The Mon Repos Turtle Centre, located in Bargara, Queensland, has won numerous awards for its innovative and sustainable design including a Queensland Architecture Medallion by incorporating sustainable timber products such as Austral Plywoods Natural Hoop ariaply and a Hyne Timber glulam structure.
The design of the centre features a stunning entrance made of plywood panels, with a unique turtle shell pattern, which was created using CNC routing technology. The panels were then finished with a clear coating to enhance the natural beauty of the timber and provide added durability and protection from the elements.
The interior of the centre features beautiful timber veneer panels sourced from Austral Plywoods, which were finished with a clear coating to allow the natural beauty of the timber to shine through. The ceiling is particularly impressive, consisting of numerous perforated triangles made from ariaply in an Ebony finish. The triangular shapes, representing a turtle’s carapace, were meticulously cut from detailed plans supplied by the architect. The perforations provided both acoustic benefits and an attractive appearance to the Centre.
In addition to the entrance, the centre features a range of glulam products, including the framing and roof trusses. Glulam products are made by laminating multiple layers of timber together, creating an incredibly strong and durable product that is perfect for structural applications. The entire glulam structure is made of locally grown, certified Spotted Gum, meeting exceptional sustainability credentials, and from a practical perspective, allowing large spans with no internal structural walls. This means the interior can be readily, seasonally reconfigured to meet the educational and conservation needs of the centre and its year-round visitors.
The use of sustainable timber products in the design of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre not only provides a stunning and unique aesthetic but also ensures that the centre is built to last. The combination of plywood, glulam, and veneer products from Austral Plywoods and Hyne Timber creates a sustainable and durable building that is perfectly suited to the harsh coastal environment.
By using sustainable timber products in their design, the Mon Repos Turtle Centre is helping to promote responsible forestry practices and reduce the environmental impact of building construction. The centre serves as a prime example of how innovative and sustainable design can be achieved through the use of natural, renewable materials.
This case study highlights how the use of sustainable timber products such as Austral Plywoods Natural Hoop ariaply and Hyne Timber glulam structure can contribute to creating innovative and sustainable designs that meet exceptional sustainability credentials.
