As sustainable timber construction continues to advance in Australia, Intergrain Universal Timber Oil is providing the ideal solution for protecting and enhancing timber for long term durability.

The project

Last year saw the completion of Melbourne’s tallest mass timber multi-storey building, the T3 Collingwood, just a few kilometres from the CBD.

Developer, Hines, is completing a global portfolio of T3 projects, representing the principles of Timber, Transport and Technology. Their analysis shows this method of construction has a 40% lower embodied carbon footprint than structures made of concrete and steel. Known as 'biophilic design', sustainable timber construction can also boost the wellbeing and productivity of occupants.

The challenge

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows, the 15 storeys were constructed by Icon using cross-laminated timber from XLam Australia and MASSLAM glue-laminated timber from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods. This timber required a protective clear coating that would enhance the natural beauty of the wood and provide long term durability.

The Intergrain solution

Intergrain's Trade & Industrial Business Development Manager, Sean Thomas provided advice, specification and support for the project. He recommended two coats of Intergrain Universal Timber Oil, with the first coat applied off-site for protection through the delivery and installation process, and a second coat applied on-site once construction was complete.

Explaining his recommendation, he says, "Intergrain Universal Timber Oil penetrates timber to protect and nourish from within. We used a clear oil with no colour additives to preserve the natural look of the new timber, which is important for the principles of biophilic design."

The applicator, Higgins Coatings, applied Intergrain Universal Timber Oil with decking oil applicators and decking brushes, before the excess was wiped off with a dry applicator pad and brush. The product allows a generous time window before excess needs to be removed.

The results

The exposed timber in the building is now glowing with a stunning low sheen finish, with the natural colour and grain on full display.

"An innovative coating like Intergrain Universal Timber Oil is easy to apply, easy to maintain and offers flexibility in top coating down the track," Sean says. "The timber at T3 looks amazing. The natural grain and colour has been perfectly highlighted and preserved."

Hines Asia Pacific CEO Ray Lawler said, "T3 Collingwood is a ground-breaking, sustainable evolution of old-fashioned office buildings. The timber we use is rapidly renewable, sustainably sourced, cleaner to construct, and helps keep carbon out of the atmosphere."

The team at Intergrain Trade & Industrial are fostering long term relationships with developers such as Hines to support and promote the widespread use of timber in construction.

Get in touch

Contact the Intergrain Trade & Industrial team for expert product knowledge, service and support for your next project. Call our Help Line on 1800 630 285 or visit our project gallery for more inspiration.

^{Photo credit: ICON}