DRAFT QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE NON-MANDATORY PART X.X LIVING ROOFS AND LIVING WALLS. Table of Contents

Transcription

1 DRAFT QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE NON-MANDATORY PART X.X LIVING ROOFS Table of Contents Table of Contents... 1 Purpose... 2 Commencement... 2 Application... 2 Referral Agency... 2 Compliance with the QDC... 2 Associated requirements... 2 Referenced documents... 3 Definitions... 3 Schedule 2a Maintenance plan for living roofs Schedule 2b Maintenance plan for living walls Version 1 Page 1 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

2 Purpose To provide a building standard where living roof or living wall technology has been voluntary included into Queensland buildings. Commencement This non-mandatory part commences on [subject to consultation]. Application This non-mandatory part may be applied to buildings (new or existing) where living roof or living wall technology is incorporated into the design. Note: The inclusion of a living roof or living wall may be assessable or self-assessable work under the Building Act 1975 or Sustainable Planning Act All work should be in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Act. Referral Agency There is no referral agency. Compliance with the QDC Compliance with this non-mandatory part can be achieved by: a) complying with the relevant acceptable solution for the performance criteria; or b) formulating an alternative solution that complies with the performance criteria or is shown to be at least equivalent to the relevant criteria; or a combination of (a) and (b). Associated requirements Building Act 1975 Building Code of Australia Building Regulation 2006 Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 Plumbing Code of Australia Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code Standard Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2003 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 Version 1 Page 2 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

3 Referenced documents Number AS/NZS AS/NZS AS 2441 AS/NZS AS AS AS 4055 Title Structural design actions - Permanent, imposed and other actions Structural design actions Wind actions Installation of fire hose reels Plumbing and drainage Part 3: Stormwater drainage Termite Management Part 1: New building work Termite Management Part 2: In and around existing buildings and structures - Guidelines Wind loads for housing Efficient irrigation for water conservation guideline (produced by the former Queensland Water Commission) Definitions Note - Italicised words within the body of the text are defined. BCA has the meaning given by the Building Act certified irrigation professional means a person who has attained a nationally recognised qualification in irrigation and maintains current certification through Irrigation Australia Limited (IAL). concentrated action has the meaning given by Section 3.2 in AS design wind speed means the design gust wind speed for the area where the building is located, calculated in accordance with AS/NZS or AS drainage layer for a living roof or living wall means the layer in a vegetation system that gradually draws off liquid from the growing medium. efficient irrigation system means a system designed to operate in accordance with the Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation Guideline (as produced by the former Queensland Water Commission). energy efficient lighting means lighting with a minimum output of 27 lumens per Watt. filter membrane means the layer in a vegetation system that separates the growing medium and drainage layer. floor area has the same meaning given by the BCA. full surface treatment means the pre-treating or thermal spraying of a membrane to inhibit root growth penetrating through the membrane. living roof means a roof system designed to promote the growth of vegetation. living wall can be: internal living wall means a living wall incorporated within the walls of a building free from the external elements; or external living wall means a living wall positioned on the walls of a building that are exposed to the external elements. Version 1 Page 3 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

4 growing medium means the substrate (soil type) or material in which the vegetation for a living roof or living wall is planted and grows. maintenance plan has the meaning given in Schedule 2. plant climate zone means the relevant geographical area indicated in Schedule 1. rainwater tank means a covered tank, or combination of covered tanks, used to collect and store rainwater from a building s roof, or multiple roofs, that may also be used to store potable water from a reticulated town water supply system for use when the stored rainwater supply is depleted. recreational garden means that part of a living roof that is suitable for routine passive and active human use. reticulated town water supply system means a pipe network managed by a water service provider registered under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 for delivering drinking water directly to premises. strength capacity means the ability of a growing medium and vegetation to retain form and not be uplifted or dislodged. structural base means the support or surface the vegetation system is attached to. vegetation means the plants present on the top layer of a vegetation system. vegetation system means for a: living roof the complete layering system making up a living roof. living wall the complete system making up an internal living wall or external living wall. water retention capacity means the volume of water the growing medium and vegetation can retain. waterproof/root repellent layer means the layer of the vegetation system that is designed to prevent water and roots, shoots and rhizomes from penetrating the buildings roof or wall structure. wind region has the same meaning given by the BCA. Version 1 Page 4 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

