Located on a constrained site adjacent to an operational hospital, the elegantly realised Macquarie University Clinical Education Building is a reflection on the natural environment, using timber and glass to evoke calmness of form, generosity of space and biophilia. Timber provides both structural integrity and much of the internal decorative skin. W-shaped hardwood columns at the entrance are a defining feature, transferring vertical loads to the ground, glue-laminated Spruce for the internal columns and beams, CLT Spruce for internal floors, lift core and shear walls. A double-glazed glass facade reveals the timber structure’s precise geometry, drawing optimal daylight into interior spaces. Within, timber gives a cohesive and welcoming tactility across various learning spaces.
Presented by the project’s architect Luke Johnston from Architectus and structural engineer Mike King from Arup.