Evelyn Reynolds

The design brief for this project called for a world-class visitor experience that included a tropical or subtropical woodland ecosystem to show a great diversity of Savannah animals and plant life. The new African Savannah habitat known as The Waterhole located at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, was designed to represent an open grassland of sub-African vegetation and is a stunning landscape that is home to the giraffe, zebra, lion, meerkat and fennec fox.
As part of Taronga Zoo’s $150 million revitalizing and facility upgrade over the next 10 years, the African Savannah precinct brings together a lion breeding facility and an expanded savannah for giraffes, zebras and fennec foxes, as well as a specialized meerkat encounter space. The aim is to enhance guest experience by providing an innovative non-exhibit integrated with the surrounding landscape, allowing for an upfront visitor experience.
With an emphasis on replicating the animal’s habitats, as well as meeting specific sustainability targets, it was imperative the building materials chosen were fit-for-purpose, providing a functional as well as natural environment where timber played a significant role. Designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, and constructed by Brenic Constructions working with Zaumer Constructions, the builders engaged Big River Group as the project’s leading timber supplier. Robust timbers were chosen, including recycled hardwood, spotted gum and blackbutt hardwood and plywood, for their long life, durability, sustainable properties and local availability.
“The nature of the build made it important to use timber products,” says Brendan Abric from Brenic Constructions. “It needed to be sympathetic to the landscape while ensuring that major structures and infrastructure wasn’t obtrusive. What we have achieved has provided a unique connection with the elements of nature in which this multi-species habitat required.”
Featuring exposed blackbutt and spotted gum rafters, the giraffe house is a stunning circular design incorporating all-timber construction including marine plywood, the highest grade veneer, offering increased impact resistance, minimized water penetration and a high-quality finish. The veneer has been stained to blend in with the earthy surrounds.
Round hardwood poles in varying diameters, that had been cast-offs from the plywood manufacturing process at Big River Group’s Grafton mill, have been upcycled and utilized as an external cladding on the meerkat enclosure, marrying back with the completely natural environment.
Western red cedar, known for its attractive appearance and beautiful grain patterns, resistance to weather and exceptionally high dimensional stability rating unequalled by any other timber in commercial use in Australia, provides the backdrop for the lion keeper talks auditorium, with a striking floating timber ceiling.
The design and use of building materials on the amenities block are in keeping with the Savannah landscape, with blackbutt and spotted gum hardwood being chosen due to their superior performance qualities including a tolerance to changes in ambient temperatures, durability and resilience that make them perfect for hard wearing areas.
Key initiatives such as the use of renewable materials, recycled water and design choices to minimize the energy footprint drove the sustainable vision of the project. Timbers provided by Big River Group, sustainably sourced in Australia, were part of a carefully selected materials palette that would not only meet the project’s environment-friendly and sustainable goals but also seamlessly integrate into the natural setting.
“The African Savannah is a magnificent gateway to Africa in the heart of Sydney. To stand back and see such magnificent structures built with natural and earthy materials, used to create a jungle oasis in the heart of Sydney is really special,” concludes Abric. More

Modest in size and rural in sensibility was the overarching brief for East Street, a private residence located in Albury, New South Wales. Kerstin Thompson Architects took inspiration from the surroundings and all that nature has to offer when designing this single-storey, evocative, finely crafted and climate-considered home.
In a desire to capture its rural setting, the material palette is robust and direct, with concrete slab, bricks, cement sheet and ply for interior linings and joinery. An environmentally responsive building envelope, it incorporates flyscreens and can open up or shut down via sliding perforated cement sheet screens, louvres and windows to adapt to the extremes of Albury’s climatic variation.
“The client had chosen the site many years earlier because of its sweeping views to Mt Huon, the design of the house frames and captures these stunning views,” said Lynn Chew, Kerstin Thompson Architects. “Adjusted to the slope of the land, the house is arranged along two terraces, an upper and lower one, which organize functions and differentiate between a warmer north side and a cooler south side. The stepped floor in combination with the roof angle create living spaces that are shady in summer, sun-filled in winter and completed by magnificent views south towards Mt Huon.”
Keeping in mind the material palette, Kerstin Thompson Architects, having worked with leading timber supplier Big River Group previously, knew that timber would complement the aesthetic of the home perfectly. Using Armourpanel blackbutt hardwood sheet lining, on doors, walls and for joinery timber, injected warmth into the home and further enhanced spaces with the combination of a restrained palette of darkly stained plywood, raked cement-sheet ceilings and matt sheened concrete floors.
“The timber walls and joinery are a feature of the residence, not only do they complement the concrete and cement sheet interior and the grey brickwork on the exterior, they also visually connect with the colours of surrounding bush environment,” says Lynn Chew. “The natural colorations and depth of colour of the timber, chosen in a large format 3 mm thick face veneer panels, along with the unique timber characteristics, accompany the views and changing landscape. As the dwelling is located within a bushfire prone area the choice of Armourpanel in blackbutt is a natural fit being a bushfire resistant timber.”
“Big River’s veneers are available in various thicknesses for use in floors, walls, furniture and cabinetry enabling a well curated and crafted palette of natural materials to be employed. We have specified Big River’s timbers on many projects and are really satisfied with their services and timber products, and quality and care of customer support in their sales and technical teams. We have used a range of products for education, civic, commercial and residential projects,” adds Lynn Chew.
“Kerstin Thompson Architects are a valued customer who really believe in supporting local industries and suppliers, and we were thrilled to be involved in this project,” says Stuart McGonagle, national plywood and specialty manager of Big River Group.
The natural masterpiece has already won awards, with East Street taking home 2020 AIA National Awards, Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Named Award The Robin Boyd Award and 2020 AIA New South Wales Chapter Awards, Residential Architecture – Houses (New). More

