MASS TIMBER (CLT)

Oakleigh South Child Care Centre

Client:

Hume Childcare Trust

Architect:

Insite Architects

Structural Engineer:

VISTEK

Head Contractor:

Atelier Projects

Location:

Oakleigh South, Victoria, Australia

Building Methodology:

Mass Timber: XLam CLT (310m3)

Responding to the client’s need for a fasttracked construction period and biophilic design, XLam supported the head contractor and architect by carefully orchestrating the sequencing, shop drawings and manufacturing of 310m3 of XLam CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panels.

The Oakleigh South Childcare Centre is a perfect example of how mass timber fits the needs of the education sector. Predominately constructed using XLam CLT, the natural timber aesthetic in this biophilic interior is ideal for supporting the wellbeing and development of young children.

The tangible benefits observed by the client through the use of XLam CLT included; lighter building on site through factory prefabrication, and a smaller site-construction team. The offsite prefabircation by XLam allowed for a faster assembly, which in turn compressed the structural building program to less than two weeks; allowing for earlier occupancy and shorter-term financing requirements.

As a benefit of Mass Timber Construction, the build had improved sustainability factors, which included; 221 tonnes of CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere, almost zero waste on site, as well as a reduction in the environmental impact through minimised foundation works due to the lightweight nature of

XLam CLT. As a result, the project was awarded the Best Sustainable Project 2018 by the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

Design & Structure

XLam were engaged to provide shop drawings, construction sequencing, as well as manufacturing XLam CLT walls and a roof structure for the purpose built childcare centre. Key drivers for the client were both an expedited construction phase, andan outcome that incorporated a timber aesthetic in order to capitalise on the known wellbeing benefits of biophilic design.

Consisting of eight individual age-based educational rooms, a parents’ retreat, reception, office area, as well as a full commercial kitchen and laundry, the centre required approximately 310m3 of XLam CLT for the walls and roof structure.

To meet the tight construction schedule, the logistics of this project required careful consideration and

management. Utilising our DfMA experience XLam ensured that the CLT panels were produced with 100% accuracy. We then applied our logistics expertise to sequence, despatch and deliver the panels to site.

XLam enabled the project to adhere to a construction schedule that compressed the structural building program into less than two weeks.

The walls of the centre, including the external envelope, room partition walls and high corridor walls use 105mm thick XLam CLT. Whereas the XLam CLT used for the roof varied between 105mm to 150mmthick, depending on the span. All XLam CLT panels used in the project were constructed from untreated radiata pine boards. In total, 257 individually prefabricated CLT panels were installed, with the structure complete in just eleven days. Exposed XLam CLT was sanded and sealed post installation.

Outcome

Using XLam CLT met the key projects requirements of the client.

XLam CLT and DfMA expertise enabled efficent construction
XLam CLT and prefabrication facilitated the client’s desire to have a fast-tracked build
XLam CLT supported biophilic design for occupant wellbeing improving physical and emotional wellbeing
Environmentally conscious construction using XLam CLT
Reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable timber used in XLam CLT stores CO2, creating a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel
Project won the Best Sustainable Project 2018 by the Master Builders Association of Victoria