Why Wood

• Timber ceilings feature prominently in this redevelopment project for Burwood Hospital.
• Plywood panels, perforated with large diameter holes, create an elegant ceiling through the entrance and waiting areas while also providing acoustic absorption.
• Circulation spaces feature timber-slatted ceilings that also act as acoustic control elements.
• The warmth of the timber contrasts the harder wearing surfaces of the floors and walls and is an appropriate choice for the hospital environment.

Key Features:

• Timbercrete blocks are handmade in Rotorua and are constructed with over 50% of timber shavings, sourced from local mills and combined with aggregate and concrete.
• The thermal factor of this timber component is high and warm to the touch inside the home and has an extremely high acoustic performance.
• Radiata pine was used extensively for all beams, rafters, balustrades, shelving and the main elements were pre-stained prior to installation.
• Shadowclad T&G sheets were used for the sarked ceilings and panels to the walls.
• The Cedar garage doors
• Eucalyptus Main Entry door
• Shadowclad to disguise the external beams

• This private chapel was hand-built by the local farming community.
• Several species of cut timber were available and used in a manner that reduced the requirement for other materials.
• The exterior is clad with radiata pine board and batten while the interior uses a mixture of oil-finished timbers.
• A wide pivoting entry door is made from split macrocarpa with a taraire frame.
• A cross-glazed wall contains a mix of redwood, saligna, Japanese cedar, white poplar and puriri.
• The ceiling uses radiata pine and macrocarpa sarking.

• Designed by Noel Lane, the house is constructed mainly from wood, of which many elements are recycled.
• The various shades and textures offered by the different species and ages of the wood used create an elaborate interior.
• Internal walls have been left unlined and are used to house pieces of artwork and large timber trusses support the roof and a walkway.

• Wood is used extensively throughout the house, its natural look complementing the native bush setting beautifully.

• The occupants enjoy the natural beauty of the largely exposed timber framing including the large rafters that line the ceiling.

• Principles of sustainability and environmental responsiveness were employed in the design, considering especially the thermal environment and selection of materials.