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3 December 2020

Two Architectus projects win 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards

We’re thrilled that two of our projects have been celebrated at the 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards.

The elegantly realised Ainsworth Building at Macquarie University has won the Peoples’ Choice Award. W-shaped hardwood columns at the entrance are a defining feature of this teaching and learning centre where engineered timbers are the key fabric throughout. Providing structural integrity, tonal warmth, and much of the internal skin, the timber reflects Macquarie University’s bushland campus context with clear linear geometry of its timber skeleton revealed through a double-glazed glass façade.

Timber was a central tier of the clinical education building’s sustainability framework. Containing approximately 700 tonnes of timber structure – a material that sequesters large quantities of carbon from the atmosphere – project engineers, Arup calculate that the timber aspects of the building will save the carbon emission equivalent of five to six years of energy consumption during operation.

Macquarie University Ainsworth Building Architectus

Ainsworth Building, Macquarie University

Glue-laminated Victorian Ash hardwood was used for the external columns, glue-laminated Spruce for internal columns and beams, and CLT Spruce for internal floors, lift core, and shear walls.

Located on a constrained site adjacent to an operational hospital, prefabricated timbers were meticulously crafted offsite to facilitate rapid onsite assembly by Buildcorp.

Timber Construction Architectus
Timber Construction Architectus

Collecting an award for use of timber veneers is the Children’s Castle at the State Library Victoria’s Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter. The Castle’s refined structure comprises sustainably sourced veneers and solid timber edgings, with veneers selected wherever possible to reduce consumption of natural resources. The structure and joinery have been designed and constructed with precision and artistry, with upper storey features including detailed, carefully crafted veneer panels comprising laser cut and punched artwork.

State Library Victoria Architectus

Children’s Castle, Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, State Library Victoria

Tasmanian Oak timber veneers reflect the tonal palette used throughout the library to distinguish new elements from the building’s rich heritage fabric and the warm tonal qualities reflect the architect’s desire to create a space for children and their carers to play, make, socialise or spend quiet time.

State Library Victoria Architectus

Congratulations to all involved.

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State Library Victoria Architectus
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