The destruction caused by bushfires and storms on Australian homes and landscapes is an all too familiar a scenario. Yet, why do we often see one house damaged or destroyed, whilst an apparently similar house on a property close by can survive? Research has shown that many factors affect the chances of a building surviving a disaster. If you are designing landscapes and buildings in bushfire or cyclone/storm-prone areas you need to be aware of these factors so that the chances of losses to life and property can be minimized.

AFAC encourages design for bushfires and cyclone/storms to be included as a normal part of designing in bushfire/storm-prone areas, rather than as an alternate solution.

Research in this section examines the behaviour of building materials and design when exposed to natural disasters (see also FBIM Engineering). It covers both housing and industrial materials and examines some of these issues in the context of residential home planning. 

Documents in this area provide guidance on how to better protect your home and property. Please also see further members-only information on the Built Environment.

Be sure to read more about the publication Landscape and Building Design for Bushfire Areas in the AFAC shop.