The Oakleigh South Childcare Centre is a perfect example of how mass timber fits the needs of the education sector.

Designed by Insite Architects, Oakleigh South Childcare Centre is predominately constructed using XLAM cross laminated timber (CLT) panels, with the natural timber aesthetic in this biophilic interior ideal for supporting the development of young children.

Responding to the client’s need for fast-tracked construction as well as integration of biophilic design features, XLam worked with the head contractor and architect to carefully orchestrate the sequencing, shop drawings and manufacturing of approximately 260 CLT panels.

The project gained tremendously from the use of XLam CLT with advantages such as lighter building foundations, high material accuracy through factory prefabrication, and a smaller site construction team. The offsite prefabrication allowed for faster assembly, which in turn compressed the structural building program to less than two weeks, allowing for earlier occupancy and shorter-term financing requirements.

As a result of mass timber construction, the build had improved sustainability factors. In addition to almost zero waste on site, there was reduced environmental impact through minimal foundation works due to the lightweight nature of CLT. The project was awarded the Best Sustainable Project 2018 by the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

Structural Design

XLam’s scope included shop drawings, construction sequencing, as well as manufacturing CLT walls and a roof structure for the purpose-built childcare centre. The owners sought an expedited construction phase, and an outcome that incorporated a timber aesthetic in order to capitalise on the known wellbeing benefits of biophilic design.

Consisting of eight individual age-based educational rooms, a parents’ retreat, reception, office area, as well as a full commercial kitchen and laundry, the centre required approximately 310m³ of CLT for the walls and roof structure.

At the time of this project, XLam was exclusively importing CLT panels into Australia from their factory in Nelson, New Zealand. Therefore, the logistics of this project required careful consideration. It was not only necessary to ensure comprehensive precision during the manufacturing process of the prefabricated panels, but also in the timely and meticulous dispatching process of the panels via sea freight to site, to ensure the project adhered to the tight construction schedule.

The walls of the centre, including the external envelope, room partition walls and high corridor walls were built with 105mm thick CLT, while the CLT thickness used for the roof varied between 105mm-150mm, depending on the span. All XLam CLT panels used in the project were constructed from untreated Radiata pine boards. In total, 257 individually prefabricated CLT panels were installed, with the structure completed in just 11 days.

Outcome

Through the efficiency and speed of CLT construction, XLam was able to meet the owner’s brief for a fast-tracked build that incorporated a biophilic design, while simultaneously receiving recognition for the project’s sustainability with the Best Sustainable Project 2018 award from the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

Project Details

Project: Oakleigh South Childcare Centre

Client: Hume Childcare Trust

Architect: Insite Architects

Structural Engineer: Vistek

Head Contractor: Atelier Projects

Location: Oakleigh South, Victoria, Australia

Building Methodology: Mass Timber (CLT)

Architecture & Design Team

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XLam

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