing in the future of your space and the well-being of those who occupy it. It's about creating a fitout that stands tall, not just amidst stunning aesthetics, but also in the face of nature's unexpected rumbles. Partner with ArchiEng and transform your vision into a space that's not just breathtaking, but built to withstand the test of time and tremors.

Staircase

January 22, 2024

Defying Gravity with Elegance: A Guide to Designing Steel Floating Staircases (AS1657 Compliant)

Floating staircases have long captivated our imaginations with their ethereal beauty and sense of defying gravity. But for structural engineers, the true magic lies in the meticulous calculations and intricate engineering that bring these architectural marvels to life, especially when adhering to the rigorous guidelines of AS1657.

Building Products

January 17, 2024

Building Bonanza or Bust? Navigating the Labyrinth of Non-Compliant and Non-Conforming Building Products in Australia

Many building certifiers face problems with non-conforming and non-compliant building products. It's happening everyday, all around us and across Australia. It is extremely important to understanding the difference is the key to reducing your risk, managing costs and ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Imports

January 24, 2024

Building Materials Compliance Australia: Your A-Z Guide to Safe & Compliant Construction

Importing construction materials into Australia is a complex process that requires coordination among several parties and attention to detail. Any minor mistake can result in delays, additional costs, and missed deadlines. It is essential to be thorough and methodical throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth and successful import.

Acoustics

January 2, 2024

Silence the Symphony of Stress: Transform Your Apartment into a Soundproof Sanctuary

Living in an apartment comes with its own set of joys and challenges. While the convenience of close-knit communities and shared amenities is undeniable, noise pollution can often rear its ugly head. From boisterous neighbors to creaky floors, unwanted sounds can disrupt your peace and well-being.

Plasterboard

January 1, 2024

Beyond the Smooth Surface: Why Plasterboard Design Matters in Aussie Buildings

For over two decades, ArchiEng has been the go-to for architects, builders, and anyone seeking comprehensive plasterboard wall type systems. They're not just putting up walls; they're meticulously crafting the unseen symphony of structural support, fire safety, acoustic comfort, and thermal efficiency that makes a building truly liveable.

Seismic Design

December 31, 2023

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Securing the Silent Sentinels of Seismic Design

When it comes to construction in Australia, the threat of earthquakes, though not as frequent as in other parts of the world, still demands careful consideration. To ensure the safety and stability of buildings against seismic forces, architects and engineers rely on sophisticated design principles and specialized building materials.

Retaining Wall

December 30, 2023

Why Landscape Architects Love Mass Stone Retaining Walls

Creating a strong and visually appealing landscape involves a careful balance of functional and aesthetic elements. Among the various features that contribute to a well-designed landscape, the mass stone retaining wall stands out as a versatile and beneficial choice.

Kit Homes

December 29, 2023

Extending your living space via kit homes

A kit home is a kind of building that is assembled on-site but where all the parts of the structure have been pre-cut at a factory and they've been delivered in packages. In most cases, kit homes can be customized as per customer’s wish. Building with kit homes allows for flexibility while maintaining the cost of building affordable and the entire process not to complex.

VanHomes

December 29, 2023

Caravan VS Vanhomes - And everything you should be aware before purchasing one

Due to the consecutive increases in interest rates and decrease in borrowing capacity, we have seen an increase of enquiries about tiny homes, prefab homes and portable homes for Reg 126. I think more and more people are turning in them as their permanent residence. So I thought I'd use this festive season to write a blog and explore a little more about this.

Temporary Fencing

November 17, 2023

Everything you need to know about getting a certified temporary fencing AS4687

There can be many components that make up your temporary fencing hire. Some parts are required and important components that form part of the standard install while other parts are additional components that help to enhance the look or security of the fence while they are erected on your site.

Staircase

November 6, 2023

How to use Australian stair regulations in 6 innovative staircase designs

Staircases are an essential part of any multi-story building, providing access and connectivity between different levels. However, designing them is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of structural engineering principles, safety standards, and local building codes.

October 30, 2023

How to achieve compliance with AS1170.4 Section 8

Seismic compliance refers to the use of approved systems and designs that meet the seismic design requirements of a building project to provide life safety to occupants and maintain building function during and after an earthquake

Fencing

October 16, 2023

What You Need To Know About Fence Height Regulations In Victoria

Do you want to build or upgrade a fence on your property? It's important to remember that there are different regulations for different types of fences. If you prefer to construct a sandstone concrete fence like this, it requires a little more effort and will require a structural engineer to design the structural integrity of the fence, plus the supporting footing.

Racking

October 2, 2023

Reg 126 for Warehouse Pallet Racking Design Compliance to AS4084

The objective of the standard is to ensure any steel storage racking sold within Australia is compliant with the specifications listed. The standard applies to “adjustable, static pallet racking made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members”.

