The project

The new 'heart' of Western Australia's Murdoch University Campus represents a global engineered timber feat, with 1,796 pieces used across the huge construction spanning four levels and 1,600 sqm of floor space.

Boola Katitjin, which translates to 'lots of learning' in Noongar (the official language of the Aboriginal people of the south-west of Western Australia), opened to students at the beginning of 2023 and signals a new chapter for the University combining world-leading technology with sustainable design.

Designed by Lyons Architecture and built by Multiplex, this state-of-the-art learning centre showcases Australian-first technology and flexible class formats. It also proudly achieves the internationally recognised 6-star Green Star rating through a range of features including solar panels, stormwater harvesting, active design elements and native landscaping.

One of Boola Katitjin's most exceptional features is the use of approximately 2,143 tonnes of timber across the project. Some of the glue laminated timber (GLT) beams used within the Northern Plaza are the largest ever installed in Australia weighing 7,282 kilograms each and spanning 26 metres in length. Laminated timber beams and columns are used in conjunction with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panels, to utilise plantation-grown timber as a replacement for traditional concrete and steel structures for the majority of the building.

To protect, maintain and enhance the beauty of the extensive use of timber throughout, Intergrain Trade & Industrial partnered with the builders Multiplex, to provide the world-leading timber treatment.

The challenge

Traditionally, finishes for externally exposed, high profile commercial projects require a film-forming topcoat to provide the highest levels of protection from the environment. However, this type of finish can sometimes mask the natural features of the timber.

In the case of the Boola Katitjin project, highlighting and preserving the natural beauty of the exterior timber was paramount. Minimising the requirement for ongoing maintenance was also an important consideration. To provide solutions to the challenge, Mulitplex consulted Intergrain Trade & Industrial's, Western Australia-based Business Development Executive Taryn Nostrini.

The Intergrain solution

"Intergrain Trade & Industrial were approached to look at all exterior finishing options that would require minimal long-term maintenance, yet still preserve the natural look and feel of uncoated timber," says Taryn, who brought 19 years of experience to the consultation.

Drawing on her deep knowledge of Intergain Trade & Industrial's diverse product range and the unique requirements of the Boola Katitjin project, Taryn recommended the application of Intergrain Universal Timber Oil. This coating was enhanced by the addition of Dusty Oak, one of the seven exterior durable colour additives available for Intergrain Universal Timber Oil.

"This product was selected for its deep, penetrating nourishment of the timber," explains Taryn. "The addition of Dusty Oak will extend the durability against the harsh Western Australian environmental conditions, and preserve the natural timber colour variations."

The results

Boola Katitjin stands as an iconic timber construction, with its use of a world-leading engineered timber frame. It sits perfectly at home in the bush campus of Murdoch University and showcases the true technical capabilities of a timber structure with the benefits of a flexible, future-proof design.

Taryn emphasis that protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of timber is never a "set and forget" option.

"All architectural coating systems will require some form ongoing cleaning, inspection, and maintenance," she says. "Not only to preserve the aesthetic character of the components, but also to remove any airborne pollutants which can damage the long-term protective qualities of the coating if left unattended."

The frequency of cleaning and inspection regimes are usually dictated by the geographic location of the building, which will outline orientation to UV, prevailing wind conditions and exposure to chemical atmospheres.

To maintain the Intergrain Universal Timber Oil with the Dusty Oak additive system, an inspection every 12-15 months to observe any changes such as water repellence is recommended, with a simple clean and re-application of a single coat for protection where required.

Get in touch

Like the stunning Boola Katitjin building, Every Intergrain Trade & Industrial project is approached with bespoke consultation and specification. Call our Help Line on 1800 630 285 to find out how we can support your next project. Or visit our project gallery for more inspiration.

Photo credit: Marcos Silverio