Manunda Place Corporate Offices, Darwin NT
Contemporary interior design achieved with matched MAXI BEAM and SUPASLAT linings
Posted By: Liana Pascoe 22nd, March 2022
The use of matched SUPAWOOD lightweight MAXI BEAM and SUPASLAT slatted lining products contribute to the contemporary interior design of the award winning Manunda Place, a new flexible workspace for NT government and commercial tenancy and, a building which is reactivating the Darwin CBD.
The brief required the interior designers, MODE Design, to utilise products throughout the fitout that could remain stable in Darwin’s northern tropical climate. The design incorporated that use of timber joinery throughout to provide material warmth and separation of spaces.
However, solid timber beams and slats presented possible warping and weight problems, plus the remote location also posed logistics difficulties. Products used also needed to meet BCA requirements and be easy to install onsite.
Having successfully worked with SUPAWOOD in the past, the designer approached us for advice. SUPAWOOD recommended SUPASLAT in a couple of different profiles for ceilings and MAXI BEAM for open divider screens. Both products are available in a fire retardant and moisture stable MDF substrate that can be finished with a matching and durable VOC-free concept veneer laminate finish.
The plan for the new nine-storey building incorporates a series of atrium spaces that cut through the building to create a sense of space and connectivity within the levels of flexible and inviting workplaces. The ceiling at the top of the open areas in each of these atriums has been lined with a feature SUPASLAT ceiling to define the space. On these ceilings, profile 5, a deeper slat profile has been used. Throughout other areas on each level to the side of these atriums, our flatter wide profile 2 has been used.
Throughout the workspace areas, MAXI BEAM screens have been placed to further define areas within open workspaces. This leaves each space flexible and partially open. By using MAXI BEAM instead of solid timber for these screens logistic and install issues were overcome as the lightweight beams are easy to handle and get up through the floors of the building.
Both the SUPASLAT and the MAXI BEAM were matched with a finish of very durable SUPAFINISH Tasmanian Oak concept veneer laminate. Detailed shop drawings were supplied with the products and the products were cut or made to size, this enabled a speedy and efficient install. The end result, a continuity of warm blended timber that achieves the desired welcoming atmosphere sought by the designers and also successfully separating spaces as required.
Award: 2021 - Manunda Place was awarded: "The Peter Dermoudy Award for Commercial Architecture" at the Australian Institute of Architects NT Chapter Awards
Project: Manunda Place – new build - internal atriums and workspace
Address: 38 Cavenagh St, Darwin, NT
Products:
Open screens – MAXI BEAM lightweight beams. For more information about MAXI BEAM go here >>>
Ceilings – Central ceilings in the atriums is SUPASLAT in profile 5. Feature ceilings throughout open common areas is SUPASLAT in profile 2. For more information about SUPASLAT go here >>>
Finish: The MAXI BEAM and SUPASLAT linings have been matched by using a finish of SUPAFINISH Tasmanian Oak concept veneer laminate. For more information about our finishes go here >>>
Interior Design: MODE Design
Architect: Sissons
Builder: Hutchinson Builders
Installer: Northern Trade Solutions
Photography: Simon Whitbread
