Bushfire, Flooding & Complex sites

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Astute Architectural Drafting
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What is a BAL rating and how does this affect my property?

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a measure used to determine the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. It’s measured in increments of radiant heat (expressed in kilowatts/m²).
A BAL is a basis for establishing the requirements for construction (under the Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas), to improve the protection of building elements from bushfire attack.
The image above shows the various BAL ratings and the radiant heat flux for each rating. The greater the distance from the fire the lower the heat flux and therefore the construction standard is lower.

Asquith - Complex site

New Dwelling - BAL FZ

Merrylands - Complex site

Flood control lot

Jindabyne - Complex site

Cold weather climate

Collaroy - Complex site

Heavily sloping

Annandale - Complex site

Narrow block 4m wide

Parramatta - Complex site

Unusual shaped site