The latest update to the NCC-2022 brings significant changes and introduces a range of new design requirements. These modifications will directly influence the design, construction, and safety aspects of new residential projects nationwide.
The primary focus of these changes is:
- improving sustainability and energy efficiency in homes and better thermal performance.
- Increasing the accessibility in homes and embracing livable housing designs.
- condensation management and ventilation.
- new weatherproofing and waterproofing requirements.
- a range of improvements to fire safety.
- new lead-free requirements for plumbing products to improve the quality and safety of drinking water.
These changes aim to enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, and streamline construction processes. While there is a transition period for some key changes, which don’t come into effect until May 1st 2024, the NCC 2022 are formally adopted from May 1st 2023.
Here is some helpful information and an overview of the key changes and their impact on residential design in Australia.
Sustainability and energy efficiency
One significant focus of the changes made to NCC-2022 is the emphasis on energy efficiency. The aim of these changes is to make the homes more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
As per the new regulations, all new buildings are now required to meet higher energy standards of a minimum of 7 stars. The new code mandates that all new homes must be constructed with a whole-of-home, annual energy use budget. The budget includes utilising more efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems, hot water systems and swimming pools and further integration of renewable energy sources.
In order to achieve the efficiency goals, the new designs will need to explore various strategies such as:
- enhancing window orientation and better thermal performance by utilising double-glazed windows and doors.
- use of insulation with improved R values.
- incorporating ceiling fans in living spaces and bedrooms.
- select lighter roof and external wall colours.
- minimising ceiling penetration.
- further integration of renewable energy sources.
The objectives of these changes include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs and creating a comfortable living environment for the occupants.
Livable Housing Design Standards
Liveable housing design is all about changing how we design homes to make them more usable and more adaptable to the changing needs of the occupants, especially as our population ages. The updated code introduces stricter guidelines for designing homes that are inclusive and universally accessible. The changes will help increase the number of adaptable homes and better meet the needs of older people and people with mobility limitations.
What are the new livability standards?
It mandates that all new homes, including multi-storey buildings, must have accessible pathways leading into the dwelling. The standard also includes practical design choices such as step-free thresholds, wider doorways and corridors, and greater clearances around toilets and doors.
It also requires homes to be built for future adaptations. This concept entails incorporating features that make it easier to modify a home, such as enforcement plywood hidden in walls for future grab rails to be installed if required.
The changes will ensure that new buildings are more accessible and that people with disabilities or older people have equal access to all areas of the building. This is an important step to support housing choice, aging in peace and reducing the costs associated with future housing adaptations as individuals need change over the years.
These changes are mandatory for all new homes. The alterations and additions to existing dwellings may not require compliance if they constitute less than 50% of the dwelling’s floor area; this will be further confirmed by the Building Surveyor.
Condensation management and ventilation
In many homes today, condensation is a huge problem. Everyday activities such as cooking and clothes drying all produce water vapour, and when moisture is present in an unventilated space and it contacts a cold surface, condensation forms. If this moisture is absorbed by a porous surface that cannot dry out, mold growth will likely occur. Condensation and mold can cause not only structural damage to your home but can affect the health and livability of the occupants.
Ventilation is crucial for reducing condensation in internal rooms and within wall, floor, or roof cavities where trapped moisture can lead to undetected mold growth. Mechanical exhaust systems must be used to remove moist air from internal rooms where natural ventilation is not possible, especially from wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
In bathrooms, fans must be connected to light switches incorporating a timer that ensures the fan runs for a set period, even after the light is switched off.
Recirculating range hoods to kitchens are no longer permissible, and they must now be ducted to the exterior of the building.
These changes aim to make new homes more comfortable and livable by improving the overall quality of life that a home offers its occupants, promoting a comfortable and healthy living environment.
New Waterproofing Standards
The new code has introduced some significant changes to the waterproofing, both internally and externally. Some new requirements have been added, which include new waterproofing compliance options for internal wet areas. The new NCC 2022 requires more extensive waterproofing requirements for shower walls as well falls to be provided to all floor wastes located in a wet area and new gradient requirements for surface finishes.
The updates to the waterproofing regulations have a big focus on providing more straightforward guidelines on the requirements.
Added fire and life safety measures
Enhancing fire safety is another significant change in the NCC – 2022. These updates address vital aspects such as fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility. The code includes revisions to fire safety requirements, covering areas like fire-resistant cladding, fire-rated windows, and the installation of smoke alarms. These changes are designed to minimise the risk of fire-related incidents and increase occupant safety.
Lead-free requirements for plumbing products
The NCC Volume 3 (Plumbing Code of Australia) has introduced some significant changes when it comes to lead-content plumbing products.
Conclusion
The NCC 2022 introduces some significant changes to how we design and build our homes. By prioritising accessibility, livability, and sustainability, the code sets a higher standard for new homes, fostering inclusivity, comfort, and environmental responsibility. With these new regulations, we can look forward to a future where homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, comfortable, and sustainable spaces for all.