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Treated LVL from Futurebuild overcomes the challenges of dream building
The Parsons residence, perched above the foreshore of Moreton Bay in Queensland, presented challenges on many levels - a
multi-storey house of unusual design, a sloping site, termite danger, exposure to wild weather and a hands-on owner who was looking for
light, easy materials. The use of Hyspan structural LVL and Hybeam engineered I joists from futurebuild, treated for purpose, helped
overcome all these issues, achieving architect Shane Keeffe's vision and owner David Parson's dream.
The house is grand but built in the casual Queensland style with large, open areas. To achieve the open aspect and sweeping water views,
the façade features widely-spaced columns, the large open areas of internal flooring and decking and roof rafters that protrude to the
exterior.
According to Shane Keeffe, the site was difficult with a steep slope that ran down to the water of Moreton Bay. He needed materials that
could span the large open areas in his design but were light enough to position easily. Once in place it was critical they remain straight
and didn't shrink. "The Hyspan and Hybeam were the perfect solution," he says. "I use these products because I think they are dimensionally
stable, lightweight solutions to providing framing on a problem site."
The external Hyspan beams were also H3 treated against the ravages of the external elements. As the Parsons house has many decks there is
a lot of exposure to the weather. The long, clear spans of the roof rafters were accommodated nicely also using H3-treated Hyspan, extending
beyond the external wall and reducing the need for support walls throughout. Then the beams were painted beneath the roof overhang and the
exposed rafter and bearer ends beyond the overhang and the exposed rafter and bearer ends beyond the overhang were end-capped with Colorbond
for further weather protection and to enhance the feature.
The Hybeam floor joists were also treated to H3 and used externally on the decks. Waterproofed fibre cement sheeting was used to create an
impervious flooring to prevent water penetration onto the joists. Such an external use of the Hybeam was unusual says Keeffe but he explains
that the house was in an exposed position, elevated and on the water and so will get driven rain, wind and so on. The H3 treatment was for
peace of mind.
For further information contact:
Futurebuild
phone: +61 3 9258 7600
fax: +61 3 9258 7629
web: www.chhfuturebuild.com
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