Sustainable House Day – March 19, 2023
Flood Resilient Open Homes
Tours & Talks with Home Owners in Mullumbimby who have rebuilt flood resilient
In February and March 2022, thousands of homes across the Northern Rivers of NSW were inundated with storm and flood waters. Already a year on and many of these are yet to be rebuilt so there is still a window of opportunity to increase the number that get rebuilt flood resilient rather than put back like for like.
To inspire home owners who are still grappling with how to rebuild their homes and others who can influence how many homes get rebuilt resilient, generous members of our rebuild flood resilient community are opening their homes in Mullumbimby to share their stories and showcase the materials and rebuild techniques they employed.
Some of the homes have been retrofitted, others raised out of harm’s way. One has done both.
We have the support of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation to support and provide guidance to homeowners, communities and industry about Resilient Retrofitting as part of the NRRC’s Resilient Homes Program. Since March 2022 we have received guidance from James Davidson and his team at JDA Co. in Brisbane who are "the preferred architecture and design practice for governments, councils and private enterprises adapting urban environments to withstand floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and extreme heat."
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE NSW FLOOD RESILIENT DESIGN FRAMEWORK
Gemma's Retrofitted House & Granny Flat
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of flood resilient retrofitting techniques and materials – particularly for brick veneer slab on ground houses.
The house flooded to approximately 900mm.
Gemma will be joined via the magic of Facetime by her son, Leif, who undertook much of the building works and made bold technique decisions after consulting directly with JDA Co in Brisbane. Leif is studying architecture in Melbourne and has a particular interest in the inherent properties of different building materials.
Irene's Retrofitted House
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of flood resilient retrofitting techniques and materials – particularly for solid timber homes.
This house flooded to approximately 700mm.
Irene will tell you about how the flood impacted the house and what the rebuild involved. She will be joined by some of the tradies who helped her. They will share with you tips and tricks that they recommend and share what they may have done differently with the benefit of hindsight.
Ritamba's Raised House
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of the process to raise homes to lift them above flood levels.
This house flooded to approximately 400mm and has been raised since from 300mm off the ground to 650mm
Ritamba will tell you about how the flood impacted the house and what the rebuild and raise involved. She will be joined by her friend and builder, Graham and together they will share with you tips and tricks that they recommend.
Garry & Denise's House mid Retrofitting
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of flood resilient retrofitting techniques and materials – particularly for solid timber homes. It’s also a great study of the type of mindset best suited to the overwhelming task of rebuilding a home. These two are inspiring!
This house flooded to approximately 150mm but that resulted in the kitchen and bathroom and laundry to be removed and the rebuild is currently mid way through.
Garry & Denise will tell you about how the flood impacted the house and show you what they’ve done so far and what’s still left to do.
Sasha's Retrofitted House
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of flood resilient retrofitting techniques and materials.
This house flooded to approximately 150mm but this was enough to result in a complete strip out to half height – including the entire bathroom and kitchen.
Sasha will be joined by her kitchen designer, Laurent from Legacy of the Antipodes. Sasha will tell you about how the flood impacted the house and what the rebuild involved. Laurent will explain the unique kitchen design and flood proof cabinetry materials. They will share with you tips and tricks that they recommend and what they may have done differently with the benefit of hindsight.
Melinda's Raised & Retrofitted House
The purpose of this event is for people to increase their understanding of the process to raise homes to lift them above expected flood levels.
This house flooded to approximately 400mm and has been raised since from 300mm off the ground to 1.2m
Melinda will tell you about how the flood impacted the house and what the rebuild and raise involved. Melinda will be joined by town planner, Luke Houghton who worked with Mel to move through DA process. They will share with you tips and tricks that they recommend and share what they may have done differently with the benefit of hindsight.
NSW Resilient Homes Program
The Resilient Homes Program will offer eligible homeowners one of the three available measures, based on expert property assessments, flood impact severity data, safety risks and potential future flood levels:
- Home buybacks – the homeowner receives a payment for the purchase of their house and land, or
- Home raising – funding is committed to elevate liveable areas above a property-specific flood level, or
- Home retrofit – funding is committed to retrofit and/or repair liveable areas to improve the resilience of these areas for future floods.
Share your experience to help others.
Some homes have completed their rebuild but many have not. If you are rebuilding resilient (or have finished) and would like to help others we would love to meet with you to record and share your story.
We are looking to speak with home owners and tradespeople who have first hand experience rebuilding homes using flood resilient materials and strategies.
Some of the homes we identify will be featured in this years Sustainable House Day on March 19.
Mullum Cares is proudly supported by:
