Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Timber Specifications
Glulam: GL18 Vic Ash Hardwood
Rafters: 900x130mm GL18
Coating: Cutek

A $58 million development funded by the Government has been opened at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, which overseas up to 32,000 little Fairy Penguins commute daily from the sea and up to their burrows. Focused on sustainability, the new centre demands attention with its surrounding zinc cladding that forms an impressive abstract structure.

The centre is equally eye-catching inside, where an amazing display of GLT (Glue Laminated Timber) rafters are installed. Architects and builders wanted a low carbon material that adds a quality finish to the interior and open space. The finishing result is an abstract timber structure of rafters that appears to be inspired by a Picasso painting from first glance.

Vicbeam are proud to have supplied the sustainably sourced GL18 Vic Ash Hardwood. A total of 85 members of timber were delivered on-site with the longest spanning 16.3 metres. For each member, a set of counterbored holes and slots were prefabricated, ready for bolts and steel plates.

Furthermore, each timber beam was coated with Cutek. The Cutek coating protected the timber during installation against the weather and after a second coat on site achieved the desired look. The texture complements well with the plywood and together with the glulam they form unique patterns that show off different shades of the timber.

In addition to these impressive rafters, Kane Constructions and Vicbeam gifted a custom boardroom table made of GL18 Vic Ash hardwood to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Centre. The custom glulam table was fabricated in-house and delivered on-site.

Since its completion, the Penguin Parade has already been acknowledged internationally headlining in The New York Times and has won the 2019 International Architecture awards. This acknowledgement and recognition is a testament to everyone involved from major contractors to suppliers. Vicbeam was recently awarded the 2019 MVP Structural award by Kane Constructions for our involvement and supply of the timber materials.

“Following an extensive design and review process Kane engaged Vicbeam for production of the GL-18 glulam beams for Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. Vicbeam demonstrated a detailed understanding of the works involved and worked collaboratively with Kane to develop bespoke connection details for the benefit of the site erection. Vicbeam produced a full scale prototype for architect and engineer review which was extremely beneficial. Vicbeam produced an excellent quality product despite the complex geometry and tight timeframes” Brendan De Neef – Kane Project Manager

Phillip Islands new Penguin Parade centre is an impressive tourist attraction that is inspirational for other wildlife attractions and sets another great example of combining glulam with sustainable design and practices. A perfect solution for a business that is all about educating and celebrating wildlife conservation with a parade of penguins.