Bushfire and Wind Ratings in QLD: Design for Resilience

Build to withstand the extremes without sacrificing style.

There's a moment that comes to every homeowner in South‑East Queensland – usually around 3am during a summer storm, when the wind is howling and the house is creaking – where you wonder: Is my home actually built for this?

Or maybe it's during bushfire season, when the sky turns orange and ash is falling in the suburbs, and you're suddenly very aware of how close that bushland really is to your back fence.

Queensland doesn't do weather by halves. We get intense, fast‑moving storms that can strip roofs and shatter windows. We get bushfires that race through woodland and acreage estates. We get cyclonic winds on the coast that test every fixing, every join, every decision made during construction.

And if you're building a new home – especially in Brisbane's outer suburbs, on acreage, or in places like Bribie Island where the bush meets the coast – you're going to hear a lot about BAL ratings and wind classifications. Terms like "BAL–19" and "N3 wind rating" and "cyclone construction" start appearing in your paperwork, and suddenly you're making decisions about materials and details you've never thought about before.

Here's the thing: resilience doesn't have to mean ugly. It doesn't mean turning your dream home into a concrete bunker or giving up the light‑filled, indoor‑outdoor Queensland lifestyle you're after.

What it does mean is being smart, intentional and informed about how you design and build. It means understanding which materials actually perform when the pressure's on. It means knowing where to spend money for real protection, and where you're just ticking boxes.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building a resilient home in Brisbane and South‑East Queensland – one that can handle bushfire risk, storm winds and cyclonic conditions without looking like a fortress or blowing your budget.

The Reality of Building in Queensland: It's Not Just About Sunshine

Let's be honest: Queensland sells itself on the sunshine, the lifestyle, the outdoor living. And that's all true. But if you're building here, you also need to design for the other 10% of the year – the extreme weather that defines how well your home will age, how much you'll spend on maintenance and insurance, and whether you'll sleep soundly when the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings.

Brisbane and SE QLD: A Patchwork of Risk Zones

South‑East Queensland isn't one homogenous climate zone. You've got:

• Inner Brisbane suburbs – relatively sheltered, minimal bushfire risk, but still subject to severe summer storms.
• Outer growth corridors – new estates pushing into former farmland and bushland, where vegetation management and fire risk become real considerations.
• Acreage and semi‑rural pockets – properties with significant tree cover, backing onto national parks or state forests, where BAL ratings start climbing.
• Coastal and island locations – Bribie, parts of the Gold Coast, bayside areas where wind exposure ramps up and you're dealing with salt, storms and sometimes bushfire risk all at once.
• Elevated and ridgeline sites – where wind accelerates and your home becomes more exposed to both uplift forces and radiant heat from nearby vegetation.

Your specific site will determine your compliance requirements – but more importantly, it should shape your entire design philosophy.

Decoding BAL Ratings: What They Actually Mean for Your Build

If you're looking at land that has any bushland nearby – even if it's just a creek line with eucalypts or a nature reserve across the road – you'll need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment.

The BAL Scale: From Low Risk to Flame Zone

The BAL system classifies bushfire risk on a sliding scale:

• BAL–LOW: Minimal risk. You're far enough from classified vegetation that ember attack and radiant heat aren't significant concerns. Standard construction applies, though smart builders will still think about ember entry points.
• BAL–12.5: Low to moderate risk. Ember attack is the main concern. You'll need basic protections – things like metal mesh on vents, sealed gaps, and careful detailing around windows and doors.
• BAL–19: Moderate risk. Increased radiant heat plus ember attack. Material choices become more restricted. Timber cladding might be off the table unless it's treated and detailed correctly. Windows need to meet specific standards.
• BAL–29: High risk. Significant radiant heat exposure. Non‑combustible or highly resistant materials required for external walls and roofing. Glazing and frames must be tested and rated. Decks and outdoor structures need careful design.
• BAL–40 and BAL–FZ (Flame Zone): Very high to extreme risk. Direct flame contact is possible. These ratings are less common for typical residential blocks but can occur on heavily vegetated sites with poor setbacks or steep uphill slopes.

Where You'll Hit BAL Requirements Around Brisbane

In practice, most Brisbane homeowners building in leafy or semi‑rural areas will encounter BAL–12.5 or BAL–19. You're more likely to see these ratings if you're building:

• On acreage blocks west or north of Brisbane, where eucalypt woodland is common.
• Near national parks, conservation areas or large bushland reserves.
• On Bribie Island or similar locations where coastal scrub and woodland create bushfire risk.
• In new estates that back onto retained vegetation corridors or environmental zones.
• On sloping sites where fire can run uphill toward your home.

A qualified bushfire assessor will evaluate your site based on vegetation type, distance, slope and local fire danger indices. The resulting BAL rating then dictates your construction requirements under the Australian Standard AS 3959.

Why BAL Ratings Matter Beyond Compliance

Yes, you need to meet the standard to get your building approval. But there's a bigger picture:

• Insurance: Some insurers adjust premiums or coverage based on bushfire risk and how your home is constructed.
• Resale value: Buyers are increasingly savvy about bushfire risk, especially after major fire seasons.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your home is designed to resist ember attack and radiant heat means you can focus on your family's safety plan, not whether your house will ignite.
• Long‑term durability: Many BAL‑compliant materials (metal roofing, fibre cement, steel framing) are also low‑maintenance and long‑lasting in Queensland's climate.

Wind Ratings and Cyclone Construction: Designing for Queensland Storms

While bushfire risk tends to be location‑specific, wind loads affect almost every build in South‑East Queensland. Even if you're not in a declared cyclone region, you're still designing for storms that can generate destructive wind gusts.

Understanding Wind Classifications

Wind ratings are determined by:

• Regional wind speed: Queensland is divided into cyclonic and non‑cyclonic regions, with different base wind speeds.
• Terrain category: How much shelter your site has from surrounding buildings and vegetation.
• Topography: Hills, ridges and escarpments can accelerate wind.
• Shielding: Whether your home is protected by other structures or exposed on all sides.

You'll typically see classifications like:

• N1, N2, N3: Non‑cyclonic regions (most of Brisbane and inland SE QLD fall here).
• C1, C2, C3, C4: Cyclonic regions (coastal areas, particularly north of Brisbane).

Even within "non‑cyclonic" Brisbane, you can have significant variation. A sheltered block in an established suburb might be N2, while an exposed ridgeline site or a coastal location could push into N3 or require cyclone‑informed design thinking.

What "Cyclone Construction" Really Means

When people talk about cyclone construction on the Gold Coast or other exposed areas, they're referring to a higher standard of structural design and detailing:

• Continuous load paths: Every element of the structure – from roof sheeting down through the frame to the foundation – is connected and engineered to resist uplift and lateral forces.
• Upgraded fixings: More screws, stronger screws, better spacing. Cyclone‑rated fasteners that won't pull out under extreme loads.
• Bracing and tie‑downs: Steel straps, brackets and hold‑down systems that keep the roof attached to the walls and the walls attached to the slab.
• Pressure‑rated windows and doors: Glazing and frames designed to resist both positive pressure (wind pushing in) and negative pressure (suction pulling out).
• Water penetration resistance: Seals, flashings and drainage details that prevent wind‑driven rain from entering the building envelope.

This level of construction isn't just for far north Queensland. Parts of the Gold Coast, exposed coastal sites, and even some elevated inland locations benefit enormously from cyclone‑informed design – even if it's not strictly required by code.

The Cost‑Benefit of Over‑Engineering for Wind

Here's a question we get asked a lot: "If my site is rated N2, should I build to N3 or even cyclone standards anyway?"

The answer depends on your risk tolerance and budget, but there are good arguments for designing slightly above your minimum rating:

• Climate change: Storm intensity and frequency are changing. What's a 1‑in‑50‑year event today might become more common.
• Insurance and damage costs: The cost of upgrading fixings and connections during construction is often far less than repairing storm damage later.
• Resale confidence: A home that's visibly over‑engineered (in a good way) can be a selling point.
• Peace of mind: You're not lying awake during every storm season wondering if this is the one that tests your roof.

Material Choices That Actually Matter: Roof, Frame, Cladding and Beyond

Let's get practical. When you're building for bushfire and wind resilience in Queensland, your material choices are where theory meets reality.

Roofing: The First Line of Defence

Your roof is the most exposed part of your home. It takes the brunt of wind, sun, rain and ember attack.

Material:

For Queensland conditions, metal roofing is the gold standard – specifically COLORBOND® steel. Here's why:

• Non‑combustible: Critical for BAL‑rated sites. Metal roofing won't ignite from ember attack or radiant heat.
• Wind performance: When properly fixed, metal roofing can handle extreme wind loads. The key is in the fastening pattern and edge details.
• Thermal performance: A white COLORBOND® roof reflects heat rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling loads and improving comfort.
• Durability: Metal roofing lasts decades in Queensland's UV‑intense, storm‑prone climate with minimal maintenance.
• Lightweight: Reduces structural loads, which can be important on certain soil types or elevated sites.

Form and Geometry:

Complex roof shapes with lots of valleys, hips and re‑entrant corners might look interesting, but they create problems:

• Ember traps: Valleys and junctions collect leaves and debris, and embers can lodge and smoulder.
• Wind turbulence: Complex shapes create uplift and suction zones that increase wind loads.
• Water management: More junctions mean more potential leak points.

Simpler roof forms – gable, skillion, or clean hip roofs – perform better in both bushfire and wind scenarios. That doesn't mean boring; you can create architectural interest through roof pitch, mixed planes, and carefully considered overhangs.

Detailing:

This is where resilience really lives:

• Sarking: A layer of reflective foil or membrane under the roof sheeting that provides a secondary barrier to ember entry and improves thermal performance.
• Eaves: In bushfire areas, open eaves are risky. We prefer boxed eaves with non‑combustible linings (fibre cement) and sealed junctions.
• Vents: Any roof or subfloor vent needs metal ember mesh with the correct aperture size (typically 2mm or less for higher BAL ratings).
• Fixings: In higher wind zones, we increase screw density and use cyclone‑rated fasteners. Edge zones (corners, eaves, ridges) get extra attention.
• Tie‑downs: Steel straps or brackets connecting roof trusses or rafters down through the wall frame to the foundation.

These details are mostly invisible once the home is finished, but they're the difference between a roof that stays on and one that doesn't.

Framing: Steel for Strength, Durability and Fire Resistance

At Homes by Markon, we predominantly use BlueScope TRUECORE® steel framing. In the context of bushfire and wind resilience, steel framing offers several advantages:

• Non‑combustible: Your structural frame won't contribute to fire load.
• Termite‑proof: No chemical treatments needed, no ongoing termite risk.
• Dimensional stability: Steel doesn't warp, twist or shrink like timber can in Queensland's humidity.
• Strength and consistency: Easier to engineer for wind loads and create reliable load paths.
• Durability: Steel framing will outlast timber in Queensland's climate.

From a BAL perspective, while your external envelope is the primary defence, having a non‑combustible frame adds another layer of protection. From a wind perspective, steel's strength and the ability to create robust connections make it ideal for high‑wind and cyclone‑influenced construction.

External Cladding: Balancing Performance and Aesthetics

Your cladding is your home's face to the world – and its first defence against ember attack and wind‑driven rain.

Options for BAL and Wind Resilience:

• Fibre cement: Non‑combustible, versatile, available in weatherboard profiles, panels and sheets. Performs well in bushfire zones and handles wind when properly fixed. Can be painted in any colour.
• Brick veneer: A classic Queensland choice. Brick is non‑combustible, durable and low‑maintenance. The cavity between brick and frame provides thermal and moisture benefits. Requires proper ties and flashing for wind resistance.
• Rendered masonry: Solid, fire‑resistant, and can create a contemporary or coastal aesthetic. Needs quality render systems and proper detailing at junctions.
• Metal cladding: Increasingly popular for modern designs. Non‑combustible, lightweight, and can create striking facades. Requires careful detailing for wind (especially at edges and corners) and ember protection (sealing gaps and penetrations).
• Timber cladding: Can be used in some BAL zones if it's the right species, treatment and detailing – but it's more restricted and requires more maintenance. Often not worth the hassle in higher BAL ratings.

Detailing That Matters:

• Gaps and joints: In bushfire areas, gaps larger than 3mm can allow ember entry. Joints need to be tight or properly sealed.
• Junctions: Where cladding meets windows, doors, eaves and the ground are critical points. Proper flashing, sealing and ember mesh are essential.
• Fixings: Cladding needs to be fixed to resist wind suction. This means correct fastener type, spacing and penetration depth.

With the right combination, you can achieve a beautiful, contemporary or traditional aesthetic while meeting all your resilience requirements.

Windows and Doors: Light, Views and Protection

Windows and doors are often the weakest link in both bushfire and wind scenarios – but they're also essential for livability.

For Bushfire Zones:

• Frames: Aluminium or steel frames are non‑combustible and perform well in Queensland's climate.
• Glazing: Toughened glass is more resistant to radiant heat and thermal shock. In higher BAL ratings, you may need specific bushfire‑rated glazing systems.
• Screens and shutters: Metal mesh screens (with appropriate aperture size) can protect windows from ember attack while still allowing ventilation. In some cases, external shutters may be required or recommended.
• Seals and gaps: Window and door frames must be properly sealed to the wall structure to prevent ember entry.

For Wind and Cyclone Zones:

• Structural performance: Windows and doors must be tested and rated for the wind pressures on your site – both positive (pushing in) and negative (pulling out).
• Impact resistance: In cyclone‑prone areas, impact‑rated glazing or shutters protect against flying debris.
• Anchorage: How the window or door frame is fixed into the wall structure is critical. Inadequate fixings are a common failure point.
• Water penetration: Seals, drainage channels and flashing must prevent wind‑driven rain from entering.

The Good News:

Modern window and door systems can meet high BAL and wind ratings while still providing large openings, slim sightlines and excellent thermal and acoustic performance. You don't have to sacrifice natural light or indoor‑outdoor connection – you just need to specify the right products and detail them correctly.

Decks, Verandahs and Outdoor Structures

Queensland homes live outdoors. Decks, patios, alfresco kitchens and pool areas are essential – but they need special consideration in bushfire and wind zones.

Bushfire Considerations:

• Deck materials: In higher BAL zones, exposed timber decking close to the house can be problematic. Options include:
• Non‑combustible decking systems (composite, metal‑framed with fire‑resistant boards).
• Bushfire‑resistant timber species with proper treatment and detailing.
• Creating separation between deck and main structure.
• Using tiled or concrete outdoor areas instead of elevated timber decks.
• Subfloor spaces: The area under a deck can trap embers. Enclosing or screening with ember mesh, or using non‑combustible materials, reduces risk.

Wind Considerations:

• Structural connections: Decks, verandahs and alfresco roofs must be properly tied into the main structure. They're not decorative add‑ons – they're part of the wind load path.
• Balustrades and screens: These act as sails in high winds. Fixings, posts and framing must be engineered accordingly.
• Roofed outdoor areas: An alfresco roof or verandah roof is subject to the same wind loads as your main roof. Fixings, bracing and tie‑downs are essential.

With good design and engineering, you can have generous, usable outdoor spaces that feel safe and solid when the weather turns.

The Details That Make the Difference: Vents, Gutters, Penetrations and More

Resilient design often comes down to the small stuff – the details that most people never see but that make all the difference in a storm or bushfire.

Vents and Penetrations

Every hole in your building envelope is a potential entry point for embers or water.

For Bushfire:

• All vents (roof, subfloor, wall) need metal ember mesh with the correct aperture size for your BAL rating.
• Penetrations for pipes, cables and services must be sealed or protected.
• Exhaust fans, rangehoods and other mechanical vents need ember guards or non‑return dampers.

