An Industrial Transformation Research Hub with a focus on developing the skills, knowledge and resources for novel sustainable timber buildings for the Australian and Pacific region—has been launched at The University of Queensland today.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub to Transform Future Tall Timber Buildings is receiving $1.58 million over three years through the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme.
Experts at the Research Hub are working towards the production of safe, strong and sustainable materials that can be used for rapid construction, while reducing the weight of material, enhancing building quality and performance, and minimising waste on site.
ARC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sue Thomas, said the Research Hub is developing innovative engineering solutions with the aim of driving broader use of structural timber in the fast growing medium-rise tall buildings market.
“The ARC Research Hub to Transform Future Tall Timber Buildings is focusing on novel technologies and methods, such as advancing the development of engineered wood products, hybrid concrete-timber construction systems and prefabricated wood-based systems,” said Professor Thomas.
“This challenge requires an integrated approach across manufacturing, design and construction—which is why the Research Hub has brought together an interdisciplinary team of experts in timber research and collaborating industry partners, from product manufacturers, construction managers, fire safety engineers, architects, through to structural engineers.”
Researchers based at The University of Queensland will work closely with: Griffith University and The University of British Columbia, Canada; and with partner organisations: University Of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand; Department Of Agriculture and Fisheries; Hyne & Son Pty. Limited; Arup Pty Limited; Lend Lease Development Pty Limited; Scion New Zealand Crown Research Institute; and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
For more information about this Research Hub, please visit the Future Timber Hub website. For more information about the ARC and its grant schemes, visit the ARC website.