Case Study: Mass Timber Innovation Hub at the University of Newcastle (Webinar)

The University of Newcastle has a brand-new Innovation Hub and School of Creative Industries, an eye-catching combination of engineered timber and an adjustable tinted electrochromic glazing.

The highly sustainable and innovative building utilises a unique design incorporating both cross-laminated mass timber elements (CLT) and adjustable tinted glass. This combination provides a highly natural and biophilic internal environment, user comfort and maximum transparency to showcase the internal activities of the university’s School of Creative Industries, which encompasses music, experience design, game art, animation, media, and visual arts.
In this presentation the key consultants present the project from concept design, though construction, to completion. Discussing all the key design thoughts and experiences, including the architectural design intent to meet the client’s needs, why timber (ESD), the engineering/fire/acoustic approaches used, building methodology, and the construction lessons learnt.

SPEAKERS
Damian Burke - Major Projects Director @University of Newcastle
With a background in investment management and engineering, Damian has been with the University of Newcastle across different portfolios for over a decade. He has overseen many of the Universities major developments, including NUspace and the Q Building. Damian’s experience using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable solutions for clients, people and communities is reflected in the quality outcomes of the projects he has delivered.

Anthony Furniss - Architecture Director @EJE Architecture
Anthony has been with EJE Architecture since 1997. From 1999 to 2004 he took up positions in Facilities Management at the University of Newcastle and Project Management with the NSW Department of Public Works (Education and Health Sectors). Since returning to the company in late 2004, Anthony has continued his involvement in the Tertiary Education Sector designing a wide range of teaching and research projects. Anthony brings with him an understanding of building life cycle through his experience in facilities management, as well as design and client management.

Ali Habibi - Principal Structural Engineer @Northrop
Dr Ali Habibi is a Principal and Structural Section Manager in Northrop’s Sydney office, with specialist skills in high-rise residential and commercial towers, and multi-storey engineered timber buildings. Ali began his career in 2002 and contributes his technical expertise to the design, documentation, and construction liaison for a range of structural engineering works. In the wider industry, Ali has presented many papers, in the area of high-rise developments and multi-storey engineered timber buildings. He is the current President of the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers (ACSE)

Jonathan Russell - Senior Project Manager @Hansen Yuncken
With over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, Jonathan has successfully delivered some of Hansen Yuncken’s most complex and technically challenging projects, including Newcastle’s first vertical aged care facility and the University of Newcastle’s NUspace and Q Building. Focusing on cultivating excellence in project teams, Jonathan prides himself on developing and fostering a collaborative culture with a high level of engagement from all stakeholders.


Thumbnail image courtesy of Murray McKean and EJE Architecture.