Course Title: Apply Structural and Construction Technology to the Design of Residential Buildings
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: ARCH5304
Course Title: Apply Structural and Construction Technology to the Design of Residential Buildings
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6188 - 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
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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings.
It includes the ability to identify and apply the Victorian regulatory framework and the provisions for National Construction Code (NCC) Classes 1 and 10 and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a residential building.
This unit applies to building designers who are required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings within the legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods.
No occupational licensing or legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, this unit forms part of a minimum qualification requirement for the registration class of Draftsperson, Building Design (Architectural) category, with the Victorian Building Authority.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU23442 Apply Structural and Construction Technology to the Design of Residential Buildings |
Element: |
1.Determine legislative requirements for design of residential buildings |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Determine legislative requirements for design of residential buildings 1.2 Interpret relevant sections of the NCC and Australian Standards that apply to the structural and construction principles of residential buildings. 1.3 Review property information certificate regarding flood- prone risk, termite-prone risk and Alpine area classification.
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Element: |
2. Investigate site |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify site features and available services to plan site preparation and inform the design intent. 2.2 Determine possible site impacts on structural elements by assessing site conditions and the proposed design and construction. 2.3 Analyse geotechnical soil report to identify soil classification and footing system recommendation. 2.4 Identify the footing and slab construction design as specified by the structural engineer and incorporate in all supporting documents. 2.5 Document specifications for footing and slab construction design in supporting documentation. |
Element: |
3.Analyse and apply construction techniques and methodologies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Analyse structural systems and apply construction methodologies to solve construction system and design issues. 3.2 Integrate structural principles into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes according to relevant standards and design intent. 3.3 Identify alternative construction approaches to accommodate special conditions. 3.4 Analyse the construction sequence, buildability, and order of associated trades to ensure efficient building processes. 3.5 Develop, sketch and document compliant design solutions using deemed to satisfy (DTS).
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Element: |
4. Specify structural requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Design, draw and detail timber wall, floor and roof framing systems according to timber framing code and in consultation with engineer, as required. 4.2 Design, draw and detail bracing and tie-down system to meet structural requirements. 4.3 Identify, draw and detail steel framing systems according to construction practices in consultation with engineer. 4.4 Document all framing requirements ensuring all fixings and specified materials are detailed.
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Element: |
5. Specify masonry requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Identify, draw and detail unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems for internal and external walls according to relevant regulatory framework requirements. 5.2 Design and draw weatherproofing details to meet relevant Australian Standards.
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Element: |
6. Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Research and incorporate statutory requirements for fire separation and means of escape into design. 6.2 Design and draw wet area details that incorporate materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions. 6.3 Design and document facilities and room heights according to relevant regulatory framework requirements. 6.4 Calculate compliant and design optimum natural light and ventilation. 6.5 Select mechanical air handling systems based on efficiency and performance for heating, cooling and ventilation 6.6 Design, draw and detail acoustic separation for walls, floors and ceilings, that incorporates selecting sound insulation to reduce sound transmission and determination of compliant Rw(weighted sound reduction index) levels 6.7 Design provisions for safe movement and access according to relevant framework requirements and Liveable Housing Design Standard. 6.8 Design, draw and notate stair construction details providing safe movement and access as per NCC requirements and relevant Australian Standards. 6.9 Provide compliant building insulation levels, glazing requirements and ventilation to determine energy usage. 6.10 Identify and detail pool safety barrier requirements as per NCC and relevant Australian standards.
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Element: |
7. Specify requirements for finishes and services |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Design, draw and notate for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings according to relevant regulatory framework requirements and manufacturer’s guidelines. 7.2 Design, draw and document details of materials and finishes for joinery fabrication and installations. 7.3 Specify provisions for the installation and connection of services according to relevant regulatory framework requirements.
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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
Construction Knowledge:
Theory is provided on residential construction. You should engage in face to face lectures, videos, PDFs & quizzes to build this knowledge. We will apply this theory to the drawing process. You must review to ensure understanding & bring any questions you have into 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 should visit & view from outside the site until you have your White Card. Always ask for permission to enter a Construction Site.
Independent research:
To keep up with Industry you need to research many aspects of residential construction.
Teaching Schedule
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Refer to Canvas for Lectures and studio briefings, also the Architectural drafting handbook and examples. The Australian standards are available via RMIT library.
You should register with the Australian Building Codes Board to download the National Construction Code (NCC)
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 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
There are four assessment tasks that are assessed across both Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings, ARCH 5226 / VU22455 & Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings, ARCH 5227 / VU22462.
LT1 Ortho Cabin Project.
This task is a learning exercise to confirm engagement in the program and provide basic skills as required for future assessment tasks. Including skills that cross over to IDA AutoCAD for use of the program on your own device.
AT1 Working Drawings, Single Storey Project
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. A draft folio of Working Drawings is submitted prior to the completed Folio.
AT2 Work in Progress meeting (W.I.P.)
The purpose of these meetings is to assess your Employability Skills. This includes applying organisational procedures and quality assurance techniques to complete working drawings to industry best practice. W.I.P. meetings will demonstrate skills including, communication, planning and organisational, self-management and teamwork.
Specific to Building Design an understanding of the required Planning and organisational skills to produce preliminary and working drawings within an allocated time frame. This is referred to as the draft & review development process.
AT3 Construction Questions
The Construction Questions are in two parts. Part 1 includes Semester 1 Construction knowledge & Part 2 includes Semester 2 Construction knowledge.
Questions require research using the National Construction Code (NCC) & Australian Standards. Questions relate to residential construction projects and content from Construction lectures. The assessment will be completed in studio.
AT4 Working Drawings, Two Storey Addition Project
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. A draft folio of Working Drawings is submitted prior to the completed Folio. This final folio submission will include drawings as required for a Building Permit.
Semester 1 Assessment Introductions
Week 04 Assessment Task 1 Single Storey Working Drawings Folio Introduction
Week 06 Assessment Task 2 Work in Progress (WIP) Meeting Introduction Part 1 & 2
Week 13 Assessment Task 3 Construction Knowledge Questions Introduction Part 1 & 2
Semester 1 Assessment Submissions
Week 16 Assessment Task 1 Single Storey Working Drawings Folio Submission
Week 12 Assessment Task 2.1 Work in Progress (WIP) Meeting Part 1 Submission
Week 15 Assessment Task 3.1 Construction Knowledge Questions Part 1 Submission
Semester 2 Assessment Introductions
Week 01 Assessment Task 4 Two Storey Working Drawings Folio Introduction
Semester 2 Assessment Submissions
Week 07 Assessment Task 3.2 Construction Knowledge Questions Part 2 Submission
Week 11 Assessment Task 2.2 Work in Progress (WIP) Meeting Part 2 Submission
Week 15 Assessment Task 4 Two Storey Working Drawings Folio Submission
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
You will require your own laptop in studios, with the capacity to run programs such as AutoCAD and Revit. Refer to the Autodesk website for current computer specifications.
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve studio-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical tasks.
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview