Coastal home: A technical challenge

Architects, engineers, builders and frame and truss suppliers are all involved when it comes to the design, product specification and construction of a technically challenging roof and ceiling design such as this one.

Owners of this spectacular two-story waterfront home at Blueys Beach on the mid-north coast had owned the site for 15 years, using the original home as a holiday house, before deciding on a permanent sea change and moving to Blueys Beach.

Owner John Fitzpatrick and his wife had a vision for the home they wanted to build - a vision that included tall, vaulted ceilings, plenty of space for extended family and floor-to-ceiling glass to take in the beautiful ocean views.

"We didn't really need to demolish the old house," says John. "The termites did that for us!"

Needless to say, termite protection was one of the project's design and specification requirements and Termi-nator® termite resistant structural framing was specified throughout.

However, the design that the Fitzpatricks dreamed of presented some engineering challenges: the unusually large ceiling span (over 11 metres) was curved, as was the exterior roofline.

"Everyone thought it would be difficult to build," says builder Mike Schuman of Corr Building in Pacific Palms. "This was because the curved, vaulted ceiling cut into the centre of the span, taking away all its strength."

"Supplying a frame and truss for a curved ceiling and roof line was a first for us," says Danny Power of Powertruss in Tuncurry. "We worked to create a frame design prototype that was structurally sound and well within the building code to build a pretty unique frame and truss."

It was such a unique project that when the frames and trusses were erected Danny shut up shop and the whole team from Powertruss visited the site to admire their work.

Both the builder and the owner were very happy with the end result as well.

"I knew it would be good, but it has turned out better than I expected," says John. "It's a lovely home to live in."

Builder Mike Schuman was happy to be working with Termi-nator termite resistant structural pine. When asked why he uses Termi-nator H2-F on most of his projects, Mike is clear about the advantages from a builder's perspective.

"I have had call-backs to jobs where we have used termite barriers," says Mike. "But I have never had a call-back to a job where I have built with Termi-nator H2-F treated pine."

Mike also emphasises the benefits to his business - "Termi-nator protects the main structure of the building and that's something I can pass on to my customers as a value-add."

Project Summary

Builder:
Mike Schuman,
Corr Building Pty Limited
Pacific Palms, New South Wales.
Phone 0407 546 550.

Frame and Truss Supplier:
Powertruss
Tuncurry, New South Wales.
Phone 02 6554 7666.

Building Designer:
Chris Davies,
North Coast Planning Services.
Phone 02 6554 8638.