The project

The Bond is a recently completed $59.7m seven storey building showcasing the stunning possibilities of modern timber design. With a mass timber glue laminated (glulam) frame, and floors in roof panels in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the construction boasts more than 10,500 square metres of space for offices, healthcare providers and retail.

Architects fitzpatrick + partners worked with engineers, TTW, to create a design that would allow light to flood every floor, with the timber frame visible through full height glass panels. The developer, Mulpha Developments, embraced the idea of incorporating the organic charm of raw timber and open views of greenery, especially since The Bond houses specialist medical facilities. Several remarkable studies have shown that buildings with high ‘biophilic’ qualities promote better concentration and productivity for workers, and faster rates of recovery for patients. Like Murdoch University in Perth, The Bond boasts a future-forward timber focused design that is a win for both human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

The challenge

Careful planning was required to protect the timber from degradation and weathering during the construction process. Prefabricated in Austria, the timber components were shipped to a sheltered holding yard, with sections transported to site on the day of installation. Crucially, all timber required a high performance coating that would provide protection from extreme UV exposure while enhancing the beauty of the wood grain.

The Intergrain solution

Intergrain State Sales Manager, Noel Cumberland worked closely with Michel Maingard of Buildcorp to specify a coatings system that would deliver the desired finish. Whilst in some cases the weathering of timber was unavoidable, the aim was to restore, highlight and protect the wood with a subtle matt finish.

The first step was to remove all surface contaminants on the timber with Intergrain UltraPrep Timber Cleaner, a high strength treatment developed specifically for efficient rejuvenation of
weather stained timber. Once completely dry, Intergrain UltraClear Exterior Matt was applied. This tough finish enhances the colour and grain of the timber, providing superior protection against weathering and extreme UV exposure. Unlike traditional oil-based timber clear coatings, this water-based formula has been developed for Australian conditions, is low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and will not yellow over time.

The results

"Intergrain timber coatings technology successfully prepared and enhanced the engineered timber, creating a high performance aesthetic finish that will last," Noel explains.

"Importantly, we were able to work closely with Buildcorp and other contractors to restore and protect the timber during the construction process efficiently."

The Bond is a stunning example of the use of engineered timber in multi-level construction, prompting many architects to think beyond traditional concrete and steel designs. Timber simply requires some extra preparation and planning to retain structural integrity and protect the surface in the building process.

Project architect Jessica Rodham explained why she believes timber construction is the way of the future, saying "We are always trying to propose to our partners that they should consider timber or a hybrid system of timber and steel because of the environmental and sustainability benefits and the carbon that can be absorbed back from the environment."

"The biophilic qualities mean people also have higher productivity and find it easier to focus and report better levels of concentration. As well, the timber can be re-used afterwards."*

Get in touch

Are you interested in the possibilities of engineered timber in construction? 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.