5 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Living Roofs Design and construction requirements P1 Building load capacity The building must be able to support the inclusion of a living roof. P2 P3 Roof slope The building s roof slope must ensure the stability of a living roof and the vegetation system is secured to ensure the system does not shear, slide or water-log. Vegetation system A living roof must contain an appropriate vegetation system comprising of suitable layers A1 A2 A3 ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION The building structure must be capable of supporting the intended living roof, including the loadings imposed by the: vegetation system (considering fully mature vegetation); and maximum water retention capacity; and concentrated action where large trees, structures or fixtures may be positioned; and maximum number of persons based on gross floor area (if the living roof is designed as a recreational garden and it is not already captured by the BCA); and equipment and persons involved with installation and maintenance procedures. The loadings in A1 (1) must be verified with a building structural engineer to confirm its structural integrity. Where a vegetation system is incorporated on a roof with a gradient less than 2 degrees, no additional stability measures are required, however a suitable drainage course must be provided (refer A10). Where a vegetation system is incorporated on a roof with a gradient between 2 and 44 degrees: structural anti-shear protection must be incorporated including: special woven matting; or anti-shear or studded anti-shear plates and fabrics lined with geotextiles on the underside; or other appropriate anti-shear measures; and the vegetation system must prevent waterlogging (refer A10). Where a building roof slope exceeds a gradient of 44 degrees, a living roof must not be incorporated. A living roof must comprise at minimum: a suitable structural base; and a waterproof/root repellent layer; and a drainage layer; and a filter membrane; and growing medium taking into account the: depth required; and vegetation used and variables for design wind speed (refer A4(2)); and vegetation considering: the plant climate zone and variables such as rainfall, design wind speed and building properties (refer A4(2)(b)); and the growing medium and depth necessary; and Version 1 Page 5 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

6 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION the amount of natural light; and where artificial lighting is required it will be energy efficient lighting. must endorse the selected vegetation and growing medium. P4 P5 P6 Design wind speed Living roofs must be able to withstand design wind speeds both during construction and following completion. Root penetration prevention Living roofs must comprise of appropriate layers to protect against root penetration. Fire prevention Living roofs must be constructed to avoid fire hazards. A4 A5 A6 During the construction of a living roof, the vegetation system and all corners, edges, borders and vulnerable areas must be sufficiently secured to avoid damage to the living roof or building or risk to people. A completed living roof must withstand design wind speeds taking into account all of the following: the wind strength, prevailing direction and wind region the building is situated in; the characteristics of the building and adjacent buildings including height, direction and shape; the strength capacity. The vegetation system must comprise a waterproof/root repellent layer (refer A3) in accordance with the following: the layer must prevent root ingress and penetration. This may include non waterpermeable concrete, protective sheeting or a full surface treatment or coating; and joints and borders in the roof or structure must have a full surface treatment performed; and where vegetation with strong rhizome growth is used, it must be referred to in the maintenance plan (refer A12(2)). must be consulted to determine if strong rhizome growth is a characteristic of the chosen vegetation. Where roof, wall or other building materials incorporate potentially combustible materials, the design must ensure a vegetation free zone between these combustible areas. This must be equal to the height of the largest plant at maturity, and including in all cases a minimum clearance of 0.5 metres horizontally. Where the building has a floor area greater than 500 m² the living roof storey must meet the BCA E1.4 Fire hose reels and AS 2441: 2005 Installation of fire hose reels. Version 1 Page 6 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

