medialaunch.com.au

Archicentre Launches Free Housing Bushfire Rebuild Design Concept Service
Summary

13/07/2009

Archicentre News Release

13 July 2009

Archicentre Launches Free Housing Bushfire Rebuild Design Concept Service

Archicentre has launched hands on housing design service for survivors of the Victorian bushfires aimed at helping speed up the rebuilding process.

Robert Caulfield

Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said the new service will put an architect on the block with families to discuss their design options and provide a design report plus sketches which can be used for initial discussions with local councils.

Mr Caulfield said the service, sponsored by James Hardie and Wood Naturally Better, will provide people with a direct personal contact to talk through the options for rebuilding.

"The service would be providing designs for "lightweight fire resistant" homes to demonstrate to the public that bushfire resistant homes did not need to be constructed of brick on concrete slabs, but could be designed to be sympathetic with the character of some of the affected areas which had a weatherboard history.

"Building a new home at anytime is a personal matter, rebuilding after a catastrophic bushfire where people have lost everything is more demanding.

"The design concepts will look at providing designs for individual blocks and provide the opportunity for bushfire survivors to have input into the design process of the future home with the design brief reflecting the available budget.

"The design briefs will allow people to consider fire resistant designs which can be built in many environmentally sensitive areas with light weight construction materials."

The new program will be launched on Saturday 18 July 2009 at the Shire of Yarra Ranges Rebuild Expo at the Lilydale Showgrounds.

Mr Caulfield said bushfire survivors who lost their principal residence in the fire wanting to take advantage of the Archicentre Free Design Service should call Archicentre on 1300 13 45 13 or register online at www.archicentre.com.au

Media Invitation

Archicentre Free Hands On Rebuild Housing Design Service Launch

11.30am Saturday 18th July 2009

Shire of Yarra Ranges Rebuild Expo
Centre Stage Lilydale Showgrounds
Market Street, Lilydale

Marysville resident David Stirling and his family who lost their home and businesses during Black Saturday will receive the first completed Archicentre design concept and be available to discuss the process.

Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201

Medialaunch.com.au Pty Ltd