Supawood’s SUPASLAT slatted panels have been used extensively in the refurbishment of the main entry lobby and exterior soffit of 452 Flinders Street, a prime location in Melbourne’s CBD.
The designers, Architectus, were briefed to revitalise one of their client’s key commercial assets by applying a new contemporary look to redefine the entry and circulation zones both inside and out. Acoustics needed to be considered throughout the vast open space, plus all products had to meet BCA regulations. SUPASLAT offered both the desired look as well as the product compliance requirements.
The soffit connecting Flinders Street and Flinders Lane frontages via the adjoining Customs House Lane courtyard has been extended and enhanced with SUPASLAT solid natural timber Tasmanian Oak profile 3 slats.
To create a perfect flow from outside into the interior, the same configuration of slats continues across the soaring lobby ceiling and shared communal areas, past a reception desk and into semi-private seating areas. Here slats in profile 3 have been used but this time in a SUPAFINISH Tasmanian Oak laminate. By using this type of finish on a fire retardant MDF substrate, the interior slats fully meet BCA Fire and low VOC regulations.
In all areas, the slatted ceiling solves the problem of noise reverberation and allows for the easy integration of services such as lighting. Approximately 400 square metres of slats have been used throughout.
The SUPASLAT slatted ceilings combined with the other design elements create an ambient and welcoming atmosphere within the dynamic space. This project shows how Supawood can successfully match product finishes and looks to suit different areas within a space while meeting all requirements of the designer’s brief.
Photography: Shannon McGrath