7 P7 P8 P9 DRAFT QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE NON MANDATORY PART X.X LIVING ROOFS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Termite prevention Living roofs must be constructed to prevent termite introduction and not impact on termite prevention measures. Safe access and movement Living roofs must include appropriate measures to ensure occupant safety. Vegetation location and protection Living roofs must be designed and maintained to consider the effects of onsite and adjacent vents and air currents. Drainage and water requirements A7 A8 A9 ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION Materials of a vegetation system must be inspected prior to entering the site to prevent introduction of termites into the building. Living roof design must not compromise the existing termite management system(s) of a building (refer AS3660 Termite Management). Living roof design must incorporate appropriate safety measures including: rope securing points for workers carrying out living roof maintenance at elevations greater than 3 metres; and barriers or guard rails where the living roof is being used as a recreational garden and there is a drop of more than 1 metre; and where the living roof design includes a recreational garden with walkways, they shall have slip resistant surfaces. Note: A8(b) must be in accordance with the BCA D2.16 Barriers to prevent falls (Volume One) or BCA Part Barriers and handrails (Volume Two). Vegetation for the living roof design and maintenance must: not block air-conditioning and ventilation systems and: be resistant to exhaust gases; or if susceptible to exhaust gases, be located a sufficient distance away from vents to maintain vegetation health. be capable of surviving local air currents. must be consulted to determine the suitability and location of the vegetation. P10 Drainage/stormwater Vegetation systems must incorporate sufficient drainage and stormwater control measures must be appropriate to the site A10 Drainage and stormwater control measures for a living roof must be installed, maintained and connected to the building stormwater system in accordance with AS A suitably qualified hydraulic engineer must be consulted to ensure the following variables meet AS and are appropriate for the site: drainage and stormwater system capacity, location and materials; and filters, arresters and other measures to prevent sediment and fertiliser runoff. The maximum capacity of the building s drainage and stormwater system must account for water retention capacity. must be consulted to determine the water Version 1 Page 7 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

8 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION retention capacity of the chosen growing medium and vegetation. P11 Watering/irrigation An irrigation or watering system included in a living roof installation must be water efficient. Maintenance Work A11 When an irrigation system is incorporated into a living roof design it must be an efficient irrigation system. The efficient irrigation system will have water sourced from a rainwater tank where possible. Where the intended irrigation area exceeds 500m 2, it will have an irrigation Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) prepared in accordance with WEMP guidelines. A certified irrigation professional must be consulted for irrigation system installation. P12 Maintenance Living roofs must be maintained to ensure the survival of vegetation, integrity of the vegetation system, preservation of the building, safety of occupants and the public. A12 A maintenance plan must be prepared in accordance with the criteria in Schedule 2a by a suitably qualified horticulturist or botanist. Maintenance procedures set out in the maintenance plan must be undertaken at least quarterly. Version 1 Page 8 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

9 Living Walls PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Construction requirements ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION P13 P14 P15 Building load capacity The building must be able to support the inclusion of a living wall. Vegetation system A living wall must contain an appropriate vegetation system comprising of suitable layers. Design wind speed External living walls must be able to withstand design wind speeds both during construction and following completion. A13 The building structure must be capable of supporting the intended living wall, including the loadings imposed by the: vertical load generated by a fully mature vegetation system when affixed to the wall of the building, including concentrated action for attachment points to the wall; and maximum water retention capacity. The loadings in A13(1) must be verified with a building structural engineer to confirm its structural integrity. must be consulted to determine the approximate water retention capacity. A14 A living wall must comprise at minimum: a structurally sound host wall; and an enclosure mounting system/point(s); and a vegetation enclosure; and a waterproof/root repellent layer; and an irrigation system; and a drainage layer; and drip tray (where the irrigation system requires this); and growing medium; and vegetation, considering: for an internal living wall: the amount of natural light; and the presence of artificial heating, cooling and lighting. for an external living wall the plant climate zone and variables such as rainfall, design wind speed (refer A15(2)) and building properties, and the amount of natural light. must endorse the selected vegetation and growing medium. A15 During the construction of an external living wall, the vegetation system must be sufficiently secured to avoid damage to the living wall, host building, adjacent buildings or risk to people. A completed external living wall must withstand design wind speeds taking into account all of the following: wind strength, prevailing direction and wind region the building is situated in; and characteristics of the building and adjacent buildings including height, direction and shape; and strength capacity. Version 1 Page 9 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

