This project had to achieve a balance between the desired
architectural design outcome and the construction rationale.
Some of the challenges involved complicated floor slab
junctions, in order to realize the desired apartment layouts and
sophisticated hybrid steel and timber connections to achieve
the curved, seemingly cantilevered balconies. Due to the market
perception of timber in construction, CLT elements were also
clad and wrapped in fire-rated material. As a reflection of the
internal structure of the building, exposed timber elements in a
series of Glulam columns support large glazing elements to the
main entry lobby.
WHAT SETS THIS PROJECT APART FROM OTHER
RECENTLY COMPLETED MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS IS THE
INCREASED FOCUS ON ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION
AND FUNCTIONAL PLANNING
Images: Brett Boardman
www.brettboardman.com
Key to the successful delivery of this project was early client
education, enthusiasm and commitment, specialist consultant
input relating to the construction methodology, and a capable
builder. Jackson Teece, together with TDA and Wood Solutions
organised a study tour to Austria and Switzerland with the
client, builder and TTW structural engineers. This deepened the
team’s understanding of timber engineering, fabrication and
construction technologies and as a result, has increased the
prominence of this sustainable construction methodology in
Australia.