SOLABODE NEWS 008 - 20/01/09
We have just heard today that the Tasman District Council (TDC) have approved a new Alternative Solution submitted by Ecotect Ltd with two new house building consent applications. Several more applications in the pipeline will now also benefit from this solution.
The Alternative Solution was to allow the use of standard H1.2 Boron treatment of Douglas fir rafters in low pitch skillion roofs and cavity battens, both situations that usually require H3.1 or higher treatment which is always provided with toxic chemical treatment (except for 3 cases that we got through with H3.1 Boron before it was recinded).
The Solabode houses require this same Alternative Solution for roof framing and possibly for cavity battens on exposed sites also so this is great news.
Ecotect has been working closely with Waimea Sawmillers, members of the Douglas Fir Association of NZ, who have been pivotal in provided the valuable scientific evidence (from Scion - formally Forest Reserch) required to show that Douglas Fir treated with low levels of non toxic boron salts is more than adequate at resisting decay in all enclosed framing situations. Waimea Sawmillers have also lobbied TDC staff on our behalf to help ease the way and we thank them.
This is the first time in the whole country that a such a low tech solution has been approved since these higher (knee jerk) toxic timber treatments were introduced with the amendment to NZS 3602 (Timber and wood based products used in buildings) in 2003. It is fantastic news for those wanting toxin free timber in their buildings and we are very pleased to be at the forefront of this drive for the use of more eco friendly materials in housing.
On other news, both of the two Solabodes under construction now have their exposed coloured concrete slabs poured and curing waiting for timber frames to be erected. Closing in will follow soon after so it won't be long before these first two are taking shape. We are hoping that in this economic decline, more people will choose to build affordable eco homes than regular homes. Watch the Leader for an upcoming advertising campaign for the Solabode.
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