Situated in Australia’s premier surf park, Urbnsurf, the iconic hospitality chain Three Blue Ducks has opened its largest and most operationally complex venue to date. With an expansive outdoor poolside dining area and unobstructed views across the sparkling two-hectare surf lagoon, the 1,600-square-metre restaurant – which is housed in a new building with an industrial, corrugated steel shell – has 400 seats on the ground floor, the mezzanine and alfresco dining areas. The eatery incorporates Big River Group’s Armourpanel decorative plywood to help frame the building’s industrial aesthetic with natural colour and warmth.
“The client wanted the space to be a reflection of their brand and in fitting with their existing venues, they were looking for a certain authenticity through warm and tonal materials which we knew Armourpanel could deliver,” says Tom Walker from MIC Projects.
Keeping in mind the designer’s brief to create an authentic space, MIC Projects used Big River Armourpanel spotted gum for the wall linings and joinery. Having previously worked with the leading timber supplier, they knew it could deliver the right warmth and tone to complement the desired aesthetic, as well as having confidence that the product was durable enough for such a high traffic, commercial space.
The space is layered with natural materials, colours and textures. On the restaurant’s ground floor, Shou Sugi Ban charred timber was used to panel the bar and walls. Galvanized steel sheets serve as a backsplash, and the countertops and floors are made from hard-wearing polished concrete. On the mezzanine level the richness of spotted gum covers every surface, giving consistency to the warm tones that accompany the industrial fabric of the fitout.
“The depth of colour and unique timber characteristics of each panel not only gave the desired authenticity to the project, complementing the industrial palette, but provided the security of knowing it was a hard-wearing product to stand the test of time,” says Tom.
Armourpanel is a strong decorative plywood – designed and tested to tolerate extreme heat and humidity, and to resist shrinkage. Every panel is made from layers of Australian eucalypt hardwood veneers bonded together to form a strong, solid, stable panel. Its tolerance of changes in ambient temperatures and its toughness make it ideal for hard wearing areas.
Tom continues, “The range of product thicknesses allow it to be used for floors and walls, as well as furniture and cabinetry, enabling a well curated and crafted palette of natural materials to be employed in the design. We have specified Big River’s timbers on many projects. It is such a beautiful product to work with, we have always been satisfied with their services and timber products, and quality and care of customer support in their sales and technical teams.” More

