Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: ARCH5226

Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

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

Bev Mcauliffe

bev.mcauliffe@rmit.edu.au


Nominal Hours: 180

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 specifies the outcomes required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings. It requires compliance with state legislation and the provisions for Building Code of Australia (BCA) Classes 1 and 10 and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a residential building.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22455 Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings

Element:

Specify requirements for masonry

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems are identified and detailed for the construction of internal and external walls in compliance with the relevant legislation. 5.2 Details of weatherproofing are indicated to meet relevant Australian Standards.

Element:

Analyse and apply construction techniques and/or methodologies

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Structural systems are analysed and construction methodologies are applied to solve construction system and design issues. 3.2 Structural principles are integrated into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes, according to relevant standards and design intent. 3.3 Alternative approaches to the construction of residential buildings are considered to accommodate special conditions and in accordance with relevant standards and design intent. 3.4 Construction sequencing and attendance of trades is identified to ensure efficient building processes. 3.5 Design solutions are developed and sketched and/or documented using performance-based solutions.

Element:

Apply the legislative requirements for the design of residential buildings

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Relevant state legislation impacting on design and construction is investigated and interpreted for a residential building. 1.2 Relevant sections of the BCA and Australian Standards are researched and applied to the structural and construction principles of residential buildings. 1.3 Local government planning and construction regulations are investigated and interpreted for the design and construction of a residential building.

Element:

Investigate site

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Site is investigated to plan site preparation, which incorporates design intent and statutory requirements. 2.2 Existing site conditions and design and construction elements are analysed to establish site impact on structural elements. 2.3 Termite risk management is assessed and implemented according to the relevant legislation. 2.4 Specifications for footing and slab construction design are specified and recorded in all supporting documentation, in compliance with current standards.

Element:

Specify requirements for finishes and services

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Details for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation. 7.2 Joinery fabrication and installations are selected and details of materials and finishes are documented. 7.3 Provisions for the installation and connection of services are specified in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Element:

Specify requirements for framing

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Timber wall, floor and roof framing systems are designed and detailed in accordance with timber framing code and with consultation with engineer, if required. 4.2 Bracing and tie-down system is designed and detailed to meet structural requirements. 4.3 Steel framing systems are identified and detailed in accordance with construction practices. 4.4 Framing requirements, including all fixings and materials are specified and details documented.

Element:

Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Statutory requirements for fire separation are researched and incorporated into design to provide separation and means of escape, in compliance with the relevant legislation. 6.2 Wet area materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions are specified and details documented. 6.3 Facilities and room heights are designed and documented in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.4 Opportunities for natural light and ventilation are considered and mechanical air handling systems for heating, cooling and ventilation are selected on the basis of efficiency and performance. 6.5 Sound insulation materials are selected for sound transmission for walls and penetrations and in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.6 The provisions for safe movement and access, including disabled access, are designed in accordance with the relevant legislation. 6.7 Building insulation levels, glazing requirements and ventilation are analysed to determine energy usage.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is co-delivered and assessed with Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings ARCH5227 VU22462 in a close simulation of a workplace environment, with simulated and project-based assessment techniques replicating building design workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

Lectures: 
Theory is provided in weekly lectures on residential construction. 
You should bring your notes from the lectures to studios, as we will apply this theory to the drawing process. 
You must review presentations to ensure understanding; they are available on Canvas. 
Bring any questions you have in to the studios for clarification.  

Studios: 
The studio is a simulated workplace. 
You are responsible for your own learning, research and review of resources. 
Active participation is required in studios, in particular in feedback sessions. 
Ask questions and discuss variables with team members (other students). 

Site visits:
To fully understand residential construction you must visit sites during all stage of the build. 
These visits are self directed. 
You will be provided with more information in lectures and studios.

Independent research:
To keep up with Industry you need to research many aspects of residential construction.

Please note: due to the continually changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, this course may be delivered online through Canvas in a manner which attempts to approximate a studio environment.



Teaching Schedule

This is a general outline only and may not reflect the timetabled classes, public holidays, mid-semester breaks or other factors that affect the delivery.
The Canvas shell contains a more detailed teaching schedule and must be referred to on a regular (weekly) basis.
Further updates may be communicated via Canvas Announcements by your teacher or the course coordinator.
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change.

