RESPONSIBLE WOOD

Mass timber solution, MASSLAM, unveiled in UTAS $52m campus showcase at Burnie

Certified products sourced from sustainable forests

Timber manufacturer Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) utilised its very own sustainable mass-timber solution, MASSLAM, in the construction of the University of Tasmania’s new $52 million campus located in Burnie. John Wardle Architects and Devonportbased builder Fairbrother selected ASH’s MASSLAM45 – a glue-laminated system manufactured for large commercial and domestic structures – for the project, as part of the UTAS Northern Transformation Program. The development has been funded through contributions from the federal and state governments, Burnie City Council and the university. Made using ASH’s regrowth Victorian ash timber, MASSLAM45 is certified by Responsible Wood, the national governing body for PEFC and included ‘seen structural’ 450 x 450 columns and an array of mullions, helping to transform the campus into a world-class learning centre. ASH’s MASSLAM is one of six on-site value-added manufacturing lines, that produces a range of mass timber solutions, including columns, beams, floor and roof systems for the Australian market. The product allows longer spans, higher ceilings, increased floor space, lesser beam depth and lower associated installation costs. “Better still, MASSLAM is cheaper to construct than concrete and steel, looks better, is safe, sustainable and efficient,” ASH marketing manager Megan Para said. “ASH’s Responsible Wood certification helps specifiers make a conscious decision when selecting timber products that require third-party auditing,” Ms Para said. “Sitting between the forests (supply) and the consumer (end user) we hold an important position where we can select suppliers that meet the same principles as our consumers. “Timber is one of the few building materials with the ability to have a closed loop, circular economy; it uses significantly lower embodied energy to produce a solution and sequesters carbon.” Ms Para said UTAS Burnie perfectly showcased the use of innovative timber products, championing Australian grown and owned solutions such as MASSLAM. “Also, as a country, we never take more than we can grow and continue to invest in protecting the forest estate,” she said.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods is a privately-owned Australian timber mill and advanced manufacturer located in Heyfield, Vic. Established more than 30 years ago, ASH utilises automation, innovation and economy of scale to add value to its timber – from log to finished product. UTAS Northern Transformation Program project aims to bring new ways of learning and teaching to the city and region, focused around contributing to the community and its future. The new building design for the Burnie campus a central courtyard; contemporary facilities; and environmentally-sustainable green roof; a bike storage facility which includes charging stations for e-bikes, a bike repair station and water refill station; café and library; spaces for public activities – and use of sustainable Tasmanian and mainland timbers.