Conceived by DesignInc as a respectful response to the architectural heritage of the historic Footscray Town Hall and the area’s evolving culture, the revitalised Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Hub draws visitors in with its organic geometry, biophilic materiality and contemporary vernacular.
Framed by a rectangle of timber beams, the undulating façade offers a welcoming preamble to the fluid aesthetic within. Here, an eye-catching sequence of linear timber panels adorning the soaring ceiling makes a bold statement, while wave-like timber slat formations accentuate the space’s omnipresent arches. Offset by a sweeping expanse of red bricks and a light colour palette punctuated by contrasting accents, this fluidity echoes the flow of the Maribyrnong River, imbuing the space with a sense of place and belonging for the community it serves.
At the same time, underneath the profoundly localised design lies a foundational commitment to the highest standards of performance, comfort and functionality. These aspirations are underscored by the project’s target of 6 stars under the Green Building of Australia’s Green Star Buildings category, as Victoria’s first civic building to achieve that rating. This synthesis of inspired architectural vision and uncompromising sustainability is anchored in a product specification that repositions architectural lining as much more than just a finish.
Finding flow and fluidity
From an aesthetic point of view, bringing DesignInc’s intricate vision to life required a flexible solution that would not only fuse biophilic design principles with outstanding performance but also transform the concept of architectural fluidity into tangible, curved forms.
Renowned for its array of versatile profiles, a stunning palette of timber finishes and a specialist capability to generate curved shapes, SUPAWOOD’s range of lining products stood out as a holistic response to the project’s requirements. Amongst them, the SUPASLAT timber panels in warm Tasmanian Oak SUPAFINISH, integrated across multiple spaces in both linear and curved profiles, emerge as one of the most defining gestures of this organic design.
While the slats’ traditional linear profile brings a soothing quality to the interiors, it is where this linearity gives way to sweeping curves that the design’s creative potential is truly unleashed. “These modular slatted panels offer a visual rhythm and warmth inspired by the natural flow of the nearby river,” enthuses Matthew Duffy, COO at SUPAWOOD.
The concealed fixings ensure a seamless flow that is uninterrupted by screws or joints. Meanwhile, the black SUPABAB acoustic backing creates a sense of depth and dimension whilst cleverly concealing the curvable battens at the same time. The backing also provides high-level acoustic absorption, contributing to a comfortable environment for community gatherings and day-to-day administrative tasks.
The space’s layered aesthetic is further accentuated by the integration of white MAXI BEAMS, which provide a bold, architectural counterpoint, making the warm, organic and tactile expression of the Tasmanian Oak SUPASLAT panels even more impactful. Supplied with matching white SUPABAB acoustic backing, the solution provides an unexpected design feature while further improving the acoustic functionality of the space.
In addition, SUPAWOOD’s modular SUPASLAT panels in aluminium are also integrated in the external terrace area. Specified in a natural woodgrain finish, the aluminium slats enabled DesignInc’s design to extend organically outdoors, creating a cohesive aesthetic across both realms. “The use of complementary SUPAWOOD products in this way is becoming a common practice,” Matthew Duffy adds. “It’s definitely one of the major benefits of our range.”
Hidden contribution
However, SUPAWOOD’s contribution to this stunning project isn’t limited to visual impact. The specified products directly supported the project’s 6-star Green Star rating target in a range of areas beyond acoustic performance.
“Our panels are made in Australia from local, responsibly sourced materials through efficient production methods aiming to reduce environmental impact and support our local supply chain,” Matthew Duffy highlights. “In addition, to minimise waste and lifecycle costs, our robust systems and finishes are designed for longevity and minimal replacement and are rigorously tested to meet stringent fire performance standards.”
He adds that the finishes’ low-VOC and low-formaldehyde contents also help safeguard indoor air quality and occupant health, and SUPAWOOD’s readily available certified documentation on the composition of the finishes. Alongside this, fire compliance and acoustic performance were made straightforward for the design team to demonstrate compliance for Green Star credits. “Plus, the availability of clear environmental and performance data streamlined the certification process,” he adds, “helping the project meet its benchmarks efficiently.”
Collaborative flow
This willingness to advance the project in the most efficient, creative and innovative ways became one of its most defining features. In addition to easing the administrative process, SUPAWOOD worked closely alongside the project team from the early design stages, expertly addressing any challenges that arose. This included the requirement of achieving smooth curves with SUPASLAT panels while meeting functional requirements.
Jesse Newstadt, Lead Architect at DesignInc, is thrilled with the result. “The finished project looks fantastic,” he says. “Thank you to SUPAWOOD,” he added. This positive sentiment is also echoed by James Stowers, the installer at ECS Exact Ceiling Solutions. “Lead time was awesome,” he adds. “I will also highly recommend SUPAWOOD for their customer service.”
Foundation, not finish: Integrated flow
Rooted in its context and biophilic design principles, Maribyrnong Civic Hub’s welcoming expression epitomises architectural flow that fuses inspired architectural vision with uncompromising sustainability. But, beyond its organic beauty, the project embodies something else too, a tangible shift in perspective on the role of building materials; one that Matthew Duffy distils into a single, crucial takeaway.
“The key is to think of architectural linings not just as a finish, but as an integrated solution,” he says, repositioning them from a final touch to an essential aspect of a foundational design strategy. “When specified early, products like SUPAWOOD can deliver multiple benefits at once for example, aesthetics, acoustics, fire compliance, durability and sustainability. This reduces the need for additional materials and thereby helping projects reach their goals more efficiently.”
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Author: Architecture & Design Tea
Published with their permission.