When Sydney’s Macquarie University needed to have its library refurbished, administrators saw an opportunity to create a more interactive learning space for their students. Making the most of a limited budget, they chose an AA structural plywood design that highlights the rugged charm of the material.
The project brief: a more fluid collaboration experience
When Macquarie University management first decided to renovate the aging library, they wanted to create dynamic social spaces that would foster collaborative learning among their students. They needed spaces that could comfortably be used for both individual and group study. Their extra challenge was to create those spaces across two levels, covering around 1,000 square metres, while staying cost-effective.
The university enlisted the help of three architectural companies to reimagine the functional sections of the old library. They wanted an emphasis on innovative spatial design and the clever use of raw materials.
The result would be the Macquarie University Spatial Experience or MUSE. This creative environment became what the university has described as “a space for serendipitous encounters and social learning.”
The raw beauty of structural plywood
One of the architectural firms Macquarie engaged (Bennett & Thimble) crafted a remarkable design for the old library’s Level 2 West side.
Their experimental design combined sleek industrial lines with the rustic charm of natural plywood. The main feature would be a continuous plywood desk that would span its way throughout the study area. Plywood-and-pine framed benches, secluded cubicles and pods, meeting tables, private rooms, creative pin-up spaces, and informal areas would be interspersed throughout the plywood loop. The ceiling would also be clad in plywood, to add further character to the space.
Completing the experience
FA Mitchell’s peers at Big River Group played a crucial role in the Bennett & Thimble design. They supplied the Macquarie project with cost-effective grade AA structural plywood (F11 Radiata). This type of plywood is known for its exceptional aesthetic appeal and top-notch quality, which architects and builders value highly.
Furthermore, the plywood’s affordability was a key factor in achieving cost-effectiveness for the MUSE project. The use of high-quality yet affordable structural plywood that effortlessly combines visual appeal and functionality was key to keeping renovation costs at a reasonable level.
Discover high-quality plywood and unparalleled expertise
As part of the Big River Group, FA Mitchell is the go-to wholesale plywood supplier who can provide you with all the structural plywood and interior plywood cladding you need. No matter how extensive your designs are, we have the plywood for it.
FA Mitchell exclusively sources all its plywood from accredited Australian wood plantations. We strictly adhere to stringent Australian standards for our materials. We have the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) audit all of our plywood. Moreover, our in-house experts have decades of experience in the handling and application of all types of plywood. So you can rely on the quality of the materials and service we provide.
Contact us now and explore how FA Mitchell’s expertise can support your vision!
