Northern Goldfields Community Centre
New admin office complimented with White Cypress Pergola
Timber Specifications
Glulam: GL10 White Cypress
Columns: 450x130mm GL10, 200x100mm GL10
Rafters: 450x130mm GL10
A new community centre located in Leonora town sits in the outback where extreme temperature soars high under the heat of the sun. Sheltering from it, is a landscaped courtyard structurally supported by a GLT (Glue Laminated Timber) pergola; providing a private and secure area for relaxation and seclusion. Its smart setup utilising sun-screening and a cool system delivers protection from ambient heat and creates a natural oasis under a pergola.
Vicbeam provided GL10 White Cypress timber pre-fabricated for on-site assembling. This included cutting to size, shaping and timber routing for steel connections. Once assembled, the new landscape features timber framing, decking and perforated lattice. Combined with smart design and use of timber, this outback project was awarded Winner of the Excellence in Timber Design – Landscape category in the Australian Timber Design Awards in 2017.
Inside, the laminated timber beams are continued along the hallways and offices where an abundant of light enters through its high windows and onto the interiors that promotes a flexible workspace environment. Builders and architects focused on bringing a modern workspace design to a remote community that lacked contemporary facilities. Most importantly, it acknowledges the need for privacy among workers, whilst also creating a collaborative working environment that caters to a variety of job roles for the Department of Child Protection.
For all timber members, one layer of Cutek coat was added for timber protection in-house before on-site delivery. Due to the Leonora’s extreme weather temperatures, adding a layer of coat to the timber beams was recommended. Not only does it protect it from rot and decay, but it enhances the timber texture aesthetically; as it does for the Northern Goldfields where it blends into the perforated lattice and its natural surroundings.
A magnificent timber project that provides a refreshing look to suit the remote township of Leonora. The new development has gone to win an award for its inclusion and smart use of natural timber internally and externally. Both having timber textures that blends into the natural surroundings and most importantly, provides shelter from the harsh Leonora sun.
