Building Developers and Owners are Being Sandwiched
Costs, Risks and Returns are being impacted by uncertainty around the future acceptability of Aluminium Composite Cladding Panels (ACP).
Since the Lacrosse Apartment building fire in 2014 and the tragic Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, there are still more questions relating to the use of flammable ACP than answers.
Industry, governing bodies, financiers, building owners and occupiers, are yet to really understand their options.
- Will the import and use of flammable ACP in Australia be banned? – one of the suggestions made by the Senate’s interim enquiry report.
- Will the National Construction Code and Building Regulations be revised to require increased fire safety around the use of ACP? – as suggested by the current draft amendment out for public comment.
- Will the ‘grey area’ of whether the ACP is an attachment or part of an external wall be confirmed?
- Will Government required audits lead to large scale removal of flammable ACP and replacement with compliant materials?
- Will insurers carve out flammable ACP from insurance policies? Will premiums increase?
- Is the reputation of ACP tarnished so much so that developers and architects turn their back on the material – as recently reported by Uniting Communities with their U City development in Adelaide? Continue reading
The event which involves a 135 metre abseil decent off the 33 storey 1 Market Street building was held in support of the Sir David Martin Foundation which raises funds to help young people in crisis. Simon was part of the Core Engineering team which has so far raised over $2,200 for the charity. Fortunately Simon was able to make it back down to the ground safely, although not without a few jittery moments when going over the edge! Continue reading →