Lightweight MAXI BEAM Addresses Acoustics and Creates a Directional Effect in Education Centre Fitout

MAXI BEAM used to define circulation areas in fit-out by DM2

SUPAWOOD’s lightweight timber beams, MAXI BEAM, flow across the ceilings of the circulation areas inside the refurbished level 5 of the Executive Education Centre, B Block at Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point QLD.

The designers, DM2 Architecture, wanted to reduce the openness of the corridors by lining the ceilings with chunky timber beams; however, logistics proved challenging. Instead, they looked for a lightweight alternative product that would also address noise echo and allow for access into the ceiling.

MAXI BEAM suited the designers’ needs perfectly.

The Executive Education Centre fit-out reconfigured the 930m² of space on level 5 of the building to link it to the existing facility on level 4. The brief required the provision of large open areas for high tech collaborative learning spaces linked by contrasting circulation areas with nested seating for more informal and close interaction.

MAXI BEAM lightweight beams in SUPAVENEER Blackbutt natural timber veneer have been run across the width of the corridors as well at the top of the stairs. They have also helped to define other circulation areas. Additionally, the timber finish has been matched to other design elements used in the fit-out.

The use of beams to break up the surface of the ceilings has addressed the problem of noise echo. Access points into the ceiling have also been allowed, and LED strip lighting has been integrated between the beams. And because MAXI BEAM is so lightweight and easy to work with onsite, logistical problems within a live environment were overcome.