Outline

Overview

This unit provides a comprehensive overview of standard domestic scaled construction in Australia. It begins by introducing a number of recurrent themes in construction including the idea of building culture, the various modes of delivery and variety of classifications of buildings and building elements, rational construction and construction detailing from first principles. There follows a review of construction techniques of well-documented and/or accessible exemplars. Finally, the unit will review current issues related to key attributes of buildings which make them sustainable, particularly with regard to material selection, appropriate detailing and energy and resources conservation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESA2011
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paolo Stracchi, paolo.stracchi@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	EFT (Early Feedback Task) 10-question quiz based on typical content from the first three weeks	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 21 Aug 2025	10-question	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	1_Case study: residential building (overview) 1_Case study - report	40%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2025	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	2_Case study: residential building (in detail) 2_Case Study - report and presentation	60%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2025	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

EFT (Early Feedback Task): 10-question quiz based on typical content from the first three weeks
1_Case study: residential building (overview): Choose four residential buildings of different types. Identify and describe building typology, materials, construction technologies and details.
2_Case study: residential building (in detail): Choose one residential building under construction. Provide an in-depth analysis of the construction process and activities. Identify and describe building typology, materials, construction technologies and details. Produce annotated 1:5 scale construction drawings.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Yes

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Unit introduction.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Assessment Tasks – overview, group formation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Overview of building types.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Task 1 – confirm case studies, review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	The construction site.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Task 1 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Floor systems.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Task 1 – review and discuss. Task 2 – confirm case study.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Wall systems.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Tasks 1 & 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Window and door systems.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Roof systems. Services overview.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Project Overview.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Technical drawings.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Advanced construction series_1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Advanced construction series_2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Task 2 – review and discuss.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Task 2 – final presentation.	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 13	Feedback session. Close the loop!	Lecture (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify Australian domestic scaled building types and typologies.
LO2. Critically analyse case study examples and report on their typology, materials, construction and details.
LO3. Correctly detail a range of building assemblies, being able to understand construction process, methods, tools, etc.
LO4. Correctly represent technical drawings at an appropriate scale to document a building’s assembly at a detail level.
LO5. Understand that technical and construction considerations can both derive from and enhance architectural concepts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No substantial changes to the unit. Some improvements based on USS feedback.

Additional information

Additional costs

You will be required to meet the costs associated with printing for tutorial working sessions and to make a number of site visits in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESA3011: Introduction to Building Construction

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links