01
Mar
Building with Timber: Construction, Performance & Design Life
The Forestry Australia Queensland Branch organised a field day in Moreton Bay on the 12th February 2026, where they showcased the timber construction of the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Moreton Bay campus; performance research by the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life; and durability treatment at the ITreat Timber in Narangba. The day delivered high-quality technical engagement across design, research and industry practice.
This event was attended by ARC Advance Timber Hub stakeholders: Kelly Rischmiller (Manager), Tom Wright (Research Fellow on Project: Connection Systems for Extended Building Life), Pietro Rigo (visiting PhD student), Zidi Yan (Chief Investigator) and Prof Tripti Singh, who presented on the Durability Centre and also referenced Hub Project: Role of Moisture in the Long-Term Performance of Mass Timber Building Elements. where sensors for this project are located throughout the campus.
To view the full report, including photos, from Forestry Australia Queensland Branch click here.
University of the Sunshine Coast – Moreton Bay Campus – Key Takeaways from visit:
Project Team
Three new buildings constructed by BADGE Construction and designed by KIRK Studio in collaboration with Cottee Parker.
Design Approach
The Mass Engineered Timber for all three buildings were supplied by combining HESS Timber’s PEFC-certified glulam (imported) and Xlam’s PEFC-certified cross-laminated timber (Australian).
The precision and early procurement required for these materials demanded highly detailed structural and building services coordination from the outset, ensuring accuracy, integration, and constructability.
Australian araucaria™ was used extensively throughout offices, corridors, teaching spaces, student hubs, and internal sports court cladding.
Its architectural and acoustic qualities contributed to a contemporary, warm, and highly functional interior environment.
All araucaria™ components were manufactured and prefinished by Austral Plywoods, supporting efficiency and quality.
Environmental and Construction Benefits
According to Richard Kirk, Principal of KIRK Studio, the combined use of prefabrication and mass timber:
“has proven to sequester carbon using renewable timber feedstock to significantly reduce construction time, reduce waste, and support safer and quieter construction sites.”
Josh Patrick, Project Manager at BADGE Constructions, observed:
“The architectural qualities of australian araucaria™ made it a great choice for the project. The light colour gave the open plan spaces a light feeling. It looks good and is locally sourced which was a huge plus for our team.”
Delivery and Construction Methodology
A tight project timeline required the design and construction teams to adopt off‑site factory fabrication and modular assembly methods.
The modular timber approach enabled rapid installation, reduced onsite time, and maintained a high-quality, sustainable finish.
https://www.facebook.com/unisunshinecoast/videos/202032045979754/
Sources:
https://www.cotteeparker.com.au/newsroom/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-moreton-bay-stage-2/
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