Buildersbulletin We're jumping straight into 2020 - bowens.com.au
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FEBRUARY VOLUME 32 EDITION 12
builders bulletin
We're
jumping
straight into
2020
THE BUILDERS’ CHOICE
bowens.com.au
MANAGING OUR FORESTS DIFFERENTLY thinning and prescribed burning helped reduce fire
severity, tree mortality and crown scorch. A 2018 study
on Spanish pine forests had similar results.
In preparing to write Bowens’ first Builders Bulletin editorial for 2020, I had examined ‘Victoria In
Future 2019’, the state government’s projection of population and households across Victoria. The Our own research on Australian forests also supported these
document offers important insights into our demographic future; the state’s population is forecast to findings. We found mechanical thinning plus burning in silver
reach 11.2 million people by 2056. All businesses, governments and communities should be aware of, top ash reduces fire fuel hazard, with major reductions in dead
if not preparing for, such a scenario. trees, stumps and understory.
Unfortunately, the catastrophic bushfires, which have dominated our summer, have intervened. We compared thinned and unthinned alpine ash forests using
While the subject is likely to have given many readers commentary-fatigue, I am keen to highlight an computer modelling, simulating severe to extreme weather
under-reported point-of-view on how to reduce the likelihood of such a scenario from happening again. conditions. And we found modelled fire intensity decreased by
To this end I have reproduced an article published in ‘The Conversation’ on January 20, 2020, authored 30 per cent and the rate of fire spread and spot fires moving
by Rod Keenan, (Professor, University of Melbourne), Chris Weston (Senior Lecturer, University of ahead of the main fire decreased by 20 per cent with thinning.
Melbourne) and Luba Volkova (Senior Research Fellow, University of Melbourne).
Reducing tree density and fuel through thinning can also make
Calls from industry and unions for increased thinning in forests to reduce bushfire risks have been met with it easier and safer for fire-suppression activities, like direct
concern from conservation scientists. They suggest forest thinning makes forests more fire prone. attack with fire hoses, litter raking or back burns, increasing
our chances to control the size of wildfires.
So, who’s right? Well, it’s complicated. The short answer is forest thinning is a good way to lower the risk of
fire and is a widely-used strategy to improve forest health. However, there are potential downsides. Thinning Another study from 2015 in East Gippsland forests found that
needs to be carefully planned to avoid effects on soil, water or sensitive habitats. while overall fuel hazard was lower at thinned sites than nearby
unthinned sites, larger woody debris from thinning persisted for
Unlike clear-fell logging and selection harvesting, mechanical thinning for timber involves felling about half 15 years or longer.
the trees in even-aged, uniformly structured forests. Recently, forest managers are using the practice more
for ecological outcomes. This is both a good and bad thing. More logs or woody debris
may slow fire spreading, but can make it harder to completely
If we look to the future, the recent fires have created conditions for forest regeneration on a large scale. extinguish fires after the fire front passes through.
These regenerating forests will thin naturally over time, creating more fuel and increased risk of more large-
scale fires. Mechanical thinning can remove this potential flammable vegetation. The downsides
Thinning is potentially costly, but selling the wood or other
Forest thinning should be one of the ways we tackle fire management and forest resilience in future, but we organic matter may offset the cost. Timber harvesting machines
need more research to understand the best way to go about it. Here’s what the evidence says. can also disturb soils or wildlife habitat, but these can be
minimised with modern equipment and careful planning.
What is thinning?
Thinning is a natural forest process, where tree numbers in most even-aged forests reduce through What’s more, forests store carbon. Thinning can, in the short
competition (for light and water) over time. For example, Mountain ash forests regenerating naturally after a term, release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The overall
severe fire might have hundreds of thousands of new seedlings per hectare that self-thin to a few thousand effect on carbon emissions in the long term, however, depends
after 20 years, and a few hundred after 80 years. on the extent thinning reduces fire risk and intensity. In some
cases, we may need to accept decreased forest carbon storage
Mechanical thinning for producing timber is a long-standing commercial forestry practice that uses in return for reduced risks.
