Course Title: Comply with relevant legislation in the design of residential buildings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: ARCH5222

Course Title: Comply with relevant legislation in the design of residential buildings

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6161 - Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Course Contact: Catherine Ciavarella

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819

Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Theo Theodorou

Theo.Theodorou@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to access, interpret and apply relevant building codes and standards to the design of residential buildings. It includes the ability to apply a range of design solutions for residential buildings (BCA Classes 1 and 10), in compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and make recommendations for alternative solutions as required. It requires thorough knowledge of the purpose and content of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22457 Comply with relevant legislation in the design of residential buildings

Element:

Access and interpret relevant code and other legislative requirements

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Victorian building regulations are referenced in relation to the hierarchy of legislation. 2.2 Relevant performance requirements and provisions are determined from the National Construction Code (NCC) that applies to residential buildings. 2.3 Australian Standards are accessed and interpreted.

Element:

Analyse and apply a range of solutions to a design problem

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Alternative solutions to a construction or design problem that comply with the requirements of the BCA are discussed and proposed in accordance with company policies and procedures. 3.2 Assessment methods referenced in the BCA are analysed to determine whether a construction or design solution complies with performance requirements or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions of the BCA. 3.3 Performance-based solutions are identified and documented in accordance with the BCA. 3.4 Relevant documentation is identified and completed according to the requirements of relevant legislation.

Element:

Classify buildings

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The nature of a building is determined according to use and arrangement. 1.2 The criteria of the BCA are determined to apply the defined classification. 1.3 BCA requirements for classifications are identified and interpreted.


Learning Outcomes


This unit of competency supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required for building designers to apply relevant legislation to the design of residential buildings and includes compliance with current legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods.


Details of Learning Activities

This course is delivered remotely

Review discussions/lectures

Analysis of relevant reading material

Projects work and Review

Peer discussions

Lecture/presentations

Research

Independent project-based work


Teaching Schedule

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment.  Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

Session

Session Topic

Activity

Assessments – Issue date, submission date

 

Week 2

Session 1

 

General Introduction

   Building authorities

   Building hierarchy

   Responsibilities of designers

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Legislative question - brief

 

Week 3

Session 2

 

Building Permit

    Procedures

Siting Provisions

    Part 4 BR

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Assessment Task 1 – Building Regulations.
Brief

 

 

Week 4

Session 3

 

Siting Provisions

      Part 4 BR

General Provisions – NCC

   Interpretation

   Classification of Buildings

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Legislative question - submission

 

 

 

Week 5

Labour Day

     No teaching session

 

 

 

Week 6

Session 4

Fire Safety

    Fire separation

    AS1530

    Smoke alarms

    AS3786

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

 

 

Week 7

Session 5

Health and Amenities

     Light

     Ventilation

Safe Movement and Access

     Stair construction

     Balustrades

     Handrails

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Assessment Task 2 – Product Assessment
Brief

 

Week 8

Session 6

Performance Provisions

    Deemed to satisfy Solutions

    Performance Solutions

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Assessment Task 1 – Building Regulations.
Submission

 

 

Mid Semester Break

     No teaching session

 

 

 

Week 9

Session 7

Health and Amenities

     AS3740

     Wet areas

     Room heights

     Sound transmission

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

 

 

Week 10

 

ANZAC day holiday

 

 

 

Week 11

Session 8

Energy Efficiency

     6 Star rating

Footings and Slabs

    AS2870

Swimming pool safety barriers

    AS1926

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

 

 

Week 12

Session 9

Enforcement

      Part 8 BA

Adjoining owner’s protection works procedures BA

      Part 7 BA

      Part 6 BR

 

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

Assessment Task 2 – Product Assessment
Submission

 

Week 13

Session 10

Planning Permit

      Procedures

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Case study is presented to encourage student involvement.

 

 

 

Week 14

Session 11

Application of legislation with working drawings

Revision

Visual aids used to demonstrate topic in lecture.  Numerous case studies presented to demonstrate to student how to apply the legislation to working drawings.

 

Knowledge Questions

Legislative references are:         The Building Act 1993, The Building Regulations 2018, National Construction Code, and Australian Standards

*Legend:

            BA = Building Act

            BR = Building regulations

            NCC = National Construction Code

            AS = Australian Standards

            OHS = Occupational Health & Safety


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through: 

The Learning Lab 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab 

The Study Support Hub  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 

English for uni workshops 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops 

 


Overview of Assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is recommended.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
• apply organisational policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements where applicable
• access, interpret and apply codes and standards to the design of a specific residential building project
• recommend alternative solutions to a design or construction problem in accordance with relevant legislation.
 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Review of Siting Provisions (Part 5 of Building regulations) 

Assessment Task 2: Case Study to Analyse the Effects of a Fire on an Adjoining Residential Building 

Assessment Task 3 -Knowledge Questions


Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher. 

 

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.

To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.  

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises  

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

 

Information about your studies: 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. 

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students 

 

Assessment: 

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment 

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:  

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity 

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:  

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview