Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to build with earth, straw and reclaimed materials, using techniques that use local earth, straw and rock, and that turn problems into solutions by converting waste, surplus or low embodied energy materials into solid and serviceable structures.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures. Individuals observe manufacturer’s specifications and follow operating instructions when using tools and equipment.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Research building methods | 1.1 Research appropriate building methods to decide which methods will be appropriate for the project 1.2 Review the availability of materials locally and their suitability for the chosen method 1.3 Consult experts and tradespeople to confirm suitability of chosen building method and materials |
2. Prepare for the building project | 2.1 Collect materials on site 2.2 Obtain labour support and engage experts where necessary 2.3 Clear the site and mark out the area |
3. Build with earth, straw and reclaimed materials | 3.1 Using the chosen method, commence building the structure 3.2 Use reclaimed materials where possible and ensure that they are structurally suitable 3.3 Use natural finishes and treatments where possible and appropriate |
4. Limit and re-use surplus and waste materials | 4.1 Ensure that the surplus or waste materials are stockpiled or stored for future re-use where possible 4.2 Demonstrate appropriate uses for all available materials and share and swap with other projects where possible 4.3 Limit the amount of waste material removed from the site and ensure that it goes to a new use rather than to landfill wherever possible |
5. Check quality of work and clean-up site | 5.1 Inspect quality of finished works and ensure the standard of the finished built structure is appropriate to the permaculture design drawings and specifications 5.2 Clean up debris from structure and site 5.3 Clean and store tools and equipment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
research building methods
prepare for the building project
build with earth, straw and/or reclaimed materials
limit and re-use surplus and waste materials
ensure the standard of the finished built structure is appropriate to the permaculture design
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles regarding structures and the built environment
Building methods, such as
mud brick
straw bale
cobb & light earth
rammed earth (Pise)
wattle and daub
stabilised/compressed earth brick
earth ship
aerated concrete
compressed paper and timber fibres
wool brick
air dried timber
structural issues
planning issues
properties of materials and suitability of local soils and timbers for building uses
environmental, logistical and safety factors, such as:
issues related to harvesting and milling of local timbers
possible contaminants in or on materials
weight and size of materials and their transport to the site
reclaimed materials, such as:
commercial timber off-cuts and wastes
demolition materials (timbers, windows and doors, plumbing fittings, roofing materials, bricks and other masonry items)
railway sleepers, telegraph poles, bridge timbers and other heavy reclaimed timbers
metal mesh and grill-work (fridge and oven shelves, wire baskets, fence panels, bed frames and bases, chicken wire, aviary mesh, pig/dog wire and other wire mesh products in small or large quantities)
reinforcing mesh and rods, trench mesh
pallets and packaging crates
shipping containers, ex-transport carriages, old cars, trailers and caravans
mirrors
bottles (glass and plastic)
ceramics and flower pots
car & truck tyres, windscreens, panels and seats
machinery parts
drums and cans
palings and weatherboards
reclaimed concrete
typical permaculture structures, such as
garden structures and features
fences and trellising
animal housing and shelters
seating and garden walls
retaining walls and small dam walls (including observing all regulatory conditions)
sheds or small outbuildings (including observing all regulatory conditions)
components of houses or other buildings ((including observing all regulatory conditions and work with professionals on larger structures)
the correct use of hand and power tools and other work health and safety requirements associated with installing structures and features
techniques for working with reclaimed materials such as de-nailing, stripping old paint, dressing timber
WHS considerations associated with recycled materials such as identification of lead paint, broken glass, rusty metal, chemically treated materials
comparative environmental implications associated with excavation and construction activity
safe lifting and transporting techniques
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
appropriate use and installation of safety signs and barriers
site access points
implication of alteration to water flow during and after construction
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)