Handrail

October 1, 2023

Reg 126 for Handrail/Guardrail to AS1657 and AS1428

Australian Standard AS 1657 states that handrailing is required on exposed sides of platforms, walkways and landings when the height exceeds 300mm. These requirements have been developed specifically to prevent height-related injuries, especially for platforms or mezzanines located high above ground where a fall could cause serious injury or death.

Partition

September 15, 2023

Prioritising Safety: The Significance of Partition and Seismic Design in Your Project

By appropriately designing the partitions, seismic forces can be effectively transferred to the primary structural elements, minimising localised stress concentrations and contributing to the overall seismic performance of the structure.

Smart Toilet

September 8, 2023

7 Benefits In Using SMART TOILET

Such high-tech toilets are favoured by city councils as their limited usage time stops misuse by drug addicts and prostitutes, who tend to frequent public bathrooms. Nine minutes is all that a user is allowed before a warning is given, and the door slides open after a grace period of one minute.

Shipping Container

August 25, 2023

11 Tips You Need To Know Before Building A Shipping Container Home, Office, Storage etc...

One of the more niche trends in sustainable design of the past few years has been the re-use of shipping containers in order to create the structure of a building. Due to their convenient size, shipping containers are well-suited for use in houses and their appeal lies in their apparent simplicity: you get a room delivered in one piece, and you can stack them together to make multiple rooms or join them up to make larger rooms.

Disability Discrimination Act Design

August 19, 2023

7 Tips for DDA Compliant Disabled Ramp Design

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it against the law for public places to be inaccessible to people with a disability. DDA Compliant ramps are a must-have for any commercial or public building to meet DDA compliance. One of the requirements you need to satisfy that many other builders fail to comply with is the AS1428. Here is what you need to know about it:

Glass Balustrade

August 19, 2023

Reg 126 for Glass Balustrade

Did you know, starting 1st May2023, you have to ensure the design of the balustrade meets the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards AS1170 and AS1288 and manufacturer's specific requirements. Have a read at this blog to find out more.

Fit Out Compliance

August 1, 2023

What Is Fit-Out?

In building preparation, fit-out refers to activities such as the installation of floors, ceilings, partitions, and furnishings. Additionally, building services such as cabling, wiring, ventilation, internet connectivity, and communication arrangements may also fall under the fitting out process.The fit-out term refers to activities that need to happen to make an interior space suitable for commercial occupation.

July 24, 2023

Seismic Ceiling for Fit Out

It is a mandatory requirement of the National Construction Code that all buildings, including architectural and services components, such as suspended ceilings to be designed for earthquake loads to As1170.4. Click here to see an example of the seismic ceiling design layout.

Commercial Kitchen

What material to install near commercial catering equipment

Where fires have started behind commercial catering equipment, it has usually been located directly against a wall the installer thought was non-combustible because it was tiled or covered with stainless steel. Over time, however, the heat passing through the ‘non-combustible’ outer covering caused the material within the wall (for example, timber studs and noggings) to ignite.

Compliance

September 21, 2023

Why Regulation 126

Restumping

Reg 126 House Restumping

Restumping, or reblocking, restores and enhances the foundational structure of a property. In this process, some or all of the existing stumps can be replaced with new ones, it can also present you with the opportunity to choose a different material such as adjustable steel stump.

Form 15

November 22, 2023

Form 15

In Queensland, Form 15 is used to certify the design of particular systems or components within a building that are outside of the building. This is used to inform the building certifier’s decision when they are assessing a building development application and issuing the building development approval for the building work.

Reg 126 Inspection

June 22, 2023

Regulation 126 Inspection

Reg 126 - Inspection is a certificate report issued by a registered civil engineer, certifying the structural adequacy of the structure as built & / or detailing any amendments required to upgrade the structure.

Seismic Ceiling Design

June 22, 2023

Seismic Ceiling Design

In the event of an earthquake, our seismic-rated ceiling systems help support life safety and the preservation of property. In Australia, buildings commonly use two types of suspended ceiling – perimeter fixed and floating.

CPEng

June 19, 2023

What is Chartered Engineer CPEng

The Chartered credential, CPEng is the highest available technical credential for an engineering professional. It’s nationally and internationally recognised as a measure of excellence and signifies a certain level of skill, talent and experience.

Reg 126

June 14, 2023

What projects require Regulation 126?

Regulation 126 is another form of independent peer review. The infographics below summarises what projects and which elements require Reg 126 which can be carried out by ArchiEng.

Reg 126

The Importance of Regulation 126 Certificate of Compliance in Victoria

Certification

When is a Reg 126 required?

