Building Connection Summer 2016

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BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 35
The model has pre-cut pieces to reduce the amount of
cutting needed to be done by students.
“Because the kit complies with AS1684, the Residential
Timber Framed Construction Standard, it’s a perfect way to
learn how to build a timber frame house because that’s how
houses are constructed most of the time,” Matt says.
“You can learn all the terminology with the comprehensive
set of instructions to guide you through with labels; it’s just
a great educational tool.”
The kit is now used in Melbourne based tertiary
institutions such as Chisholm TAFE and Swinburne
University and Matt says the feedback has been
“unbelievable”.
“We have listened to constructive feedback and have
responded by refining our kits.
“We are now producing partially made kits because
of feedback saying the models take too long to build for
institutions which run short courses.
“If you did it non-stop, it would take you a few days. And
courses generally have two hour classes so it can be hard
to squeeze in the model building with everything else that
needs to be taught.
“At Chisholm they do it in groups, which is hugely
beneficial because they all come with different educational
backgrounds. So there are carpenters, drafting and building
students all getting together and bouncing off each other to
get the models built.”
CAD/DWG formats are available at the institutions
request.
Matt says he would like to see the use of the kits extend to
secondary schools.
“There has been some interest there but when we initially
approached high schools, most had budget restraints. We
are working on bringing the cost down even further so we
can involve them as well.
“It would be great to have high school students learn
about careers in construction, drafting and architecture
in an interactive, engaging way. It may even keep some
students in school.”
The main reasoning behind creating the kit was providing
a more engaging education platform for the many visual
learners going through the education system. Matt hopes
the kit can help students like himself in the future who
respond better to interactive visual learning.
The kits are available from $90.
To find out more about the building kits, go to the DNA
Plans website.
Contact:
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