Ourbconstruction system is the combination of materials used to build the roof, walls and floor of your home.
Different construction systems suit different climates and designs, and will also have varying levels of durability, maintenance and cost.
The main difference between construction systems is whether they are high or low mass. Choose the mass to suit your climate. High-mass systems and good passive design will generally suit cold and temperate climates; low-mass systems will generally suit hot humid climates.
For any construction system, consider both its embodied energy and its impact on operational energy to minimise your long-term energy use and environmental impact.
Ensure that your construction system is durable and that you can provide the level of maintenance required.
Consult a qualified designer to choose the right construction system for your home. They may also help you with the planning and construction approvals required before you start construction.
Footing systems Footings are the base of your home. They are the structures that transfer the weight of the home to the foundation material, most commonly soil.Footing systems must be designed to suit the site’s soil conditions and provide adequate tie-down for the building structure under the site’s wind classification. A good system also minimises site disturbance and uses low quantities of materials that have high embodied energy, such as concrete and steel.Footing system options include:
Lightweight framed systems – These have the lowest site impact and embodied energy. A broad range of lightweight steel footing systems is available including screw piles, adjustable steel piers on a simple concrete pad or bored columns, and pole and space frame systems.