Construction 1: Building Systems and Materials
Overview
The unit provides an introduction to a range of structural systems, building materials and construction techniques. It provides a learning experience for students to develop skills to apply structural and construction strategies to the design of simple structures. This unit develops the student’s understanding of material properties and characteristics and how to represent construction materials, construction detailing, sourcing materials, interior and exterior finishes and the connection between them in construction drawings and physical models. Students will gain awareness of Australian standards and codes. The unit will also address indigenous people’s cultural connections and rights concerning the land.
Requisites
Rule
BA-ARC Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
OR
BH-DESINA Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
OR
BA-DCM Bachelor of Digital Construction Management
01-June-2025
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of basic structural principles and material properties for small-scale construction projects
- Make informed structural and construction strategies and material decisions for simple structures
- Convey structural and construction information through technical documentation and specifications concerning current construction practices
- Develop, construct and present a physical model that demonstrates an understanding of structural framework, materiality and cladding systems
- Identify a variety of design details for simple structures and demonstrate an awareness of sources relating to Australian standards and building codes
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Studio | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Project | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Applied Project | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
- Construction technology, building services and materials
- Building terminologies for design documentation
- Fundamentals of load bearing construction (frames, columns, floors, walls etc)
- Joinery and Details
- The role of governmental regulation in the building design / documentation
- The documentation process & how to organize information within a set of documents
- Sourcing products and materials
- Australian building codes and regulations
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.