Building in WA: Brick, Steel, and Timber - Choosing Your Construction
Had a good chat with my old neighbour on this one the other day and realised that there seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding here in Perth with many of the local builders spouting double brick homes as the king of all without even considering the alternatives… this is a bit of a historical issue with brick companies having owned a large portion of the market since the 70s within Western Australia, but regardless of this; its led to some very long held feelings on the matter amongst the general public. To put it in perspective, all you need to do is drive 2 hours down the road to the Margaret River region, and suddenly all the new homes swap to steel construction. Why is this? market share!
So let’s get to the bottom of this; Are you envisioning a stunning beach house in Margaret River or a modern masterpiece in Perth? No matter your dream home, the materials you choose set the stage for both form and function. But navigating the options can be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow West Australians! Today, we dive into the fascinating world of brick, steel, and timber construction, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you pick the perfect residential architect in WA to bring your vision to life.
Brick: The Enduring Classic for WA Homes
Don’t get me wrong - I love brick! It can look absolutely fantastic and it can be seriously sturdy. The problem I have is that it has largely become boring in recent years. If you go have a look at the old cottages in the city of Vincent (or your local heritage suburb) you’ll see a series of beautiful brick facades, all exposed and magnificently textured. The lack of thermal performance is a big downer however, and where my problem begins is when it’s rendered. Suddenly it becomes this boring (often grey) wall with no character and indistinguishable from every house next to it. Despite this, the material can offer a lot of benefits and look seriously cool all at the same time.
Pros:
Built to Last: Brick's legendary durability withstands WA's coastal winds and harsh sun, offering centuries of weather resistance and fire protection, perfect for beach houses and bushfire-prone areas.
Low Maintenance: Once built, brick requires minimal upkeep, saving you time and money in the long run. Ideal for busy lifestyles and investment properties.
Style for Every Era: From the heritage charm of Fremantle to the contemporary cool of Subiaco, bricks come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, allowing you to achieve any architectural style.
Peace and Quiet: The thick masonry walls provide excellent sound insulation, creating a peaceful haven in even the liveliest neighborhoods.
Cons:
Weighty Foundations: The sheer mass of brick can be a challenge, requiring strong foundations and potentially limiting design flexibility, especially on sloping sites.
Time is Money: Brickwork is labor-intensive, leading to longer construction periods and potentially higher costs compared to other materials.
Keeping it Cool: While fire-resistant, brick can struggle with insulation, impacting energy efficiency in Perth's hot summers. Consider incorporating additional insulation strategies.
Steel: The Modern Marvel for Bold WA Homes
A lot of our initial decision can often at times be considered in terms of the thermal performance of a product (following the aesthetic finish our client is after of course!) With this in mind, we’d consider steel as the middle ground option. Its low maintenance requirements could rival brick, while it’s thermal performance can get close to that of timber. It’s not quite there though… To put this in perspective, all you have to do is throw a piece of steel and a timber log out in the midday sun on a 40 degree day - which one do you think you’ll be able to pick up after an hour? Lastly, if you’re in a rush, you’ll be hard pressed to find a quicker material than steel.
Pros:
Strength Where it Counts: Steel boasts incredible strength-to-weight ratio, enabling expansive living spaces and soaring architectural statements, ideal for waterfront properties or modern masterpieces.
Speed is Key: Prefabricated steel components expedite construction, saving you time and potentially money, especially for larger projects.
Sustainable Choice: Recycled steel is readily available, minimizing environmental impact, aligning with WA's growing focus on sustainability.
Design Flexibility: Steel can be easily shaped and formed, catering to diverse architectural visions, from industrial chic to minimalist havens.
Cons:
Cost Considerations: Steel can be expensive compared to brick or timber, depending on the project scope and desired finishes. Weigh the initial cost against potential long-term benefits like durability and speed. This may not always be the case though, depending on your area!
Fire Safety First: While treated appropriately, steel can lose strength under extreme heat. Consult with your architect to ensure all fire safety regulations are met.
Finding Balance: Untreated steel conducts heat efficiently, requiring additional insulation for both comfort and energy efficiency, especially in Perth's climate.
Industrial Chic or Not? The industrial look of steel may not suit all design preferences. Discuss various finishes and cladding options with your architect.
Timber: The Natural Charm for Sustainable WA Homes
Western Australian design is quickly coming back to the OG of construction. timber has been around for a very long time, and is certainly starting to make a bit of a resurgence thanks to Australia’s big push to assist in improving sustainability within the construction industry. We’re big fans of timber here, the material offers good flexibility and exceptional thermal performance, but the material isn’t without its draw backs - the trick comes in knowing the appropriate time to specify this construction type.
Pros:
Sustainable Future: Timber is a renewable resource and can be sourced responsibly, minimizing your environmental footprint, aligning with WA's growing eco-conscious movement.
Naturally Warm: Wood naturally insulates, reducing energy consumption and creating comfortable interiors, perfect for energy-efficient homes throughout WA.
Beauty in Simplicity: The warmth and natural beauty of timber contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for beach houses, cabins, and nature-inspired designs.
Lightweight Champion: Timber's low weight eases construction and offers flexibility in foundation design, potentially reducing costs on challenging sites.
Cons:
Fire Needs Attention: Wood is inherently flammable, requiring special treatments and construction techniques to meet WA's strict fire safety regulations.
Regular TLC: Timber requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage, factor in the ongoing upkeep costs.
Movement with Moisture: Wood can shrink or swell with moisture changes, demanding careful design and construction practices, especially in coastal areas.
Availability Matters: Depending on the type and quality, timber availability and cost can vary. Consult with your architect for options that suit your budget and desired aesthetics.
The Final Verdict: It's All in the Mix!
Choosing the "best" material isn't about crowning a champion; it's about finding the perfect fit for your project's specific needs, aesthetic vision, and budget. Consider factors like sustainability goals, desired design style, local building regulations, and your budget to make an informed decision. Remember, even a blend of these materials can be used to create unique and beautiful WA homes that reflect your individuality.
These aren’t your only options either, let’s not forget the non traditional options such as concrete and even structurally insulated panels (SIPs) - but more on these later!
Ready to Build Your Dream WA Home?
Contact Cynosure Architecture today for a consultation! We are experienced designers, familiar with all of the above.
