The project

A captivating $44m architectural upgrade to the Sutherland Entertainment Centre in southern Sydney has created a new world-class venue named The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre. Architects, NBRS, re-imagined the 'bones' of the original 40-year-old structure, adding a grand timber and glass foyer inviting an abundance of natural light and views of adjoining Peace Park.

The addition features 84m3 of MASSLAM timber, including 45 columns soaring 11 metres in the air, with spanning beams and matching joinery. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) designed and manufactured the mass timber solution using Victorian Ash and Tasmanian Oak, a charming native mix echoing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The challenge

The venue enjoys a stunning coastal setting close to the shores of Woronora River and Oyster Bay. While the location inspired the building's organic design, it also created challenges in the use of organic material. Fully exposed to coastal elements, all timbers are at risk of warping, cupping and splitting.

Salt air, heat, humidity and extreme UV exposure dries out uncoated timber, creating cracks where salt and moisture can penetrate. Over time, the structure of the wood degrades and deterioration accelerates.

Asset owners, Sutherland Shire Council, needed a cost-effective, low maintenance coatings solution that would protect and enhance the beauty of The Pavilion's external timber for the long term. The right choice was crucial to the project's success.

The Intergrain solution

Intergrain Trade & Industrial National Specification Manager, Gareth Connell consulted the project's builder, ADCO and applicator, Precision Painting Group, to recommend a world-class timber treatment that could deliver on all fronts.

“Initial discussions focused on sourcing a clear, film forming topcoat. However, we recommended Intergrain Universal Timber Oil because it deeply penetrates the timber to protect from within,” Gareth explains. “We added Intergrain Colour Additive in Dusty Oak to achieve the rich colour finish. The UV stable pigmentation delivers excellent colour retention."

The timber was pre-oiled with untinted Intergrain Universal Timber Oil before transportation. This provided elemental protection prior to installation, with the final tinted coat applied on site. When left untinted, Intergrain Universal Timber Oil allows timber to naturally denature or silver over time, while still maintaining water repellence and structural stability.

The results

Like the specification used for the spectacular new learning centre at Murdoch University in WA, Intergrain Universal Timber Oil gave The Pavilion's timber robust protection against the elements while allowing its natural charm to shine through. The striking new addition has drawn praise locally and on a global scale, earning a silver medal in the 2019 World Architecture News Awards.

Intergrain Universal Timber Oil is not limited to new timber. It can also cover existing mineral oil coatings, and be overcoated in water or oil based coatings in the future. The finish requires minimal maintenance for ongoing good looks.

"An inspection every six to 12 months should suffice," Gareth says. "At the first stage of colour change or noticeable reduction in water repellence, a simple clean and maintenance coat is all that is required."

Get in touch

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.