Mass Timber (CLT & LVL)

City Of Greater Geelong Civic Accommodation “Wurriki Nyal”

Client:

Quintessential Equity and City of Greater Geelong

Architect:

Cox

Structural Engineer:

4D Workshop

Head Contractor:

Besix Watpac

Location:

Geelong, Vic, Australia

Building Methodology:

Hybrid: MTC, Concrete, Steel
XLam CLT & Hess GLT (2820m3)

XLam supplied CLT floors and soffits for this 6-storey mass timber building making an important contribution to the requirement for sustainable construction that defined the project.

City Of Greater Geelong Civic Accommodation, Wurriki Nyal, reflects a partnership between the City of Geelong and Quintessential Equity in a $200m purpose-built facility.

The building provides sustainably designed PCA A-Grade office space for 900 full-time workers in central Geelong. It brings together City employees from seven central Geelong offices to drive

collaboration, reduce costs and future-proof the City’s workplace needs. It is expected to save ratepayers over $2m annually in energy and rental costs. As a mixed-use development, the Civic Precinct brings together the council hub with accessible public space, co-working space, retail and food tenancies, as well as end of trip facilities to encourage active modes of transport such as walking and cycling.

XLam supplied sustainable XLam CLT for the project along with the design development and detailed connection design of mass timber components. XLam also sourced and supplied Hess GLT for the project. XLam supported head contractor Besix Watpac in the use of sustainable building materials and helped achieve the vision of Cox Architects to meet environmental challenges facing the construction industry and embrace solutions with low energy and carbon footprints.

Design & Structure

TWurriki Nyal utilises a hybrid structural system combining mass timber with concrete and steel. The use of XLam CLT and Hess GLT was based on a decision to ensure the building was both innovative and sustainable. The use of CLT and GLT with a glass façade helped create a light-filled healthy and contemporary workplace.

Cox Architecture utilised XLam CLT as a renewable material that provides advantages over traditional construction including; environmental benefits, off-site manufacturing, speed of construction, weight, and design innovation.

As a 6-storey building with 9,000m2 GIFA, Wurriki Nyal demonstrates the potential of hybrid construction embracing the use of mass timber. Construction started mid 2020 and the building opened September 2022.

XLam manufactured and supplied the XLam CLT floors and soffits for the project and was responsible for the procurement of the GLT from supplier, Hess. Supporting the use of mass timber, XLam undertook the design development of the mass timber components including detailed connection design and preparation of BIM 3D model to LOD400. Design certification was completed by 4D Workshop, the project engineer. XLam completed the shop drawings, provided project management for mass timber elements within our scope, and completed fire testing, supporting the fire engineer Norman Disney & Young. Exposed timbers achieve a FLR of 90mins.

The mass timber structure utilised timber post and beam with Xlam CLT floors. Calling on our mass timber experience and design expertise, XLam designed special LVL reinforced GLT beams to accommodate larger than typical service penetrations that allow the services to pass through the beams. The design also called for additional lateral bracing at perimeters with GLT.

Outcome

XLam supplied a total of 1,800m3 of XLam CLT to the project along with 1,020m3 of GLT, design services, technical advice and support. XLam supported the successful completion of the project and the use of mass timber as a sustainable building material to meet key project drivers;.

Environmentally conscious construction using
XLam CLT and Hess GLT
Reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable timber stores CO2, creating a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel
Timber is beautiful, warm and inviting, creating a healthy workplace that improves physical and emotional wellbeing of occupants
Due to cross lamination, XLam CLT and GLT structural elements are strong and safe while also being lighter
The structure aims to acheive 6 Star Green Design and As-Built Ratings
Aiming to achieve 6 Star Nabers Energy Rating
Offsite manufacturing and XLam DfMA expertise increased construction speed
Exposed timber achieved a FRL of 90mins
XLam specially designed LVL reinforced GLT beams to achieve the architectural vision