Questions About Building Codes for Domes
The National Construction Code is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings.
As a performance-based code, it sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of certain buildings. The Australian Building Codes Board, on behalf of the Australian Government and each state and territory government, produces and maintains the National Construction Code.
In our pursuit of the most simple and economical methods to build dome houses we have utilised several different methods that are deemed to comply with the NCC. The methods we use today utilise basalt fibre reinforcing systems that meets NCC requirements and allows for the most cost-effective dome-building system.
Tropical zones may permit the use of bamboo. Our Bamboo system has been used successfully to construct several domes at the Mentigi Bat Resort in Lombok in addition to several experimental Bamboo domes in Australia. At this stage Australian building authorities do not permit the use of bamboo for the construction of thin concrete shell structures however, it should be known that the Lombok domes survived (without even a crack) a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in 2018. Many building including a Mosque were flattened by the same earthquake.
Our design team can provide architectural and structural design and documentation for any local council in Australia
We have never been refused a building permit. Town planning regulations, in most cases, can not dictate architectural style.
Exempt Development
For backyard cabins under 10m2. The NCC provides for certain structures which fall under what is called the “exempt development provisions”. Simply put, this means that each council can specify in their local rules what constitutes “exempt development”. Under the council’s “exempt development” provisions you are often allowed to build a “shed” without applying for approvals for a structure under 10m2 and under 2.4m high – check with your local council.