Building come rain or shine

Queensland architect Mark Hall, of Mark Hall Designs, is a huge fan of lightweight construction because of its cost-effective results – whatever the weather.

A recent project of his – three new cottages in Townsville, north Queensland – would have suffered long delays due to heavy rain if it had not been a lightweight project.

“The project was able to go ahead through the rain,” Hall said. “Because we used lightweight framing, we could still get access to the site and continue working.

“The builder was able to stand the frames when it was muddy because there wasn’t any heavy equipment on the site, which was a big bonus. It meant that the builder and carpenter could carry on with their work, as there was no necessity to bring in steel or welders to fabricate things.”