The cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure was prefabricated offsite, including the stair and cut-outs for lighting, power and equipment, and installed in just 15 hours.The efficiency of the CLT installation allowed for the entire building to be waterproof, insulated and airtight within one week.
The interior of the building features exposed timber walls, floors and ceilings that, in combination with the heat recovery ventilation system, ensures a healthy natural indoor environment. The building is designed to the Passivhaus standard and works year round without the need for artificial heating and minimal cooling, which is made possible by the airtightness of the envelope, high level of insulation, triple glazed timber windows and external shading. The official certification to the Passivhaus standard has recently been confirmed and the building is now listed in the international PH database as one of less than 25 PH buildings in Australia, and one of 4 in NSW.
The facade is clad in local untreated Blackbutt timber battens left to naturally grey over time. The rough sawn timber is creating the connection to the trees in the garden and exposed timber walls of the internal spaces.

Photography: Hao Quan Cai