SEMETER-01

week Construction Lecture Construction Studio WD Studio
W-01 ORIENTATION
W-02


W-03

Learning Task 1 - issue
W-04

Learning Task 1 - submit
W-05
AT1 - ISSUE
W-06


W-07


W-08


W-09


W-10

AT1 Part 1 SUBMIT
W-11


W-12


W-13
AT2 WIP Meetings AT2 WIP Meetings
W-14


W-15 AT3 Part 1 AT3 Part 1 AT1 Part 2 SUBMIT
W-16


W-17



SEMETER-02

week Construction Lecture Construction Studio WD Studio
W-01 AT4 - ISSUE

W-02


W-03


W-04


W-05


W-06


W-07


W-08

AT4 Part 1 SUBMIT
W-09 AT3 Part 2

W-10


W-11
AT2 WIP Meetings AT2 WIP Meetings
W-12


W-13


W-14


W-15

AT4 Part 2 SUBMIT
W-16

AT4 Part 2 RESUBMIT
W-17


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Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Refer to Canvas for

  • lectures,
  • studio briefings,
  • the Architectural Drafting Handbook, and
  • industry examples. 

The Australian Standards are available via RMIT library.

You should register with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to download the National Construction Code (NCC)https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/


RMIT Library:
Library Subject Guides: Architecture, Building Design and Urban Design
https://rmit.libguides.com/architecturebuildingandurbandesign

including:

  • Australian Standards Online (SAI Global)
  • Acumen (Australian Institute of Architects) and more...


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

including:

  • One-on-one consultations
  • Peer mentoring
  • Studiosity
  • Learning Lab and more...

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Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

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

To be assessed as Competent you must 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 all Assessment Tasks, to a satisfactory standard, across a range of assessment criteria, in a timely manner.

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There are four Assessment Tasks that are assessed across both Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings ARCH 5226 / VU22455 and Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings ARCH 5227 / VU22462:

  • AT1 Working Drawings, Single Storey Project- PRODUCT
    This assessment is a folio of drawings for a Single Storey Residence that will be produced in studios in two parts.
    Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on group feedback provided in studios. 
    Part 1 includes a draft folio of drawings.
    Part 2 is the completed folio. 

  • AT2 Work in Progress Meetings (W.I.P.)
    There are two parts to this assessment task:
    Part 1
    - preparation for the W.I.P. meeting.
    Part 2 - attendance and participation in the W.I.P. meeting.
    The meeting will be with your assessor and may be in a group or individually. 

  • AT3 Construction Questions - KNOWLEDGE
    The Construction Questions are in two parts and will be completed in studio and in your own time.
    Part 1 includes questions that require research using the National Construction Code (NCC).
    Part 2 covers work relevant scenarios in relation to residential construction and content from the Construction Lectures.

  • AT4 Working Drawings, Two Storey Addition Project - PRODUCT
    This assessment is a folio of drawings for a Two Storey Residential Addition that will be produced in studios in two parts.
    Review and revision of the drawings will be in your own time based on group feedback provided in studios.
    Part 1 includes a draft folio of Drawings.
    Part 2 is the completed Folio. This final folio submission will include drawings as required for a Building Permit.

Additionally there is an initial Learning Task which confirms engagement in the program and provides basic skills required for future assessment tasks including skills that cross over to Integrate digital application into architectural workflow (IDA) - AutoCAD.

  • LT1 Ortho Cabin Project.

Refer to the Assessment Tasks in Canvas for further details.

Refer to the Teaching Schedule in Canvas for submission dates and times.

_________________________________________________

You will receive feedback on the assessment tasks as perRMIT Assessment Feedbackguidelines.

The feedback will be provided in a manner that responds to the delivery method and cohort size.

Students are expected to engage with, and respond to, all forms of feedback provided.

_________________________________________________

There may be re-submission opportunities for assessments not meeting a satisfactory standard across all assessment criteria if the student has;

  • demonstrated a commitment to their learning,
  • has worked with integrity, and
  • has produced sufficient work in a timely manner.

Refer to the Assessment Tasks in Canvas for specifics.

_________________________________________________

Final grades for courses in Vocational Education at RMIT are as follows:

  • 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 the Program Administration if required.  

_________________________________________________

Other Information

Please Note: you require your own laptop for studio sessions with the capacity to run programs such as AutoCAD and Revit. These programs are easier to use on a PC rather than a MAC.

The links below are to various parts of the RMIT website and should be referred to on a regular basis until familiarity with them is achieved.

Academic Integrity:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity

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

Appeals:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals

Apply for Credit:

  • 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 

Assessment (including submission):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/assessment

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.  
It is expected that you will attend all timetabled sessions and engage in the required learning activities.
This is the only way to ensure you maximise your opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

Employability skills:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/m1ad83koqygu.pdf

Extensions and special consideration:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Student Charter:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/charter

Student Responsibilities:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/statement

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Course Overview: Access Course Overview