herbicides, chainsaws or mechanical harvesters. It reduces tree numbers and concentrates growth on
fewer trees so they reach a valuable size more quickly. This is to improve commercial timber quality, or to We’ve seen in the media arguments about using thinning
more quickly remove trees that would die through natural thinning. to manage bushfire risks. It’s important conservation and
bushfire scientists, the timber industry and government
Written by
Thinning for ecological outcomes, on the other hand, is a relatively recent practice being tested in many bodies understand all concerns and create space for inclusive
JOHN BOWEN parts of Australia. It can produce more rapid development of “old-growth” forest features, such as large dialogue to identify where thinning and prescribed burning are
Managing Director trees, branches, hollows and coarse woody debris – all important wildlife habitats. best practised.
Forest managers are using thinning for other reasons, too. For example, to adapt to climate change by In any case, whether you’re for or against the practice, more
reducing stresses on individual trees from increased drought, heat, insects, disease or wildfire because, research is needed to determine how much we should use
among other things, thinning takes away the added stress of competition. it. In 2017, the Federal Government funded mechanical
fuel reduction trials in three states. But these trials must be
Looking ahead, thinning combined with Indigenous cultural burning may even be a way to restore Australian expanded to a national program.
forests to more open park-like conditions observed at the time of arrival of Europeans.
The evidence from Australia and overseas is compelling, but
The case for thinning to reduce fire risk we need careful planning and thoughtful discussion about
Thinning to reduce fire risk is intended to slow the rate fire spreads, lower flame heights and improve how to use thinning to its full potential as part of our strategy
recovery after wildfire hits. This was shown in a 2016 extensive review of US research, which found in addressing the escalating risks of bushfires in a changing
climate.
Timber Framing –
The Ultimate Renewable™
W
hen something simply works, we take it for Note that for houses north of the Tropic of Capricorn, a
granted. For builders: it’s timber framing. For stronger protective termite treatment is available.
homeowners: they really don’t pay attention In relation to fire, there is currently no restriction on what
to what holds up their biggest life investment. structural products are used for
detached house framing
We are reminding Builders and Did you know that:
(Class 1 Buildings). It is important
Homeowners alike, that timber Australian softwood plantations re-grow
to note that many fire protection
framing is The Ultimate Renewable! an average house frame in less than
a minute design decisions relate to external
Meeting your business For every tree that is harvested from materials of the home.
certified plantations at least one is To assist in determining the
needs as the builder
replanted relevant Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
The house frame and roof structure
Did you also know that a typical for a specific building site, go to the
are a critical stage of the build
Australian home: online design tool WoodSolutions
process. With a comprehensive
✔
Has absorbed more than 7 tonnes of Bushfire Calculator V2.0
network of timber fabricators across
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air
Australia, you can be assured of Make yourself stand out as
✔ Stores almost 3 tonnes of carbon
✔ reliability of supply, competitiveness a builder that is known for
✔ Sources: https://framing.woodsolutions.com.au/
and experience that truly sustainable choices
Why do more Australian home builders and understands your needs as a builder. Homeowners, particularly millennials, are interested in
And equally important, trades are comfortable and the choice of materials in their new homes. This is why
owners choose timber framing? familiar with timber. timber framing has a great story to tell. Using timber in
✔ Used for decades by chippies, timber structures for buildings stores the carbon for as long as the building
✔
Proven and popular Termite resistant when treated Australian dwellings, whether stick built on-site or exists; what’s more, timber framing is sourced from
prefabricated, are proven to offer enormous design sustainably managed plantation forests which are
Strong, stable and quiet Fire predictable flexibility, especially when there are inevitable changes constantly being replanted after harvest. For you as the
and corrections in the build design. builder, choose timber framing to
Low cost flexibility Stores carbon renew our future and count the
CO2
Common misconceptions about termites carbon that has been stored in
and fire with timber framing? the houses you build.
CO2 Sold in Australia for over 15 years, Blue Pine timber
Start YOUR carbon
woodsolutions.com.au/framing
CO CO2
framing is the termite solution for most of Australia
2
with 25-year manufacturers’ warranty for the majority of counting today!
timber brands.
