Today, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released the preview version of the 2019 National Construction Code (NCC) that increases the range of buildings, up to an effective height of 25m, in which fire-protected timber construction systems can be used. The new Classes add schools, retail premises, hospitals and aged care facilities to the previously approved multi-residential, hospitality accommodation and office buildings.
This change is based on extensive work and a successful submission by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), which extends a Deemed-to-Satisfy solution that was secured in the 2016 NCC permitting, for the first time, construction in fire-protected timber building systems to an effective height of 25 metres (typically 8 storeys) for Class 2, 3 and 5 buildings.
Media Release:
FWPA_MR_NCC_2019_Changes_FINAL.pdf
