RETRO is all the go in the world of fashion. But retrofitting older homes and bringing them up to six-star building standards is one of the biggest challenges facing established suburbs of the world’s most liveable city.
That’s why Brimbank Council and Victoria University have put out a call for tradies who can give apprentices and pre-apprentices practical advice on the retrofitting that older homes need to get up to scratch with modern life.
Members of council’s building department and the university’s ‘technical and trades innovation’ faculty are using an ageing house, part of recreation and sports facilities at Selwyn Park in Albion, to give students the chance for hands-on training. The house will be retrofitted to become an eco-centre and community meeting place by early next year.
The 1950s weatherboard has been given a new roof with recycled polyester insulation throughout and new flooring under which fibre-board insulation leaves no space for rodent nests. Windows have been replaced with double glazing set in plantation timber cedar frames. There are solar panels going on the roof, water tanks to be strategically placed; a new hot water service and LED lighting will be installed, five-star toilets and energy efficient heating and cooling systems plumbed in.
Works manager David Delahunty said the Selwyn Street centre would showcase how people can save money on their water and power bills, cutting their costs of living and their impact on the city’s environment.
“We’ve all got to do our bit these days, don’t we,” he said.
A registered builder with additional green builder and plumber certifications, Mr Delahunty leads crews that have trained students via on-the-job building projects.
They have constructed about 10 customer-designed homes and transportable units every year for the past decade, including for the state housing department.
Apprentices and pre-apprentices can find the course that suits them by attending a technical and trades open day at Victoria University’s Werribee campus tomorrow from noon-5pm.
The university is also offering local handy-people a one-day course on the skills needed to upgrade their house’s energy and water efficiency.
CLICK HERE for more details.
