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University breaks timber construction record

Perth is home to the largest mass-engineered timber building in the southern hemisphere: the university complex named Boola Katitjin. Designed by local firm Lyons Architects with a length of 180 metres, the building used prefabricated elements sourced from Europe.

Australia’s largest city Sydney is currently winning the race to build the world’s tallest timber high-rise: its 183-metre Atlassian Central is due for completion in 2026. Although the stunning 50-storey C6 in Perth is set to eclipse this by a few extra metres, that won’t happen any time soon. In the meantime, the metropolis on the other side of the continent has produced the southern hemisphere’s largest multi-storey mass-engineered timber building (at the time of construction). Boola Katitjin is an outstanding sustainable development at Murdoch University.

Boola Katitjin, Perth, Australia, Lyons Architects, timber construction — The university building Boola Katitjin has a remarkable interior design.

Its name means “lots to learn” in the language spoken by the Whadjuk people, who are the region’s native inhabitants.

Sustainability, diversity and inclusion

This new university building is sited in an area that has been a place of learning for tens of thousands of years. And now the stage is set for it to remain that way, especially for Australia’s indigenous people.

Boola Katitjin connects to the University’s new strategy, reflecting the three pillars of sustainability; equity, diversity and inclusion.

Murdoch University, building contractor

Murdoch University commented: “Boola Katitjin connects to the University’s new strategy Building a Brighter Future, Together – Ngala Kwop Biddi. This strategy reflects the three pillars of sustainability; equity, diversity and inclusion; and aims to make the University first choice for First Nations people. ”

Founded in 1973, the university is aspiring not only to reorientate itself ideologically, but also to reorganize its space throughout the expansive campus. The design by Lyons Architects, who joined forces with a number of local studios, has provided a long-term solution to its ongoing accessibility problem.

Flexible spatial concept

This four-storey mass-timber construction consolidates the existing buildings and adds new, highly flexible spaces that are intended to meet future needs at the university. Spacious, open areas for learning, experimental technology labs and informal lounge areas for students are all integrated into the architects’ spatial concept.

The successful interior concept provided by Innerspace has created an ideal setting for the individual spaces with their visible wooden structure. Over 3,000 pieces of furniture were sourced for the university building by the design studio, which has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Comfortable leather sofas and tasteful lounge chairs feature in the concept, as do functional swivel chairs and teaching areas with colourful highlights.

Biophilic design

The building’s approach to sustainability uses the principle of biophilic design. This aims to form a connection between nature and the spaces where we live or work. Examples include the use of biogenic materials such as wood, sightlines to greened outdoor areas, or the greatest possible amount of daylight.

Some of the largest beams ever seen in Australia by volume were installed here – with some weighing more than 7,000 kg and extending 26 metres in length.

Multiplex, general contractor

The flexible spatial design developed for Boola Katitjin is enabled by the large-span timber construction. At a length of 180 metres, the structure consists of 1,800 timber construction elements. General contractor Multiplex commented on the key data for the mass-engineered timber project: “The structure pushed engineering boundaries with the installation of some of the largest beams ever seen in Australia by volume – with some weighing more than 7,000 kg and extending 26 metres in length.”

European timber construction export

2,1 tonnes of timber construction components were prefabricated and delivered by HESS TIMBER, one of the leading manufacturers of glued laminated timber in Europe, headquartered in the German town of Kleinheubach. “With its lower carbon footprint and increased opportunities for natural ventilation, the timber structure contributes to the environmental sustainability of the building,” Lyons Architects explain.

The entire construction project served as a showcase for Murdoch University’s Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering course. According to details from the university, over 90 percent of the construction site waste could be recycled or upcycled. The university is aiming to reach climate neutrality by 2030 and operate exclusively according to the principles of the circular economy.

In 2023, Boola Katitjin won the Higher Education and Research category at the World Architecture Festival, and it has also received numerous other prizes. Besides its impressive size, it is a building where – more than anything else – a simple and successful interior concept celebrates the aesthetics of timber.

Text: Gertraud Gerst
Translation: Rosemary Bridger-Lippe
Photos: Innerspace

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