5 bowens.com.au
Astec Armatex Firewall render system
and Dincel permanent formwork were
both developed in Australia by innovative
Product
Australian owned and operated
manufacturing companies.
Both companies support their products out in the field, Dincel
in focus
with engineering assistance during construction and Astec with
an approved accredited applicator network throughout Australia
who ensure both the render and facade waterproofing system
are installed strictly to specification.
The combination of Dincel permanent formwork and Astec
Paints Armatex Firewall Render System have proven to be
ASTEC ARMATEX FIREWALL RENDER an unbeatable combination for use during new construction
throughout Australia.
Not only is it fast and cost effective for builders during new
construction but all aspects of the wall and finishing system
comply with all relevant provisions of the 2019 National
Construction Codes in Australia.
The system has been thoroughly tested for fire and
waterproofing compliance, with all testing being completed in
Australia at premium test facilities such as CSIRO, Warrington
Fire, SGS and AWTA.
Unlike normal paint, Astec elastomeric wall
coatings maintain their elasticity with time.
Substrate movement for whatever reason leads
to cracks.
Cracks are easily bridged during initial application
and remain bridged throughout the worst ravages
of cold winters and hot humid summers.
• Test demonstrates no flame spread occur vertical or
horizontal from the ignition source.
• No fire penetration of joints or wall substrate.
• Fire Charred decorative layer only.
• Firewall Render protected concrete lintel below
system with no spalling.
Innovative & functional wall finishing systems for today’s
• No flaming debris, powder only from decorative layer.
modern building substrates.
7 bowens.com.au
Be Inspired
It’s been two years since the award-winning Jai says that; “The challenge was that the Blackbutt material
Mornington Peninsula winery and fine-dining wasn’t something that you can get off the shelf. We also had
restaurant, Ten Minutes by Tractor, was partly a decent build in a short period of time, so we had huge time
engulfed by an electrical fire. The fire was so constraints.”
devasting it is believed more than $500,000 of rare
wine, in addition to vintage cars (such as a 1928 It was critical that Jai could rely on Bowens to source all the
Fordson) were lost. custom-made Blackbutt materials. “Bowens have the power and
ability to get those materials turned around quickly for us. You
Since then, the family owned winery has risen from the ashes can't get that anywhere else, and that's why it's so crucial that we
with a rebuild. have Bowens on board with us for a project like this, so that we
can achieve our deadlines,” explains Jai.
The new site is nearly four times the size of the original. The
1930's orchard cottage has been expanded, adding space for “The Blackbutt linings and veneer came from Timberwood. We
another 30 diners, plus a private dining room for twenty four, got the Timberwood sales rep out to Ten Minutes by Tractor to
a new cellar, reached by spiral staircase with a large outdoor go through what the owners wanted and make sure the right look
terrace for summer. The cellar door is was achieved,” he continues.
now a stunning restaurant bar.
Most of the Blackbutt battens and the
The team at Bowens Hastings were “We value our arbor material came from Bayswood
involved in the rebuild of this iconic Timber, who Bowens have worked with
property, working alongside Lloyd relationship with on many major projects in the past such
Group and Fisher & House Construction. as the Penguins Plus project at Phillip
Bowens and will Island.
The Lloyd Group is native to the
Mornington Peninsular. continue to long into Once Chris knew what was required, he
placed bulk orders of the materials and
Jye Lloyd, Project Manager says; the future.” stored them at Hastings so they were
“We like to do projects in our local readily available. Chris says; “Jai and
neighborhood and really give back to his team could call it up on a daily basis.
the community that has given us so They could keep the guys working and View the video
much over the years.” keep the project going. We've had every truck in our fleet out on YouTube at
there, from the small ute and tray truck, to the crane trucks.” /bowensau
Chris Brogan, the Manager at Bowens Hastings explains that;
“With jobs like this that are so well known, the builders put their Jai explains; “I don't have time to be chasing materials. The
reputations on the line. They really need to trust their suppliers great thing about Bowens is that I send one order in, I can forget
and their contractors to do the best job that they can.” about it, and it rocks up when we need it, on time. It's not a
matter of ‘can I get a delivery in a few days?’ or ‘can I get a
An example of this trust was the large volume of various Blackbutt delivery tomorrow?’. Bowens are able to get things out to us
products that were used extensively through the project. within hours!”
