North Strathfield NSW
Australia
Overview
The new Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School (OLA) utilises an existing three-storey concrete frame base built in the 1970s, delivering a modern and exciting learning space. Delivered in two stages, the new school is predominantly constructed using CLT and Glulam.
-33.8572406, 151.0881714
Structure
Glulam engineered beams from European spruce work in unison with CLT floor plates made from spruce and silver fir to create the floor structure of the mass timber system.
The walls and ceiling system are all made from the same CLT plates, with Glulam portal frames as supporting frames. CLT surfaces have been left exposed on the interior where possible to produce a natural feeling appearance inside. Fire rated plaster has been used as an interior wall lining, as CLT is still considered a combustible material in multi-storey building.
Blackbutt solid hardwood timber was used for exterior decking.
Overall 1650 m3 of timber has been used in the primary structure of the building, storing about 1650 tonnes of CO2 and avoiding 800 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to a traditional concrete building.
Interior
The interior of OLA is a sea of timber, all emanating the same soft yellow hue with beautiful knots.
The material is left exposed on the ceilings and through the atrium, while some has been covered with fire rated plaster. The combination of light timber and plaster makes for an incredibly bright interior. The natural material is engaging for children, and represents a sustainable and natural use of building materials for educational purposes.
In areas where the CLT is not the final floor finish, Beech LVL engineered timber has been used as the finish.
Victorian ash hardwood doors are a feature throughout the building, with hoop pine plywood joinery and CLT for the stairs and balustrades.
