A mezzanine floor was built at the Guardian Early Learning Centre in Brisbane utilising cross laminated timber (CLT) panels. Measuring 325 square metres, the $3.5 million mezzanine floor project, designed by BVN Architecture for Lendlease Development, was the first major CLT installation in Queensland.
By installing CLT panels instead of the conventional cast-in-situ concrete, the contractor was able to reduce the construction program as well as the cost per square metre. The client also benefitted from this construction innovation with a sustainable building solution as well as the natural and warm finish of the exposed underside of the CLT floor.
George Bellas, Project Manager from Apollo Property Group, the principal contractor for the fit-out of this early learning centre, said that both their construction program and the final cost of the installed floor were reduced by approximately 20-30% each.
These savings came from the reduced need for trades onsite as well as the ability to work continuously without the typical waiting periods required for concrete curing. The project, which began in August 2017, was completed in November 2017. Strongbuild supplied Binderholz CLT panels for the mezzanine floor.
Arden Architectural Staircases was contracted by Apollo Property Group for the installation of the CLT floor panels. David Wilson, Special Projects Manager at Arden sees great opportunities for his company in the installation of prefabricated timber structures, given how the availability of high-performing engineered wood products and prefabricated structural elements offer clients and designers a whole new range of benefits.
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Photographer: Annette Ringuet