Jai Fisher, Director at Fisher & House Construction says; “We've Jye from Lloyd Group says; “It's been a fantastic
used Blackbutt for the arbor structure in the breezeway. Some experience working with Bowens. We value our relationship
of the original arbor structure survived the fire, so we needed to with Bowens and will continue to long into the future.”
match into that and continue on, obviously making it look like it's
all part of the one.” Bowens has an extensive history of working on significant
and iconic projects on the Mornington Peninsula.
Blackbutt battens lined the exterior of the building as well as the
elevated cellar door ceiling which looks fantastic. Jai also used Along with Ten Minutes by Tractor, Bowens were also an integral Various B
a Blackbutt veneer ply-sheet product for lining all the walls and part of the Portsea Hotel and Arthurs Seat Eagle Skylift projects, after lackbutt p
o pened extemsive roducts
some ceilings. A lot of the doors and doorjambs have been built solidifying Bowens Hastings as the number one choice for iconic as re
inery h to a fire in
Great communication between Bowens, the ly through have been used
n e d w out the re
out of Blackbutt as well. institutions and buildings down in the Peninsula. mily ow ild due suppliers and builders helped achieved the desired build.
The fa assive rebu y 2018 outcome.
m r
a Februa 9 bowens.com.au
Carpenters first in line for WorkSafe
mandatory registration and licensing
Update
FALLS PREVENTION IN CONSTRUCTION
Master Builders Victoria has long supported the What is being introduced?
introduction of mandatory registration of trades. Our WHAT IS BEING INTRODUCED?
motivation, now and always, is to improve the quality of
building and construction in our state. Mandatory trades registration and licensing is the WORKSAFE VICTORIA IS WARNING ALL EMPLOYERS TO CONTROLLING FALL RISKS
introduction of: CONTROL FALL RISKS A combination of risk control measures will usually be required
Following the passage of the Building Amendment • Registration for tradespeople who run a business to control fall risks.
(Registration of Building Trades and Other Matters) Act and subcontract to builders Falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and
2018, Master Builders Victoria provided input to the • Licensing for carpenters who are employees. serious injuries in construction, with five Victorian construction
Control of risk - Prevention of falls hierarchy
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning workers losing their lives in the past two years. Higher level
of control
(DELWP) with regard to the shape of the registration and WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? Eliminate the risk by doing all or some of the
Level 1
licensing framework. This year WorkSafe is continuing a targeted blitz on fall work on the ground or from a solid construction
If you have carpenter subcontractors and/or employees, prevention at domestic and commercial building sites to
Reduce any remaining risk by using a passive fall
It has taken a long time, but change is happening. we recommend you do the following: ensure systems are in place to control the risk of a fall.
Level 2 prevention device, for example, using scaffolding,
• Build awareness of this change among your workers perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or
While we have reservations about some aspects of the • Recommend that your trade subcontractors sign up WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF FALLS ON SITE? elevating work platforms.
chosen framework and the introduction of employee as a member to receive registration assistance. - working on or near unprotected edges (eg. working on
Reduce remaining risk by using a work
licensing, we are pleased that DELWP has taken the roof, installing flooring on upper levels)
Level 3 positioning system, for example, travel-restraint
positive step of announcing that trades registration will We recommend that carpenters start the process of - using unsafe or incomplete scaffolds (eg. missing systems or industrial rope-access systems.
be implemented by September 2020. The first group to gaining their DB-L C now to avoid the likely rush to get mid-rails, scaffold planks or building tie ins)
be directly affected by this requirement is carpenters. registered. As a Domestic Builder– limited to Carpentry - falling from roofs, through fragile roofs or skylights Reduce remaining risk by using fall-arrest
We expect other trades will be phased in gradually in the (DB-L C) is currently able to work for both an owner and - falling through open stair-voids or window openings Level 4 systems, for example, using catch platforms or
fall arrest-harness systems.
coming years. a builder, this registration also provides a breadth of - using inappropriate ladders or not using a correctly
career options to increase the security of your business. set up ladder Reduce remaining risk by using a ladder or
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING – WHAT WE HAVE - falling from trucks or earth moving equipment administrative controls. Record keeping duties
NOW Master Builders Victoria has created a short course— - falling into holes, pits or shafts Level 5 apply for administrative controls.
