Timber panels from Supawood Architectural Lining Systems have been
extensively used in The Glasshouse, a multicultural/performing
arts centre that includes a 600-seat theatre and has become a
landmark in Australian contemporary architecture.
Designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and built by Hansen Yuncken, The
Glasshouse in Port Macquarie has collected an accolade of awards since completion, including three for
Australian Timber Design.
Dominating the architecture throughout The Glasshouse, Supawood timber
panels are also intrinsic to the building’s acoustic excellence. Working
closely with the design team throughout the project, Supawood manufactured and
installed over 2000sqm of Supaveneer Spotted Gum NTV panels for three
key interior areas – the shell wall, the theatre interior and the twisted
acoustic panels.
Shell wall
The timber shell wall in the foyers extends over 12m from ground level
to the height of the building, and is visible through the exterior glass skin
of the building. Supaline solid panels with hand applied thickened red edges and
concealed fixings were cleverly overlapped to wrap around curves in the walls.
Theatre interior
The timber panels, custom perforated with a black infill pattern
reminiscent of a music score, tower up and curve around on every side. Combining
functional and decorative features, the panels are absorptive, reflective and
diffusive to meet the demanding acoustic specifications.
Twisted panels
For the most complex lining challenge in this project, Supawood
fabricated unusual twisted acoustic panels as complete units in the factory and
transported them to the site ready to mount.
The Glasshouse project showcased Supawood’s ability
to deliver an extremely intrinsic and detailed panelling project from the initial
design through to installation to meet the quality expectations of the architects,
acoustic consultants and client.