Regenerating the rural township of Nagambie and attracting new visitors was the brief behind the reconstruction of lakeside hospitality offering Nagambie Brewery and Distillery. Located on the foreshore of Lake Nagambie, a little over 90 minutes from Melbourne, the project brief was to transform an old retail strip, including a former heritage police building, into a new hospitality precinct. Designed by award-winning architectural firm Six Degrees, the result of the transformation is a stunning destination venue that enables locals and visitors to experience the region’s leading attraction, Lake Nagambie, which can be seen from the venue’s expansive deck.
The significant development is owned by businessman Gerry Ryan, who wanted to bring a contemporary hospitality design to Nagambie that fitted with the style and history surrounding it. Six Degrees created a space that embraces charm and warmth while taking full advantage of the spectacular surrounding views.
The complete project, which was awarded a commendation in the Victorian Architecture Awards 2020, includes a brewery, the Distiller’s Den, a dining room, café and a whiskey bar featuring viewing portholes into the brewery. The walls of the main restaurant and whiskey bar are lined with Big River Group’s superior plywood product Armourpanel in spotted gum, which assisted in creating warm and authentic interior elements to work alongside the more contemporary finishes of the project.
Having worked on multiple projects with the leading timber supplier, Six Degrees knew it was the right product to deliver the desired aesthetic, as well as providing the durability required for the commercial space. “The client wanted the interior space to be textured with different finishes and they were looking for a certain result through warm and tonal materials, which we knew Armourpanel could deliver,” says Dan Demant from Six Degrees Architects.
“The versatility, stability and toughness of the plywood product was a great match for the brief as it’s able to withstand hard wearing areas while also delivering on visual aesthetics,” says Dan. Armourpanel plywood has a unique construction method that sees each of its five layers of Australian hardwood sheets bonded together in a cross-ply manufacturing process to form a strong, solid, stable decorative panel.
Layered with texture, the inside space of the venue incorporates concrete, steel and brass, as well as timber, with floor to ceiling windows that supply incredible views of the brewery and the surrounding lake. The architecture of the exterior pays a respectful nod to its heritage, with huge wooden barn doors and a classic white render, the new buildings blend subtly into their rural surrounds. Multiple outdoor deck areas allow for optimal enjoyment of the lakeside setting and further complement the rustic charm of the interior.
The brewery describes its offerings as unpretentious and approachable. Just like its surroundings, everything is open and there is nothing to hide. The interior is set up for onlookers to view the master brewers at work through portholes in the stunning timber-clad whiskey bar. This intimate space is unequivocally warm and inviting, with the beguiling allure of natural timber connecting to all the senses. The walls of the room are clad entirely in Big River’s spotted gum Armourpanel. The stunning and tonal material delivers depth and character while providing a charming experience for patrons to sit and enjoy the venue’s offerings. “The depth of colour and unique timber characteristics of each panel gave an excellent finish,” says Dan.
The decorative plywood from Big River offers simplicity, warmth and texture to create intimate and inviting environments, it is highly sought by leading award-winning architects when designing residential or commercial interiors. Armourpanel’s face veneer panels are available in a range of native species including blackbutt, flooded gum, spotted gum and Sydney blue gum, all maintaining the natural characteristics of the selected wood species, including their unique grain structures. Dan continues, “We have specified Big River’s Armourpanel on many projects. It is such a beautiful product to work with and we have always been satisfied with their services and timber products, and quality and care of customer support in their sales and technical teams.”
Since its completion the Brewery has exceeded all expectations with regard to visitations, successfully encouraging locals and visitors to explore everything Nagambie has to offer with its stunning lakes, rivers and winery experiences while strengthening the region’s tourism industry and growing local jobs. More

Understanding that not all rooms are created equal and that sometimes a space calls for a tailor-made approach, Armadillo introduced their custom colour program to give designers the freedom to create a bespoke version of their most loved Agra rug. Through the custom colour program, designers can tailor the Agra rug to meet the needs […] More

A $600 million, 100,000 square metre healthcare precinct is in the works for Geelong and another healthcare facility in Richmond could be expanded after a deal between two health care companies. Victoria’s Epworth Healthcare, which runs existing facilities in Geelong and Richmond, announced it had reached a property sale and leaseback agreement with Canadian company […] More

Adelaide’s Wilderness School has lodged plans for a number of new structures as well as alterations and additions to existing buildings with designs by local firm Grieve Gillett Andersen. The private girls’ school sits between Hawkers Road and Northcote Terrace in the suburb of Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north. Plans before South Australia’s State Commission […] More

Woods Bagot has completed a new learning and teaching building for Deakin University’s Burwood campus in Melbourne’s east, which will house the university’s law school.
Designed to be “intentionally non-institutional,” the building will house five levels of flexible, active learning spaces.
“The building’s arresting geometry arose from the innovative blend of learning spaces held within,” said Woods Bagot principal Sarah Ball. “Each space addresses a different emerging methodology of teaching, doing away with the traditional lecture theatre in the process.”
Instead of traditional lecture theatres, the building has three large, tiered presentation spaces known as Premier Learning Spaces, which can also be used for collaborative private study. Large group working spaces can also operate as informal study spaces.
The Premier Learning Spaces are housed in zinc-clad curved, extruded forms, which are juxtaposed against the rectilinear teaching wing of the building.

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Deakin Law School building by Woods Bagot. Image:

Peter Bennetts

“It’s an orchestrated contrast of masses,” said principal and project design lead Bruno Mendes.
A circulation tower in the west building has a sculpted form with fluted curved concrete panels, which capture light and shadows throughout the day.
The building also has two levels of student health and wellbeing services, as well as a Wellness Garden located between the building and Gardeners Creek Reserve. The garden features native plants stones, a deconstructed creek and tiered seating.
The building is sited at the north-west edge of the campus, which is separated from the rest of the campus by a waterway. As a result, a new bridge connects the building to the rest campus.
“With an understanding of the proposed bridge design, we saw this constraint as an opportunity for the building to form a mediation role within the campus, an organizational framework for the public realm, and the existing campus infrastructure,” Mendes said.
“The building’s striking form and glinting materiality serves as a form of wayfinding, ushering students across the link bridge and creating campus traversability that has never existed before.”
The law school is the first large learning and teaching facility to be built at the campus in a decade. More