If a Relevant Building Surveyor does not have the skills to ensure a design is compliant or not, the Relevant Building Surveyor should arrange for independent checking and certification to be satisfied that compliance is achieved. Therefore, they rely on this design certificate issued under Victoria Building Regulation 126

Fire Rating

What is Fire Rating?

The term “fire rating” is very broad and can be misinterpreted. Under the National Construction Code, the correct terminology is Fire Resistance Level or FRL. While fire rating plays a part in the various parts of a FRL, the two are not the same or interchangeable.

Concrete Test

Schmidt Hammer Concrete Test Reg 126

A Schmidt hammer is a device to measure the elastic properties or strength of concrete , mainly surface hardness and penetration resistance.

Materials

Hebel Panels

Hebel is a versatile building material that can be used for a number of applications including houses, apartments, commercial buildings and civil applications

Materials

June 5, 2023

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE HEBEL

7 Reasons why you should build with Hebel

Architecture

June 11, 2023

Architecture Wall Schedule - Structural, Fire, Acoustics, Thermal, Seismic

Working with us, we can create powerful, richly formatted, dynamic wall schedules for your projects, ensuring a smooth design-to-construct process. ‍

June 11, 2023

What is the difference between an engineer and a specialist engineer?

A career in engineering can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re interested in this field, you may be wondering what the difference is between an engineering specialist and an engineer. In this article, we compare and contrast these two positions, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.

Seismic AS1170.4

The importance of non-structural elements in earthquakes

Good performance of non-structural elements during earthquakes can save lives and costs, and relies on well-managed processes during the design, procurement and construction project phases.

What is a party wall?

Party walls are a common source of problems between neighbours. A wall may be solely owned by one resident or ownership may be split equally between the two.

Seismic Design

May 29, 2023

Melbourne Earthquake 2023 - Is my home safe?

An earthquake struck Melbourne late on Sunday night, shaking the city and waking residents. So, how safe is your house? What type of house requires seismic design?

Hygiene

Mould in rental properties. Tenant VS Landlord

What causes mould? And what are your rights if you're a renter or an owner? How much does it cost to have mould professionally removed, and is it worth the money?

What is building design?

Building design refers to the process of creating the architectural and structural plans for a building or structure. It involves the integration of various elements, such as aesthetics, functionality, safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness

Building Design

Creating a Solid Foundation: Exploring the Benefits of Plasterboard Systems in Building Design

Fire safety, acoustics, thermal insulation, and seismic resilience are paramount. In this technical note, we will delve into the world of plasterboard systems and how they address these critical aspects of building design.

Can ChatGPT design houses in Australia and replace architects and engineers?

That's a good question. ChatGPT is limited by the quality of the data it’s trained on. While the model is trained on a vast amount of text data, this data is not always representative of real-world language use. There are several key areas where its limitations are apparent.

Seismic AS1170.4

All buildings in Australia requires seismic design?!

Short answer is yes. All buildings and their parts need an assessment of their seismic requirements, in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC). However, it is their ‘Level of Importance (LOI)’ or Importance Level which determines the extent of the seismic design requirements.

NCC 2022

Everything you need to know about NCC 2022

There's a lot to understand about the bible of the construction industry NCC, and after the new NCC coming into effect. At this tech note, we have referenced to VBA's newsletter and summarised all the changes, resources, videos in an easy-to-find format. Happy reading.

Reg 126

Who can issue Reg 126 Certificate of Compliance?

Regulation 126 requires the certificate to be issued in a form approved by the VBA, addressed to the RBS, a municipal building surveyor or a private building surveyor. Where the certificate is for proposed building work, it must relate to the final design. Certificates relating to design may be issued by a prescribed engineer in the relevant class of engineer, or a building surveyor registered under Part 11 of the Act.

NCC 2022

What architects and building designers need to know for NCC 2022?

Stay up to date with new developments. Understand how new NCC regulatory frameworks applicable to BA assessments from 1st May, 2023.

NCC 2022

What Does NCC 2022 Mean for Building Industry?

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the code to ensure that your construction projects comply with the latest safety and environmental standards. In this blog, we will be discussing the National Construction Code (NCC) updates for 2022.

Who is responsible for Seismic Compliance in Australia?

Today, it is expected that non-structural components – such as mechanical plant equipment, HVAC platforms, ceilings, walls, plumbing and electrical work (such as lighting fixtures), have seismic capabilities built into their design and function. They must be able to withstand horizontal and vertical seismic forces.

Certification

What is Regulation 126 Certification?

A Certificate of Compliance is a document that is regulated by the Victorian Building Authority and is referred to as “Regulation 126: Certificate of Compliance – Design”.

Fire Rating FRL

Understanding Fire Rating (FRL) and Its Importance in Building Safety

Fire safety is a paramount concern in any structure, whether it's a residential building, commercial establishment, or industrial facility.