SUPAWOOD’s WAVE BLADES, SUPASLAT and MAXI BEAM lining products form stunning ceiling features and decorative screens throughout key areas of the Macquarie University International College (MUIC) in NSW.

Gardner Wetherill Associates were given a brief by the university to revitalise 10 Macquarie Walk into a state-of-the-art learning centre for international students. The objective was to design a homely and welcoming environment where international students could feel at ease, confidently study and find support when needed.

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To create the dynamic learning space, a combination of matching lining products was needed to define areas and to add visual interest. The designers approached SUPAWOOD, whose adaptable lining products are customisable and can be mixed and matched perfectly.

Independent Learning Centre (ILC)

The flexible ‘Independent Learning Centre’ (ILC) is structured to greet and nurture students. Here, the designers have used WAVE BLADE ceiling and wall features to define areas.

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A large, oval custom blade ceiling with integrated lighting dominates the reading area. The space below is divided by a line of bookcases softened with blade-shaped tops and sides with grooved edging.

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Off to the side, sweeping blades flow across the ceiling and down a glazed wall to form a small meeting room and reception area. Matching SUPASLAT slats have been placed on the other side of the glazed wall to correspond with the blades. This gives the illusion of the blades extending through the glass and into the hallway beyond. The outer edges of the blades and slats have been finished in several colours to create further interest.

WAVE BLADES in the smaller areas are at 150mm centres while the reading area ceiling feature is at 200mm centres.

Students Hub

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The Students Hub is an area for students to mix with others and relax. Leading into this area, vertical slats with colourful painted edges break up the surface of the curved wall.

Along one wall, a lounge area has been made more intimate by lowering the ceiling with custom sculpted WAVE BLADES. The timber blades have been suspended under the black ceiling and shaped to hide bulkheads above.

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Circulation Area

In one of the circulation areas, a simple sculptural form created with 150 x 50 MAXI BEAMS is reminiscent of a stylised tree. This reaches up to the second level of the interior to give a sense of direction and to add interest to what otherwise is a stark area.

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The products have been matched throughout these areas with a SUPAFINISH Hoop Pine laminate to ensure durability and longevity. All products are fire retardant and low in VOC emissions.

This project shows the uniqueness and versatility of SUPAWOOD products and how they can be mixed and matched to integrate into one whole concept.

Project details

Project: Macquarie University International College (MUIC)

Location: North Ryde NSW

Architect: Wetherill Architects (Gardner Wetherill & Associates Pty Limited)

Builder: Prime Projects (NSW) Pty Limited

Products:

Independent Learning Centre: WAVE BLADES. Smaller areas at 150mm centres while the reading area ceiling feature is at 200mm centres. SUPASLAT on other side of glass wall in adjacent corridor.
Students Hub: WAVE BLADES on ceilings as 150 centres and SUPASLAT wall in corridor leading into the hub.
Staircase circulation area: MAXI BEAM.

Finishes: SUPAFINISH Hoop Pine laminate (in all areas).

Award: 2019 – Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) NSW Chapter Awards – Best Learning Environment (Category: New Building or Renovation / Modernisation under $2 Million) – Winner

Photography: John McRae

Architecture & Design Team

SUPAWOOD Architectural Lining Systems

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