Building with Confidence

Flexibility and innovation are becoming increasingly valuable in achieving compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). Formerly known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA), the NCC is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction standards for buildings. As the NCC is updated every three years to reflect advancements in technology, evolving construction practices, and changing community expectations, there is growing scope for tailored, creative approaches to design and compliance. One of the options enabling such flexibility is the Performance Solution. When a building design does not meet the standard ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy’ (DtS) provisions of the NCC, a Performance Solution can demonstrate how a proposed design or construction method can meet the performance requirements through application of relevant principles or modelling.

What is a Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB)

The process for developing a Performance Solution is clearly outlined in the NCC and begins with the creation of a Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB).

A PBDB is a collaborative document prepared by key project stakeholders — including building owners, occupiers, designers, consultants, and building surveyors. It outlines the scope, technical basis, and acceptance criteria for a proposed performance-based design and defines how the solution will be assessed and approved.

Once completed, the PBDB becomes a foundation for the development of the Performance Solution — providing a clear, structured plan for achieving compliance.

When is a PBDB Required?

A PBDB is required when a proposed design deviates from the DtS provisions of the NCC. This is often the case in projects involving:

– Complex performance requirements;

– Innovative or non-standard design approaches;

– Fire safety, structural performance, accessibility, or sustainability solutions.

In these cases, the PBDB ensures all parties are aligned on the objectives, methodologies, and expectations from the beginning.

Why is the Performance-based Design Brief important?

Beyond being a regulatory requirement, a well-prepared PBDB offers significant project benefits:

• Clarifies project objectives and specific performance requirements;
• Aligns stakeholders with differing priorities and constraints;
• Streamlines the approval process by documenting agreed criteria and evidence;
• Reduces uncertainty and supports innovation whilst meeting compliance requirements.

“Good design at the beginning saves time, cost and compromise at the end”

Key Elements of a PBDB

A clearly defined PBDB gives building owners, design professionals, project managers, and authorities confidence that the project will comply with the NCC’s performance requirements.

A A comprehensive PBDB generally includes:

• Summary of the project (e.g. building type, location, intended users);
• Description and explanation for the proposed Performance solution;
• Applicable Performance Requirements;
• Defined assessment process;
• Required scope of supporting evidence;
• Agreed acceptance criteria;
• Format and content of the final report;
• Acknowledgement of stakeholders involved in the process.

The final step in the process is for the stakeholders to sign off on the agreed PBDB. Once all stakeholders involved sign off the PBDB, the final performance solution report can then be prepared with confidence that the performance solution will meet the objectives of the project and the specified performance requirements of the NCC.

At Dohrmann Consulting we provide performance solutions for human movement.  This frequently includes:

• Disability access;
• Fire access and egress, and access to firefighting equipment;
• Stair compliance;
• Headroom and ceiling heights;
• Balustrades;
• Handrails;
• Floor, walkways and ramp gradients.

We can work with you to create tailored solutions to your design aspirations, requirements or challenges.

Contact us today to discuss your unique project.