Narbethong

The Narbethong Community Hall is located in the Murrindindi Shire (close to Victoria’s Yarra Valley). Architecturally designed to represent the history and uniqueness of Narbethong – an ‘old timber town’ – the fire-resistant hall rose from the ashes of the 2009 Black Saturday fires and was reopened in 2011.

Combining natural timber tones with contrasting black furniture and fixtures, the interior of the hall reflects a modern, sophisticated look and feel with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

It was the exterior of the building that proved challenging for architects, as new building regulations established after the fires stipulated that, due to its proximity to a bushfire reserve, the hall must meet a high Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL) standard to ensure its longevity and protection.

BVN Architecture specified a solution that would not impede views from the hall’s interior, harmonise with the overall design and blend with its surrounding landscape while also complying with the building code requirements.

Crimsafe security screens were specified to provide the necessary protection from bush fires, ember attack and wind-driven debris, and were fitted to the outside of all the double-glazed windows. The expansive window openings exceeded the standard size range of Crimsafe screens and mesh, so mid-rails were incorporated at a strategic position, giving greater strength without compromising the visual effect of the design. The screens were coated with a custom Wet Coat Bronze Finish paint to deliver the architect’s required aesthetic. 

Crimsafe was chosen due to its exceptional strength and resistance to bush fire attack. Crimsafe’s Tensile-Tuff® corrosion resistant 304 structural grade stainless steel mesh is specially designed with a 1.5mm x 1.5mm aperture that meets the bushfire standards requirement for blocking ember attack while granting unrestricted views. Crimsafe’s unique Screw-Clamp™ technology secures the mesh to the frame with tamper-resistant screws to deliver an impenetrable protective solution that is five times stronger than the impact level required by the Australian Standard for security. 

Crimsafe meets the requirements of AS 3959-2009 and is rated for all BALs, including BAL FZ, when fitted to a window system of equivalent rating, thus providing the highest level of protection against bush fires and ember penetration. 

The Narbethong Community Hall was a pro bono collaboration between Emergency Architects, BVN Architecture, the Narbethong Community Hall Committee, and many others.