10 P16 P17 P18 P19 DRAFT QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE NON MANDATORY PART X.X LIVING ROOFS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Root penetration prevention Living walls must comprise of appropriate layers to protect against root penetration. Fire prevention Living walls must be constructed to avoid fire hazards. Termite prevention Living walls must be constructed to prevent termite introduction and not impact on termite prevention measures. Vegetation location and protection Living walls must be designed and maintained to consider the effects of onsite and adjacent vents and air currents. Drainage and water requirements ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION A16 The vegetation system must comprise a waterproof/root repellent layer in accordance with the following: the layer must prevent root ingress and penetration. This may include non waterpermeable concrete, protective sheeting or a full surface treatment or coating; and joints and borders in the wall or structure must have a full surface treatment performed; and where vegetation with strong rhizome growth is used, it must be referred to in the maintenance plan (refer A12(2)). must be consulted to determine if strong rhizome growth is a characteristic of the chosen vegetation. A17 When an internal living wall is installed, an irrigation system must be included (refer A21) and: if the building is required to meet the BCA Part E1.5 and Part E2.2(a), the irrigation system is connected to automatically trigger, alongside smoke detection and alarm systems and sprinklers; and has the ability to manually turn the irrigation system on in the event of a fire. Where an external living wall is installed, an irrigation system must be included (refer A21) and have the ability to manually turn on the irrigation system in the event of a fire. A18 Materials of a vegetation system must be inspected prior to entering the site to prevent introduction of termites into the building. Living wall design must not compromise the existing termite management system(s) of a building (refer AS 3660 Termite Management). A19 Vegetation must be designed and maintained for a living wall so that: it does not block air-conditioning and ventilation systems and: it is resilient to exhaust gases; or where susceptible to exhaust gases, it is located a sufficient distance away from vents to maintain vegetation health. it is capable of surviving local air currents. must be consulted to determine the suitability and location of the vegetation. Version 1 Page 10 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

11 P20 P21 DRAFT QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE NON MANDATORY PART X.X LIVING ROOFS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Drainage/stormwater Living wall design must incorporate a drip tray, drainage and stormwater control measures appropriate to the site. Watering/Irrigation Any irrigation or watering system used in a living wall application must be water efficient. Maintenance Work P22 Maintenance Living walls must be maintained to ensure the survival of vegetation, integrity of the vegetation system, preservation of the building, safety of occupants and the public. ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION A20 Drip trays, drainage and stormwater control measures for a living wall, must be installed, maintained and connected to the building stormwater system in accordance with AS A suitably qualified hydraulic engineer must be consulted to ensure the following variables meet AS and are appropriate for the site: drip trays, drainage and stormwater system capacity, location and materials; and filters, arresters and other measures to prevent sediment and fertiliser runoff. For an external living wall, the maximum capacity of the building s drainage and stormwater system must account for water retention capacity. must be consulted to determine the water retention capacity. A21 An irrigation system incorporated into a living wall design must be an efficient irrigation system. The efficient irrigation system will have water sourced from a rainwater tank where possible. A certified irrigation professional must be consulted for irrigation system installation. A22 A maintenance plan must be prepared in accordance with the criteria in Schedule 2b by a suitably qualified horticulturist or botanist. Maintenance procedures set out in the maintenance plan must be undertaken at least quarterly. Version 1 Page 11 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

12 Schedule 1 Plant Climate Zones Source: Former Department of Environment and Resource Management. Version 1 Page 12 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

13 SCHEDULE 2A MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR LIVING ROOFS The maintenance plan will provide concise information on: 1. The following: a. fertilisation b. lawn/grass cutting c. pruning d. re-planting e. pest control. 2. Procedures for ensuring all of the following building components are in good working order: a. drainage and stormwater control measures (in accordance with AS , Section 10 Site Testing) b. irrigation and watering systems c. joints, borders and structural components d. the vegetation system. 3. Persons responsible for each element of the maintenance. 4. Timeframes for maintenance to be performed. Version 1 Page 13 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

14 SCHEDULE 2B MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR LIVING WALLS The maintenance plan will provide concise information on: 1. The following a. fertilisation b. pruning c. re-planting d. pest control. 2. Procedures for ensuring all of the following building components are in good working order: a. drainage and stormwater control measures (in accordance with AS , Section 10 Site Testing) b. irrigation and watering systems c. joints, borders and structural components d. the vegetation system. 3. Persons responsible for each element of the maintenance. 4. Timeframes for maintenance to be performed. Version 1 Page 14 Publication Date: 30 November 2016

15 SCHEDULE 2B MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR LIVING WALLS The maintenance plan will provide concise information on: 1) The following - a) fertilisation b) pruning c) re-planting d) pest control. 2) Procedures for ensuring all of the following building components are in good working order - a) drainage and stormwater control measures (in accordance with AS , Section 10 Site Testing) b) irrigation and watering systems c) joints, borders and structural components d) the vegetation system. 3) Persons responsible for each element of the maintenance. 4) Timeframes for maintenance to be performed. Version 1 Page 15 Publication Date: 30 November 2016