Screenwood ceilings were recently installed at the newly expanded ACT Law Courts building in Canberra. The new expansion addresses the capacity issues of the original building and maximizes operational efficiencies. Several new courtrooms were added and the facilities were updated to accommodate judicial and other functions. The specifiers for the project were Lyons Architects.

The extensive glazing at the building’s entrance ensured that natural light floods into the foyer, illuminating the Screenwood ceiling and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Western red cedar was used for a natural colour variation that brings warmth and vitality to the space. The ceiling curves dramatically downward from a towering height, transitioning to gentle ripples which create a more personal atmosphere in the reception area below. Screenwood panels offer the additional benefit of acoustic comfort in this expansive space, which could otherwise be prone to unpleasant reverberation.

Court rooms and seating areas also enjoy improved speech intelligibility with the application of Screenwood. The hemlock panels are more understated in their custom calcium whitewash, forming calm irregular waves across the ceilings of these spaces, visually tying them together without creating a distraction. Screenwood installed its 3060-4 and 6030-5 profiles in hemlock, western red cedar and blackbutt throughout the project.