DIA10001 Construction 1: Building Systems and Materials - Detailed Overview

The unit DIA10001, offered in Semester 1, 2025, at Swinburne University of Technology, focuses on fundamental concepts of structural systems, building materials, and construction techniques. This introductory unit is designed to equip students with the essential skills required to implement construction strategies for simple structure designs. Through this course, students will develop a nuanced understanding of material properties and characteristics, representation in construction drawings, detailing, sourcing materials, as well as both interior and exterior finishes, emphasizing their connections within construction drawings and tangible models.

To conform to Australian construction standards and codes, the course also incorporates discussions on the cultural significance and rights of indigenous peoples concerning land use. The curriculum is delivered via workshop and studio learning experiences that culminate in two primary tasks related to building construction projects.

Unit Structure

  • Tasks: There are two building construction projects:

    • Task 1: Timber Shed (constructed with timber)

    • Task 2: Bath House (constructed with steel)

  • Teaching and Learning Approach: Information pertinent to construction and materials for each task will be disseminated at the start of the respective assignments (Weeks 1 and 7). The weekly studio discussions will tackle practical elements such as documentation, detailing, standards, and regulations, encouraging students to utilize resources like Standards Australia for deeper insights.

  • Theoretical Components: The course’s theoretical framework will be delivered through online content available in the ‘Modules’ section on Canvas, and students are expected to engage with this material promptly each week for a total of 10 weeks. Engagement includes answering related questions and completing self-assessments.

Submission Guidelines

Submission of all drawings is strictly hand-drawn using pencils (2H, H, and/or HB) on A3 tracing paper, accompanied by a white paper folder. Each drawing must include a title block indicating essential details such as unit name, task name, task number, tutorial time, student name, ID, drawing title, scale, date, and sheet number. Importantly, computer-generated drawings will be considered plagiarism, and submissions should avoid plastic folders or sleeves.

Drawing Checklist

Students need to adhere to a drawing checklist covering various aspects based on different views including: Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections, and Details. Important considerations include:

  • Floor Plan:

    • North Point

    • Scale

    • Annotations (size and finishes of materials, room name)

    • Dimensions

  • Elevation:

    • No North Point

    • Clear title

    • Line weight and levels

    • Dimensions

    • Materials used

  • Section:

    • No North Point

    • Materials used

    • Levels and dimensions

  • Detail:

    • No North Point

    • Materials and levels

    • Presentation requirements

Task 1: Timber Shed

The first task involves designing a timber shed, with essential specifications such as:

  • Floor area: 15m² - 18m² (specific configurations are assigned by Tutors)

  • Clear ceiling height: 2700 mm, with finished floor level (FFL) positioned 600 mm above ground

  • Application of light timber framing supporting both interior and exterior elements, using a skillion roof design.

  • Materials required include:

    • Floor: Timber

    • Wall: Plasterboard (10 mm thickness)

    • Ceiling: Plasterboard (10 mm thickness)

    • Exterior Finish: Vertical Timber cladding (19 mm thickness)

Additional drawing and model-making considerations will include member sizing based on span tables, ensuring the construction accommodates necessary entries (doors and windows) and maintains structural integrity with bracing as needed.

Task 2: Bath House

The second task involves creating documentation and a structural model for a bathhouse, featuring:

  • Floor area: 12m² - 16m², configured as assigned by Tutors

  • Supporting walls constructed from metal framing and elevated 600 mm above ground

  • Interior insulation in floors, walls, and ceilings

  • Consideration of functional elements like bathtubs, shower areas, and toilets within the design.

Furthermore, students will need to incorporate specific structural members as outlined, while following a similar detailed drawing and documentation approach as the first task, including structural detail and joinery detail drawings.

Evaluation and Assessment Schedule

Students' submissions and designs will be assessed based on several criteria, including drawing quality, member sizing accuracy, adherence to drawing checklists, craftsmanship in model-making, and design originality. A comprehensive grading rubric will dictate levels of achievement spanning poor to excellent across various components of each task.

Overall, student performance in this unit will derive from task completions, engagement in workshops and online content, and responsiveness to feedback throughout the semester, leading to significant learning outcomes in both construction and design skills.