BUILDING SMALL AND SMART AT DESIGNBUILD 2015

The nanoHouse was produced by DesignBUILD exhibitor Wood. Naturally Better. (WNB) in partnership with Planet Ark’s Make It Wood campaign, and was designed by renowned New Zealand architect Daiman Otto.

 Mr Otto designed the nanoHouse so that it can be easily constructed by others using standard wood products, such as plywood, to create a low cost and low waste micro-dwelling, backyard studio, holiday home or disaster relief housing.

The display will be installed in the Landscape Outdoor Zone of DesignBUILD with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects assisting with its surrounds. Interior designer, TV personality and Planet Ark Ambassador James Treble will join Mr Otto onsite to speak about the features of the nanoHouse. 

WNB spokesperson, Eileen Newbury, said the nanoHouse’s structure used no screws or nails and would demonstrate to building material specifiers the benefits of the design and build process, as well as the materials used.  

“The technology used in the nanoHouse is cutting edge. People are able to order a replica of the nanoHouse online, after which it is cut to scale using a CNC machine and then delivered as a flatpack. It can then be assembled by people with basic tools and building skills,” Ms Newbury said.

WNB parent company, Forest Wood Products Australia, will also be exhibiting products and solutions by its specifier brand, WoodSolutions, within the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Pavilion.

“The WoodSolutions exhibition is intended to be an educational display for architects and building material specifiers, where they will be able to touch and feel new wood products, including cross laminated timber, structural insulated panels, laminated veneer lumber, glulam and other popular timber species,” Ms Newbury said.

Leading brands Dulux, Bondor and Graphisoft will join WoodSolutions in the AIA pavilion, where they will be demonstrating the benefits of BIM based solutions to architects, designers and construction professionals.

 DesignBUILD Event Manager Ali Mead said this year’s DesignBUILD had a major focus on building materials with almost 50 per cent of the show floor to feature exhibitors specialising in timber, insulation and roofing. 

“This DesignBUILD structural and materials section will be home to more than 100 brands showcasing the latest design and technological advancements in the industry,” Ms Mead said.  

DesignBUILD represents the largest annual gathering of architecture, building, construction and design manufacturers and suppliers in the country. Individuals can still register to attend next week’s event for free by visiting www.designbuildexpo.com.au.