Level Architekture, Vistek Structural Engineers, Hyne Timber and XLAM combine to secure the Australian Certified Timber award for their “Royd Clan House” creation.
Announced as part of the 22nd Australian Timber Design awards, the Victorian home was constructed from the remnants of an old property and its monolithic boulders, using Responsible Wood-certified Glulam and CLT throughout.
Indeed “Royd Clan House” was a worthy winner of the coveted Australian Certified Timber category for 2021, supported by Responsible Wood, Australia’s largest forest certification scheme.
For architect Nadine Samaha of Level Architekture, a champion in sustainable design, the Victorian landscape provided inspiration for design.
“I wanted to create a structure which emulated these boulders coming from the ground,” Ms Samaha stated.
“Strong winds on the hill consolidated the idea of fragmenting the house in pavilion clusters which reduces the wind turbulence and appear as boulders.”
“Scattered stones from the remains of the previous house are brought into the existing structure as support for internal stairs. This concept also responded to the need for playful architecture for the clients’ active young boys,” says Samaha.
The use of Australian certified timber was crucial for the project as it added to the overall sustainable objective.
Since establishing Level Architekture with her partner 26 years ago; Nadine principal of a practice pushing the boundaries in design, construction, and sustainability.
The choice to use timber in the interior played an essential role in the residence’s design, structure, and energy performance.
Responsible Wood-certified XLAM CLT was used in floors, walls, and roofs which gave a cohesive interior. The supporting walls for the internal stairs are the scattered stones from the remains of the late 1800s house on the site.
In total, more than 40 cubic metres of Responsible Wood-certified Glulam was supplied by Hyne Timber in addition to 180 cubic metres of Responsible Wood-certified CLT was supplied by XLAM.
Collectively the all timber used on the project will be regrown within Responsible Wood-certified Australian pine plantations in just 17 minutes.
The first of the awards presented on the night, the Australian Certified Timber award celebrates building projects that best showcase Australian certified timbers.
Responsible Wood certification was carried by most entrants and according to the Responsible Wood Marketing and Communications Officer, Jason Ross, provides the ultimate ‘stamp of approval’ for Australian grown timber from a sustainable source.
In addition to the Australian Certified Timber category, Responsible Wood for the first time supported the Interior Fitout – Residential category.
Awarded to Jackson Clements Burrows Architects for their Divided House creation the project used Responsible Wood-certified throughout.
Responsible Wood-certified ASH Glulam beams and slabs were used for joinery, benchtops, windows, doors and tables whilst plywood panels from Spotted Gum were used as surface treatments to internal wall linings, floors and joinery.
Responsible Wood will feature case studies from a number of entries, including Royd Clan House and Divided House, over the coming weeks.
For more information about Responsible Wood and Sustainable Forest Management more generally please visit our website.
Australian Certified Timber Category – Winner
Entrant: Royd Clan House
Architect: Level Architekture
Engineer: Vistek Structural Engineers
Photographers: Nadine Samaha
Interior Fitout – Residential Category – Winner
Entrant: Divided House
Architect: Jackson Clemens Burrows Architects
Photographers: John Gollings Photography
Caption 1: Introducing Royd Clan House, recipient of the 2021 Australian Certified Timber award
Caption 2: Introducing Divided House, recipient of the 2021 Interior Fitout – Residential award
