Timber chosen for environmental credentials in urban design

Boral Timber’s structural hardwood product has been used extensively throughout a much-needed new car park on Fisher Street in Cabramatta, commissioned to alleviate the area’s traffic problems.

The south-western Sydney car park was designed by Building Studio (formerly Material Lab Architecture & Design) and built with funding from the Federal Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan. Covering a 5000m² area and three levels, the car park provides space for 180 vehicles as well as additional bicycle parking.

The vertical installation of Boral’s F27 structural hardwood timber in Blackbutt species forms a façade for the building, spaced to allow a 50 per cent clear area to encourage natural air circulation. This eliminates the need for energy-consuming, mechanical ventilation systems. The incorporation of Boral’s hardwood timber in this design element is consistent with Fairfield City Council’s objective that the building’s carbon footprint be minimised.

Timber slats are used to screen the development as well as to create an element of interest. The slats are strategically placed and sized to create images which are visible when standing in front of the development. The timber is impact resistant and will weather to a silver grey colour over time. Artwork of the same material is incorporated into the screen layout, achieving an interesting and always changing view for passing pedestrians and cars.

According to the project manager, Jason Richards from Davis Langdon: “Due to the large quantity of hardwood timber required for the project, Boral was the only company that could meet the supply requirements for the project without going to multiple suppliers.”

“As the timber weathers to a grey colour over time, it will provide the aesthetic of a modern steel facade. Timber was chosen due to its renewable properties that helped the project with its environmental objectives,” Richards said.

Also acting as a decorative element which integrates softly with the residential streetscape, the spacing of the timber creates minimal surface area, discouraging graffiti vandalism.

Boral Timber’s hardwood products have achieved Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Chain of Custody certification, proving that its products are sourced from certified and legal sources. AFS is the largest forestry certification scheme in Australia and meets Australian Standard AS 4708-2007. It is also mutually acknowledged by the PEFC – the largest forestry certification scheme in the world.