For Wind:

• Vents must be weather‑tight and rated for the expected pressure differentials.
• Proper flashing and sealing around all penetrations prevents wind‑driven rain entry.

Gutters and Downpipes

Gutters matter for both water management and bushfire risk.

For Bushfire:

• Gutters can collect leaves and debris, which embers can ignite. Metal leaf guards or gutter mesh can help, but they need to be maintained.
• Some designs minimize or eliminate gutters in high‑risk areas, using alternative drainage strategies.

For Storms:

• Queensland's intense rainfall requires properly sized gutters and downpipes.
• Overflow paths and drainage systems must handle extreme events without flooding the slab or causing erosion.

Eaves and Soffits

We've touched on this, but it's worth emphasizing: eaves are a critical detail in both bushfire and wind design.

For Bushfire:

• Open eaves allow ember entry into roof spaces. Boxed eaves with non‑combustible linings are preferred.
• Junctions between eaves, gutters and wall cladding must be sealed.

For Wind:

• Deep, unsupported eaves can catch wind and create uplift. Proper bracing and connection back to the structure is essential.
• Soffit materials and fixings must resist suction forces.

Site Planning and Landscaping: The Bigger Picture

Resilience doesn't stop at the building envelope. How you plan your site, landscaping and outdoor areas plays a huge role.

Bushfire: Asset Protection Zones and Vegetation Management

For BAL‑rated sites, you'll typically need to establish Asset Protection Zones (APZs) – areas of reduced fuel load around your home.

This might include:

• Setbacks from dense vegetation.
• Plant selection: Choosing species that are less flammable and produce less dry litter.
• Non‑combustible zones: Using gravel, paving or low‑fuel groundcovers close to the building.
• Ongoing maintenance: Keeping grass mowed, removing dead vegetation, and managing fuel loads.

Good landscape design can create beautiful, usable outdoor spaces while supporting bushfire resilience.

Wind: Site Layout and Shelter

• Building orientation: Positioning your home to minimize exposure to prevailing storm winds.
• Windbreaks: Strategic planting or fencing can reduce wind loads on the building.
• Ancillary structures: Sheds, tanks and outbuildings need to be positioned and designed so they don't become projectiles or create additional wind load issues.

Stormwater and Drainage

Queensland's intense rainfall requires robust stormwater management:

• Properly graded surfaces to direct water away from the building.
• Adequate drainage systems with overflow paths for extreme events.
• Retaining walls and embankments designed for both water and wind loads.

Poor drainage can lead to slab movement, erosion and long‑term structural issues – so it's worth getting right from the start.

The Cost Question: What Does Resilience Really Cost?

This is the big one. Everyone wants a resilient home, but what's it going to cost?

The honest answer: it depends on your site, your BAL rating, your wind classification, and your design choices. But let's break it down.

What Typically Adds Cost?

• Bushfire‑rated windows and doors: Especially at BAL–29 and above, you may need specialized systems that cost more than standard products.
• Ember protection measures: Metal mesh, seals, non‑combustible linings and upgraded vents add material and labor costs.
• Structural upgrades for wind: Cyclone‑rated fixings, additional tie‑downs, engineered connections and bracing increase both material and engineering costs.
• Non‑combustible cladding: Fibre cement, brick or rendered masonry may cost more than basic timber weatherboards (though they're often more durable and lower‑maintenance long‑term).
• Engineering and certification: Higher BAL and wind ratings require more detailed engineering and documentation.

Where Smart Design Saves Money

Good design can actually reduce costs while improving resilience:

• Simpler roof forms: Fewer valleys, hips and junctions mean less material, less labor, less flashing and fewer potential failure points.
• Material choices that multitask: Choosing products that meet bushfire, wind, thermal and durability requirements all at once reduces the need for multiple upgrades.
• Integrated thinking: Designing for resilience from the start is far cheaper than trying to retrofit compliance later.
• Avoiding over‑specification: Understanding exactly what your site requires – and not paying for unnecessary upgrades – keeps costs in check.

