26 0116 - Change Req Letter

Proposed Minor Change
The registered owner of Unit 2 has observed a gradual deterioration of the timber planter box (refer Figure 2 &
3) constructed along the southern façade wall. In seeking to verify this, a structural engineer (RPEQ) has been
engaged to review the structural integrity and future performance of the timber planter box (refer Attachment 1 –
Site Inspection Report).

                  Figure 2 – Planter Box                               Figure 3 – Planter Box Elevation




The Site Inspection Report identifies movement in the planter box’s timber posts and sleepers, as well as the
potential for moisture accumulation between the planter box and the cold joint where the concrete floor slab
meets the masonry wall. Additionally, concerns have been identified that it is not possible to visually inspect the
perimeter termite protection system, a finding further confirmed by a building and pest inspection (refer
Attachment 2 – Termite Detection Report). The Termite Detection Report recommends the removal of the planter
box, as the space between the planter box and the external wall provides favourable conditions for termites and
obstructs inspection of the termite protection barrier surrounding the duplex.

It is recommended that the planter box be removed, as the structure:

    1. Is progressively deteriorating, with ongoing degradation anticipated;
    2. Is causing slab edge dampness and the potential migration of moisture through walls;
    3. Encourages water movement towards the slab edge, contrary to the National Code of Construction
       3.1.3.3 (Surface Water Drainage); and
    4. Contributes to an increased risk of termite infestation.

The registered owner of Unit 2 has also highlighted concerns with the practicality of maintaining landscaping
within the planter box due to the structures overall height (<1.5m above ground) as shown in Figure 3, and the
lack of natural light that the rumpus room and bedroom 2 currently receives within Unit 2, due to placement of
the planter box hard against the southern façade, which covers ~80% of the external window which is critical for
natural light and ventilation (refer Figure 4).

Figure 4 – Side Window Obstruction (Southern Façade Wall)




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