Tzu Chi in Brisbane – Early Learning Centre
Curved Tasbeam 15 beams and columns for the Tzu Chi Community Centre
Façade Products: GL15 Tasbeam Curved 390 x 200 and Straight Columns 440 x 300
Pergola Products: GL 15 Tasbeam 240 x 65 and straight columns 150 x 120
Stair Tread Products: GL15 Tasbeam 280 x 50 & 400 x 50
Vicbeam worked closely with Rohrig to complete this all-new facility for Brisbane’s long-standing Tzu Chi Community Centre.
The Tzu Chi Community Centre, designed by Neylan Architecture for the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, is a multi-purpose facility that sets a new benchmark for Taiwanese-Australian architecture in Queensland. It seamlessly blends aesthetic and cultural elements, creating a space dedicated to serving the local community.
The Centre houses a vegan café, bookshop, community hall, educational spaces, and a childcare centre. It functions both as a local community hub and as the base for the Tzu Chi Foundation’s charitable work, including disaster relief efforts. The Centre has been officially designated as an Emergency Evacuation Centre by the Brisbane City Council.
Built on the site of a former office building, which was demolished in mid-2020, the new facility was completed and opened on November 19, 2022. The design incorporates green, renewable concepts aimed at reducing water and energy consumption. The building’s versatility is evident in its high floor usage ratio, supporting a wide range of volunteer activities. Reflecting the wisdom of Master Cheng Yen, who once said, “Realise the impermanence of life when times are good, accept our karma when times are bad,” the Centre is a sanctuary of support for those in need, offering a safe harbour during times of adversity while also being a home for volunteering efforts in the heart of Australia.
The front facade of the Tzu Chi Community Centre features a striking design element with the use of curved Tasbeam 15 timber and columns, adding both visual appeal and structural integrity to the building. The curves of the Tasbeam 15 timber were carefully selected to complement the overall aesthetic, bringing a natural warmth and fluidity to the architectural design. This choice of material not only enhances the Centre’s beauty but also showcases the sustainable properties of engineered timber. The columns, made from the same Tasbeam 15, provide strong support while creating a sense of openness and inviting the community to engage with the space. Together, the curved timber and columns contribute to the Centre’s harmonious integration into its surroundings, making it a welcoming, innovative space for all who visit.