The Long‑Term Value Equation

When you're evaluating the cost of resilience, consider:

• Insurance premiums: Some insurers offer discounts for homes built to higher standards.
• Maintenance costs: Non‑combustible, low‑maintenance materials reduce ongoing costs.
• Damage and repair: The cost of repairing storm or fire damage far exceeds the cost of building right in the first place.
• Resale value: Buyers increasingly value resilience, especially in bushfire‑prone or storm‑affected areas.
• Peace of mind: There's a value to sleeping soundly during storm season that's hard to quantify.

At Homes by Markon, we're transparent about costs from the start. We'll walk you through what your BAL and wind ratings mean in real dollars, which upgrades are essential versus optional, and how to prioritize if budget is tight.

Real‑World Examples: How This Plays Out Across SE QLD

Let's bring this to life with three typical scenarios.

Scenario 1: Established Suburban Brisbane

Site: Standard residential block in a developed suburb like Carindale or Sunnybank.

Ratings: BAL–LOW, wind rating N2.

Design approach:

• Standard construction with quality materials.
• Metal roof with good fixings and thermal performance.
• Steel framing for durability and termite resistance.
• Quality windows and doors with good seals.
• Focus on thermal comfort, energy efficiency and stormwater management.

Resilience upgrades: Even though not required, we might add ember mesh to vents and upgrade roof fixings slightly – low‑cost measures that add protection.

Cost impact: Minimal. This is baseline good construction.

Scenario 2: Acreage on Brisbane's Western Fringe

Site: 2‑hectare block backing onto eucalypt woodland, gently sloping.

Ratings: BAL–19, wind rating N2–N3.

Design approach:

• Simplified roof form to reduce ember traps and wind load.
• Metal roofing with sarking, boxed eaves with fibre cement linings.
• Steel framing with robust connections.
• Fibre cement or brick cladding, carefully detailed at all junctions.
• Bushfire‑rated windows with metal mesh screens.
• Deck design using non‑combustible materials or creating separation from the main structure.
• Landscaping plan with asset protection zones and fuel management.

Resilience upgrades: Slightly higher‑spec windows, additional ember protection, upgraded fixings.

Cost impact: Moderate. Expect 5–10% additional cost compared to a BAL–LOW equivalent, depending on design choices.

Scenario 3: Coastal Bushland – Bribie Island

Site: Elevated block on Bribie Island, surrounded by coastal scrub and woodland, exposed to prevailing winds.

Ratings: BAL–19 to BAL–29, wind rating N3 or cyclone‑informed design.

Design approach:

• Clean, simple roof form with excellent fixings and tie‑downs.
• Cyclone‑rated fasteners and connections throughout.
• Metal roofing with full sarking and sealed eaves.
• Steel framing with engineered wind load paths.
• Non‑combustible cladding (fibre cement, rendered masonry or metal).
• High‑performance windows and doors rated for both bushfire and wind.
• Corrosion‑resistant materials and finishes for marine environment.
• Careful deck and outdoor area design with structural tie‑downs.
• Comprehensive landscaping and vegetation management plan.

Resilience upgrades: Full cyclone‑informed construction, high‑spec windows and doors, extensive ember protection.

Cost impact: Higher. Expect 10–20% additional cost compared to a standard suburban build, but you're getting a home that will handle the extremes and last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Style Doesn't Have to Suffer: Resilient Homes Can Be Beautiful

One of the biggest myths about bushfire and wind‑resilient construction is that it has to look industrial or fortress‑like. That's simply not true.

We've worked with families across Brisbane and SE QLD to create homes that are:

• Light and airy: Large windows, high ceilings, open‑plan living – all achievable with the right products and detailing.
• Indoor‑outdoor: Generous decks, alfresco areas and pool surrounds that are properly engineered and detailed.
• Architecturally striking: Clean lines, mixed materials, interesting roof forms – all designed with resilience in mind from the start.
• Warm and inviting: Natural materials, thoughtful finishes and human‑scale spaces that feel like home, not a bunker.

