Nestled in the open woodlands of Victoria’s Surf Coast, this pre-fab container home is a striking yet modest retreat designed with resilience in mind. For homeowners Tom Bodycomb and Tamsin O’Neill—Publisher and Editor of Green Magazine—building a home that could withstand the harsh Australian climate was paramount.
From the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday fires that scorched the local landscape to the ongoing threat of bushfires in the region, their approach was clear: choose materials that not only complement the environment but protect against it. With the property’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rated at BAL-40, that meant selecting a non-combustible, high-performance roofing and guttering solution.
That’s why they turned to LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 CLASSIC roofing and Half Round Guttering, made from COLORBOND® steel in Night Sky®—a choice that offers both bushfire resistance and durability while seamlessly integrating into the natural surroundings.
Building for Bushfire Resilience on the Surf Coast
The Surf Coast’s stunning landscape comes with inherent risks. Bushfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, with homes needing to meet stringent building codes to improve safety. The BAL-40 rating assigned to this property reflects the high exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and even direct flame contact in extreme cases.
For Tom and Tamsin, bushfire resilience was not an afterthought—it was a fundamental part of the design.
“…we had to meet a BAL-40 rating, and so naturally steel was the choice, and the LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® roofing matches that requirement of BAL-40.” – Tom
Their decision to build with steel wasn’t just about compliance. They also wanted a material that could stand up to Australia’s unpredictable weather conditions—all while maintaining a strong architectural aesthetic.
Why Steel Was the Clear Choice
For homeowners in bushfire-prone areas, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a home that stands and a home that’s lost. Unlike timber or composite materials, steel is non-combustible, meaning it won’t contribute to the fuel load in a fire.
“We chose LYSAGHT because of its durability. It's got a good reputation. We're in a very harsh environment—we needed to make sure that it was going to last. There was no other choice as far as we were concerned.” – Tamsin
Key benefits of steel in bushfire zones include:
- Non-combustible – It won’t burn, reducing the chance of fire spreading.
- High melting point – Retains structural integrity even under extreme heat.
- Resistant to ember attack – No crevices for embers to lodge in and ignite.
- Low maintenance – Unlike timber, it won’t warp, crack, or degrade over time.
- 100% recyclable – Making it an environmentally responsible choice.
For Tom and Tamsin, steel offered the ultimate combination of safety, strength, and sustainability.
Nestled in the open woodlands of Victoria’s Surf Coast, this pre-fab container home is a striking yet modest retreat designed with resilience in mind. For homeowners Tom Bodycomb and Tamsin O’Neill—Publisher and Editor of Green Magazine—building a home that could withstand the harsh Australian climate was paramount.
From the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday fires that scorched the local landscape to the ongoing threat of bushfires in the region, their approach was clear: choose materials that not only complement the environment but protect against it. With the property’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rated at BAL-40, that meant selecting a non-combustible, high-performance roofing and guttering solution.
That’s why they turned to LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 CLASSIC roofing and Half Round Guttering, made from COLORBOND® steel in Night Sky®—a choice that offers both bushfire resistance and durability while seamlessly integrating into the natural surroundings.
Building for Bushfire Resilience on the Surf Coast
The Surf Coast’s stunning landscape comes with inherent risks. Bushfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, with homes needing to meet stringent building codes to improve safety. The BAL-40 rating assigned to this property reflects the high exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and even direct flame contact in extreme cases.
For Tom and Tamsin, bushfire resilience was not an afterthought—it was a fundamental part of the design.
“…we had to meet a BAL-40 rating, and so naturally steel was the choice, and the LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® roofing matches that requirement of BAL-40.” – Tom
Their decision to build with steel wasn’t just about compliance. They also wanted a material that could stand up to Australia’s unpredictable weather conditions—all while maintaining a strong architectural aesthetic.
Why Steel Was the Clear Choice
For homeowners in bushfire-prone areas, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a home that stands and a home that’s lost. Unlike timber or composite materials, steel is non-combustible, meaning it won’t contribute to the fuel load in a fire.
“We chose LYSAGHT because of its durability. It's got a good reputation. We're in a very harsh environment—we needed to make sure that it was going to last. There was no other choice as far as we were concerned.” – Tamsin
Key benefits of steel in bushfire zones include:
- Non-combustible – It won’t burn, reducing the chance of fire spreading.
- High melting point – Retains structural integrity even under extreme heat.
- Resistant to ember attack – No crevices for embers to lodge in and ignite.
- Low maintenance – Unlike timber, it won’t warp, crack, or degrade over time.
- 100% recyclable – Making it an environmentally responsible choice.
For Tom and Tamsin, steel offered the ultimate combination of safety, strength, and sustainability.
Why LYSAGHT® Roofing?
While steel was the obvious material choice, the profile and colour selection were equally important.
“Due to the nature of the container roofing, we had to put a type of roof over the top, and we decided after consideration and research that we would go for a LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 CLASSIC, and the reason being is it's durable and, most importantly, Australian-made and manufactured using COLORBOND® steel.” – Tom
KLIP-LOK® 700 CLASSIC Roofing:
Built for Fire Resistance & Durability
- Concealed Fixing System – No exposed screws, reducing gaps where embers can lodge.
- Weather Tightness – Interlocking design prevents water ingress and wind damage.
- Coastal Durability – Engineered for salt-laden winds and extreme environmental conditions.
- COLORBOND® steel in Night Sky® – A deep black finish that mirrors the surrounding Ironbark trees, which were scorched in the 1983 fires yet still stand strong today.
“We also like the colours—we chose Night Sky® to match the exterior of the container, which was chosen because of the colour of the Ironbarks that are on this block. There are a lot of Ironbarks that were scorched in the 1983 fires, so they retained their bark. So they’re a beautiful black colour, and they sort of sit around the container, and they work so well together.” – Tamsin.
Half Round Guttering:
A Smart Choice for Fire Protection & Functionality
- Smooth, Open Profile – Prevents leaf and debris build-up, reducing fire risk.
- High-Capacity Water Flow – Ensures efficient drainage even in heavy rainfall.
- Strong Yet Minimalist Design – Complements the home’s sleek, industrial aesthetic.
Beyond Fire Resistance: A Home Designed for the Future
While fire safety was a key factor in the build, the Aireys Inlet home was also designed with sustainability and self-sufficiency in mind.
“We've got solar panels on the roof, we've got a car charger inside, we've got the whole battery array, and we’re essentially off-grid.” – Tamsin
By incorporating bushfire-resistant materials, renewable energy solutions, and a low-impact design, Tom and Tamsin have created a home that is built to thrive.
Smart, Resilient Design
The Contained project is a powerful example of how careful material selection can lead to a safer, stronger, and more sustainable home. By choosing LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 CLASSIC roofing and Half Round Guttering, Tom and Tamsin have created a structure that not only meets BAL-40 bushfire safety requirements but also integrates seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
This project highlights the importance of BAL-40 compliant materials and why steel remains the smartest choice for both safety and style. With its fire resistance, durability, and low maintenance, LYSAGHT® steel solutions provide homeowners in bushfire-prone areas with peace of mind and long-term protection.