‘Trades Registration (Domestic)’—that meets the current
Lower level Note ladders are not suitable for long duration or
Currently, Victoria requires only builder registration, which prescribed qualification for the DB-L C category. It HOW TO CONTROL THE RISK of control high force tasks.
is needed if a tradesperson or builder carries out work is a five-day course and focuses on the key areas of Where there is a fall risk, the risk needs to be controlled.
worth more than $10,000, including materials and labour, knowledge -- contracts, permits and estimating. We can
directly for an owner. Domestic Builder Registration – also assist you with all steps of the registration process Where the fall risk is 2 metres or more specific duties apply: MORE INFORMATION
limited to Carpentry (DB-L C) is the current category through our Builder Registration Program. - comply with prevention of fall requirements outlined in the
relevant to carpenters. control risk hierarchy below Visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/fall-prevention for further information
If you would like more information or wish to offer - prepare and implement a Safe work method statement for on controlling risk of a fall, including information about Safe
People often use the terms ‘registration’ and ‘licensing’ feedback, please contact our Building Registration activities involving high risk construction work; and Work Method Statements and prevention of falls compliance
interchangeably, but the correct term for what we have Adviser on (03) 9411 4555. - establish emergency procedures, in event an employee code in house and general construction.
currently is registration. falls, to rescue and provide first aid
Contact WorkSafe Advisory service on 1800 136 089
Rebecca Casson
CEO
Master Builders Victoria
11 bowens.com.au
It has been reported that American Armatron says, “As the technology evolves and becomes
more efficient, economical, and available, 3D house printers
3D printing company, Armatron will increasingly be employed in mainstream projects as
well as large-scale projects like skyscrapers, stadiums, and
Global News
Systems, has a patented 3D amusement parks”.
construction printer that can create Furthermore, the process will significantly reduce waste and
allow the production of sustainable, near zero-energy-point
60-foot-long concrete slabs in less structures, lasting far longer than a traditionally constructed
house.
3D HOUSE PRINTING TECHNOLOGY PREDICTED TO BECOME THE than 1 minute.
Benoit Furet, who in 2018
NEW STANDARD The full-Scale 3D House headed up a 3D printed house
printing is now poised to “As the technology evolves and collaboration between a French
transform the construction city council, a French housing
industry over the next 5 becomes more efficient, economical, association and the University
years by taking advantage of Nantes, believes that by 2023
of its “on-site” capabilities, and available, 3D house printers printing will reduce the cost of the
speed, accuracy, flexibility construction 25% while adhering
and cost-savings of 3D will increasingly be employed in to building regulations, and by
printing. 40% in 10 to 15 years.
mainstream projects as well as large-
While prefabricated This is partly because of the
construction materials aren’t scale projects like skyscrapers, technology becoming more refined
entirely new, the technology and cheaper to develop and partly
has seen a significant stadiums, and amusement parks”. because of economies of scale as
increase in popularity in more houses are built.
recent years with many new
companies, including some backed up by prominent names Printing, he adds, also allows architects to be far more creative
from the construction industry and academia. with the shapes of the houses they are building.
This led to several important milestones, such as the first 3D
printed building, the first 3D printed bridge the first 3D printed part
in a public building, the first living 3D printed building in Europe
and CIS, the first 3D printed building in Europe fully approved
by the authorities (COBOD International), among many others.
