The official opening of the Centre for Future Timber Structures at the University of Queensland (GHD Auditorium) is celebrated by Government, Hyne Timber, engineers, researchers and students alike as momentum continues to grow for innovative use of timber in construction within Australia. With so many benefits, it’s hardly surprising that contemporary use of timber such as engineered solutions are at the forefront of this leading university’s advanced engineering department for our engineers of the future.
The new Centre has been established to meet the challenges of sustainable construction and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also home to the recently announced Australian Research Council grant of $1.5m for tall timber buildings research.
Centre partners include Hyne Timber, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lend Lease and engineering firm Arup.
The official opening was by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Leanne Donaldson MP, Professor Simon Biggs Head of Engineering and Professor Jose L. Torero, Head of School of Civil Engineering.
It provided an opportunity for students to explain innovative engineered timber projects, tours of the facility including robotic construction, digital fabrication and fire testing capabilities while awing at the Hyne Timber glue laminated beams on the ceiling of the GHD Auditorium.
Chris Hyne himself attended the opening and valued the opportunity to see firsthand, the projects, innovation and advanced focus on timber in construction.
“Having studied at UQ myself many years ago, it took me back on the one hand, but on the other, the facilities at the new Centre are outstanding.
“Not only is the learning environment inspirational being predominantly engineered timber, the access to high tech equipment and ability to research and explore innovative timber solutions is advanced to say the least.
“The staff at the Centre should be congratulated on their efforts and achievements and Hyne Timber is proud to be a partner of this world class, innovative learning and research environment.” Mr Hyne said.
Picture: Geoff Stringer, Chris Gildersleeve, Cameron Clelland, Chris Hyne, Professor Jose L Torero and Michael Kennedy