CLT panels and GLT beams from XLAM met the load restrictions during the construction of a vertical extension at the Monash University Business School in Caulfield East, Victoria.

The Pavilion is an award-winning project that marked the first-ever Australian University building to get a vertical extension using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Australia’s largest university, Monash University sought to extend and refurbish an existing education facility exclusively for post-graduate and executive students.

With weight restrictions ruling out the use of traditional construction materials, XLam worked alongside the project stakeholders to provide a comparatively lightweight solution by using CLT panels and GLT beams.

The project required XLam to facilitate a full refurbishment of Levels 8, 9 and 10, and provide a vertical extension of Monash University’s Building H at the Caulfield Campus for a total scope of 5000m². The vertical extension, located on the existing level 8 concrete terrace, was made possible by the lightweight aspect of mass timber as compared to a traditional steel/concrete structure. The architects, NH Architecture, along with Monash University, also chose to express the natural beauty of XLam CLT in the hallways, pre-function areas and the stairwell.

The new structure is expressed boldly with textured gold zinc cladding on all sides and showcases spectacular 300-degree views from the Mornington Peninsula out to the Dandenong Mountain range, including front row seats to the Melbourne skyline.

Structural System

The challenge of a vertical extension onto Level 8’s pre-existing concrete slab terrace lay in its inability to support an additional load from a traditional steel and concrete structure.

To overcome the weight challenge, a steel grillage was used to transfer the lightweight CLT structure directly onto the columns below. The high load floor in the freestanding function pavilion uses a 175mm thick 5-layer XLam CLT panel, while all remaining floors consist of 5-layer 145mm panels, with all roof panels using 5-layer 130mm panels. Standing over 10 metres high, full height panels were used for the three-storey stair walls, with these being erected prior to lowering in the landings and XLam AirStairs.

Large glue laminated (GLT) beams that span the 11 metres over the function pavilion and carry the load of the raking XLam roof, were constructed from Tasmanian Oak hardwood, and manufactured and supplied by Hyne Timber.

In total, over 150 CLT panels, constructed from untreated Radiata pine boards were used throughout this project to add the freestanding function pavilion, two interconnecting stairwells and new education facilities in the existing building.

Outcome

Through the combined effort with project stakeholders, XLam was able to deliver an advanced, award-winning solution for their client in a practical and symbolic sense.

By using CLT for this project, XLam was able to achieve the unachievable while encouraging Monash University to incorporate a net zero carbon policy into their building framework moving forward. What’s more, the Pavilion went on to receive the 2018 Australian Institute of Building (Victorian Chapter), Certificate of High Commendation Commercial Construction $5M - $25M.

Project Details

Client: Monash University

Architect: NH Architecture

Structural Engineer: Bollinger Grohmann Engineers

Head Contractor: Kane Construction

Location: Building H, 888 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East, Victoria Australia

Building Methodology: Mass Timber (CLT & GLT)