The key is integrated design thinking: starting with your lifestyle, your site and your aesthetic goals, then layering in the resilience requirements as part of the design process – not as an afterthought.

At Homes by Markon, we believe in "homes designed by YOU". That means we're not forcing your vision into a one‑size‑fits‑all bushfire or wind solution. Instead, we:

1. Understand your site's specific requirements.
2. Listen to how you actually live – your routines, your priorities, your style preferences.
3. Explore material and detail options that support both your aesthetic and your resilience goals.
4. Document everything clearly so you know exactly what you're getting and why.

Visualizing Resilience: Maps and Details That Tell the Story

When you're not a builder or engineer, it can be hard to picture how BAL ratings and wind classifications translate into actual construction. Two types of visuals really help:

1. Map Overlays

Imagine a map of Brisbane and South‑East Queensland with overlays showing:

• Bushfire‑prone areas and vegetation interfaces.
• Coastal and high‑exposure wind zones.
• Typical BAL and wind rating patterns by region.

Seeing your block in context makes it much clearer why certain measures are recommended – and what your neighbors are likely dealing with too.

2. Construction Detail Callouts

Picture a cutaway section through your home with callouts highlighting:

• Roof: Showing metal sheeting, sarking, fixings, eaves lining and ember mesh.
• Windows: Frame type, glazing, seals, mesh screens and anchorage.
• Walls: Cladding, frame, insulation, and junction details.
• Deck: Non‑combustible boards, structural connections and tie‑downs.
• Vents: Ember mesh and sealing details.

These aren't just for the engineer – they're powerful tools to help you understand where your money is going and how your home is being protected.

When we develop a resilience‑focused specification with you, we'll walk through these details in plain English, so you're confident about the why as well as the what.

How Homes by Markon Approaches Resilience

As a Brisbane‑based, QBCC‑licensed custom home builder with over 30 years of experience in South‑East Queensland, we've built through fire seasons, cyclones, floods and everything in between.

Our approach to resilience is grounded in:

• Real‑world Queensland experience: We know what works in this climate, on these soil types, with these weather patterns.
• Accuracy and attention to detail: The only rounded corners are the ones you actually want. Everything else is precise, intentional and documented.
• Transparent communication: We talk openly about costs, trade‑offs, inclusions and allowances. No smoke and mirrors.
• Integrated design thinking: Resilience isn't bolted on at the end – it's woven into the design from the first sketch.
• Quality materials as standard: BlueScope TRUECORE® steel framing, white COLORBOND® roofs, proper insulation and low‑maintenance claddings are our baseline.
• Energy performance: We design to current NatHERS standards, so your home is comfortable and efficient as well as resilient.

Whether we're building a custom family home in Brisbane, a modular solution for regional Queensland, or a social housing project with government partners, the principles are the same: design for resilience, build for longevity, and keep it liveable and beautiful.

Your Next Step: Get a Resilience‑Focused Spec for Your Block

If you're planning to build in Brisbane or South‑East Queensland – especially if you're looking at:

• Acreage or bush‑adjacent blocks where BAL ratings come into play,
• Coastal or island sites like Bribie where wind and bushfire combine,
• Elevated or exposed locations where wind loads are higher, or
• Any site where you want to build smarter and tougher than the minimum code requirements,

then the best time to think about resilience is right now, at the start of your design process.

Homes by Markon can work with you to:

1. Understand your site's specific BAL and wind ratings and what they practically mean for your build.
2. Explore material options – roofing, framing, cladding, windows, decks – that support both your style and your resilience goals.
3. Develop a clear, resilience‑focused specification that documents exactly how your home will perform in extreme conditions.
4. Integrate it all into a custom home design tailored to your lifestyle, budget and long‑term plans.

Get in touch with Homes by Markon and ask for a resilience‑focused spec. We'll sit down with you, talk through your site and your vision, and map out a home that's built to withstand the extremes – without sacrificing style, comfort or the Queensland lifestyle you're after.

Because resilience isn't about compromise. It's about building smarter, tougher and better – for the long haul.