Designed by Woods Bagot, the new Forestry Building at the University of Tasmania demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design. As part of the university’s focus on creating innovative, low-impact learning environments, the project required materials that could meet both environmental goals and practical performance needs.
Approximately 1,060m² of S50 Natural Finish Durra Panel was used to form internal partition walls between teaching spaces. The panels delivered high acoustic performance while supporting the building’s sustainability objectives. With a Global Warming Potential Total (GWPT) of -19kg per m², Durra Panel contributed to a low-carbon outcome and supported the ESD team in completing the project’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
The building’s design presented several technical challenges, including partition walls up to 6 metres high and spans of 15 metres, along with structural cross-bracing. To address this, Durra Panels was installed on disconnected studs, allowing for a smooth integration without interfering with the structure. The panels also provided a robust base for additional finishes, including timber cladding and whiteboards.
To streamline logistics and reduce waste, custom panel lengths were manufactured to optimise container space. Panel quantities were carefully calculated to allow for a high volume of rake cuts, ensuring efficiency on site.
This project highlights how considered material selection can meet both sustainability and functional requirements—supporting low-carbon construction and adaptable, high-performing education spaces.
Collaborators: Woods Bagot, University of Tasmania
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