The first residential building in Europe and the CIS,
“The full-Scale 3D House constructed using the 3D printing construction technology,
was the home in Yaroslavl (Russia) with the area of
298,5 sq. m. Today it is the home of an ordinary family.
printing is now poised to
transform the construction
industry over the next
5 years”
The building-on-demand (BOD) by COBOD International, a small office hotel building, with a 3D
printed wall and foundation structure – the first building of its kind in Europe
13 bowens.com.au
The only
Notification
you want
Bill has all the answers. Got a question that’s been
With expert advice, an easy ordering system and a smart, bugging you? Ask our industry expert for advice.
reliable delivery service, why would you go anywhere else? Q: Hi Bill, • Ensure the sarking membrane behind the cladding is a
I’m undecided in selecting a timber cladding for my new build. vapour permeable and is not hard up against the back of the
cladding. If necessary, incorporate a batten to create a cavity
Can you please outline some of the advantages of natural here. Condensation build up trapped behind the cladding can
timber? cause early decay, a cavity batten allows a drainage path for
any moisture keeping the back of the board dry.
A: Hi Tony,
Thanks for your question. • Use a sealant in the end-matched joins, this seals the
There are many great choices in timber cladding, so it really porous end grain and will protect from moisture absorption.
comes down to what you are trying to achieve. Always make sure the tongue end is pointing up for
weatherproofing.
In my opinion, noting beats the natural beauty of timber. In that
sense, timber cladding will always provide one the of most • Do not install tongue and groove cladding boards
ascetically pleasing finishes to any building. It’s also strong tightly against each other. Provide a small gap for expansion
and durable. between each tongue & groove when fixing. Climatic seasonal
Once you've placed your order with us, changes will always affect timber, expanding in winter and
a text notification lets you know that your At Bowens, we have many naturally durable Australian species contracting in summer. No expansion gap can result in
to choose from like Ironbark, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt to cladding buckling and lifting away off the wall.
delivery is on it's way. We also provide a name a few. Each specie offers its own impressive colour
detailed list of your order. palette ranging from dark chocolate browns and reds to lighter If you need any help with selecting your cladding contact your
blonde tones. Bowens account manager or visit your nearest Bowens store.
bowens.com.au As well as these solid timber choices there are additional Thanks,
treatments available to some claddings that further improve Bill
their look and performance. For example, a charred surface,
pre aged and brushed finishes, pre oiled and thermally
BENEFITS: modified timbers that permanently alter the structure of the
wood.
Text gives customer notice that delivery is on its way to their site. Whichever cladding is selected it needs to be installed
correctly. Following installation guidelines is where to start.
Below is a list of key points.
The customer can check the products prior to recieving to ensure they are correct.
• Receive your cladding pre-coated on all sides and What's your question?
A reminder will also be sent if any products have been placed on back order. ensure final top coats are applied for protection. Pre-coated Email us at feedback@bowens.com.a
cladding provides superior performance, immediately fending
off moisture uptake in the construction phase. Protective
A prompt for any last minute or forgetten products to be added on to delivery. coatings improve the dimensional stability of the timber which
provides better durability. This months expert advice supplied by
Can co-ordinate tradies to be onsite for delivery. No time wasted our Timber Specialist Frank Di Stefano
15 bowens.com.au
Together we’re helping build safer, stronger structures.
No Ladders
Quik Fix
Correct Angle
Perfect Connection No Lines
Introducing the new QuikStik ™
Rafter and Truss Fastening System.
A versatile tool that does the work for you. No Nailers
Stand and drive truss screws quickly, safely
and efficiently without ladders, power or
compressor lines, or nailers.
No Hammers
No Framing Anchors
The SDWC TRUSS Screw requires no pre-drilling and has a sharp tip for faster
Combined with the new QuikStik Rafter and Truss Fastening System, the work is
™
starts. The countersinking head delivers a flush finish that doesn’t interfere with
finishing trades, and can be installed safely from inside the structure, which done for you. Stand and drive truss screws quickly, safely and efficiently without
eliminates the need for exterior work. ladders, power or compressor lines, or nailers.
• Compliant with the Building Code of Australia Contact your local Bowens representative to learn more.
• Orange colour for easy inspection of 152 mm screw
17 bowens.com.au
Bowens Hastings has been
looking after builders on
the Mornington Peninsula
Store Spotlight
for the past fifty years.
In 1970, our first manager was Jeff Harvey who is our longest
serving staff member. Jeff is now one of our timber specialists
and is still a regular visitor to the Hastings branch.
STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH OUR TEAM AT HASTINGS
Today’s Branch Manager is Chris Brogan who has been at
Hastings for two years. Prior to Hastings, Chris was Sales
Manager at Bentleigh East. Before joining Bowens, Chris was
in the timber business for fifteen years after originally working
as a carpenter and builder for about eight years prior. “Timber
is all I know!” says Chris.
The Hastings store is a close-knit community. “You'll quite often
see your workmates and builders down at the local shops or at
the footy. We're always here to help each other out,” explains
Chris.
It’s fantastic to be able to have such strong relationships with
builders who have been coming to the store, in many cases, for Suppliers such as PermaTimber, James Hardie, Weathertex,
the past two decades. Their children are now coming through Dincel Structural Walling, Spantec, Simpson Strong-Tie and
the business and we're proud to be able to service the next Masterwall are all onboard.
generation of builders as well.
If you're a builder looking for a point of difference, come down
Chris says; “Most of the projects in this area are high-end and have a look at the Building Innovation Training Centre.
homes. Our team are really adapt at finding specialized There is always innovation happening down there and new
products, such as claddings, floorings and fixing profiles, that products are getting introduced all the time. “You'll soon find
these architecturally designed houses require.” there's better ways of doing your work than what you have been
doing for the past ten or fifteen years,” explains Chris.
Hastings has serviced many of the major projects in the area
such as the Portsea Hotel, Penguins Plus, Sorrento Baths, And that is exactly what Michael Kirwin, Director at Professional
Peninsula Hot Springs, Arthurs Seat Eagle Skylift, Ten Minutes Residential, did recently with Dincel. Michael says the major
by Tractor and the Portsea Surf Life Saving Club. These are benefit of the training is; “Having my guys turn up on site and
all iconic projects that Bowens have been a part of and are know what the product was and how it goes together was a
a testament to the knowledge and service that the team at time saver. There is no standing around trying to explain to
Hastings provide. everybody how it all goes together. It just gives you peace of
mind that you are doing the right thing and to the manufacturer's
In the 1970’s and 1980’s Hastings was a very productive specifications.”
manufacturing plant with a huge machine shop at the rear of
site. Hastings used to make trusses and wall frames back then. In terms of deliveries, the Mornington Peninsula is a big area
and we've got both sides of the Peninsula covered with a wide
Fast forward to today and these huge sheds are now the location range of vehicles, including crane trucks.
of the largest range of James Hardie cladding products, as
well as our new Building Innovation Training Centre.“The fibre Every Friday here at Hastings, we run a barbecue breakfast
cement products that James Hardie offer are a very popular from 6:30am to 8:00am. “We get suppliers down to introduce
choice with our builders and we offer the largest range on the new products to our builders. The barbecue keeps our builders
Peninsula,” says Chris. happy, and they start their Friday on a full tummy!” says Chris.
HASTINGS STORE
TRADING HOURS: We regularly conduct builder training groups at our Building If you haven't been to our Hastings store and you're serious
Innovation Training Centre. Suppliers run the builders through about building, come and have a look. You'll be really impressed
Monday to Friday: 6:30am - 5pm the installation process of the materials that they've ordered. with the range we carry, the amount of stock available, and the
View the video Saturday: 8am - 12pm anager specialized service that you'll get from all our trained staff.
on YouTube at gan - Branch M
Chris Bro
/bowensau
19 bowens.com.auInvite your clients to be inspired.
Come in and explore our exquisite flooring range
128 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne
Follow us on
Visit showroombybowens.com.au
Bentleigh East 9579 1188 Laverton 9353 7700 Rowville 9763 7522
Brunswick 9085 1711 Mt Evelyn 9736 2588 Shepparton 5822 2364
Croydon 9723 0394 North Melbourne 9328 1041 Taylors Lakes 9390 8899
Epping 9408 6566 Pakenham 5918 3111
Hallam 9796 3088 Phillip Island 5952 5633
bowens.com.au Hastings 5979 1267 Port Melbourne 8538 3350You can also read
