Hyne Timber, in partnership with the University of Queensland, has welcomed the announcement of more than $1.5 million funding for tall timber buildings research. Source: Manufacturers’ Monthly
The funding announcement by the Australian Research Council is particularly timely given the recent changes to the National Construction Code enabling timber construction up to eight storeys in height.
Hyne Timber’s CEO Jon Kleinschmidt said the benefits of using timber in tall building construction is well known in other parts of the world and social barriers in Australia need to be addressed.
“Further to the significant sustainable resource benefit, enhanced performance, ease, speed and reduced costs associated with timber construction makes timber an obvious construction material of first choice,” he said.
“Australia was once a leader in timber construction and while that is now far from the case, we have the advantage of learning from Europe, America and Canada to quickly drive the necessary social and regulatory changes required here.”
The new research hub known as the ‘ARC Research Hub for Advanced Solutions to Transform Tall Timber Buildings,’ builds on the recently established Centre for Future Timber Structures also based at the University of Queensland.
As momentum grows for innovative use of timber in construction within Australia, this research hub aims to further develop skills, knowledge and resources for tall timber construction.
Mr Kleinschmidt said the University of Queensland is well placed to drive the necessary research.
“UQ is held in high regard in terms of its research hubs, delivering results and driving change throughout diverse sectors.
“I congratulate them on their successful application for this research grant and we look forward to working in partnership to maximise this opportunity,” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
Other key partners include a number of other Universities both within Australia and overseas, leading design firm Fitzpatrick & Partners and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
