In Summary

Swinburne University of Technology’s Factory of the Future has won the ‘Excellence in the use of timber products – timber panels’ category at the 2015 Australian Timber Design awards.

Housed in Swinburne’s Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre, the Factory of the Future is a showcase for education and research in the next generation of manufacturing processes.

Designed by architects H2o, its centrepiece is a two storey high timber ball, manufactured from a curved timber substructure covered with a panelised curved timber ply skin.

These timber components were modelled, curved and cut using computer aided design and computer guided cutters, before being fitted into place by hand.

This timber skin mimics the construction techniques used for submarines and space shuttles. Its shell is slick and tinted in a pinkish tone and then sealed to resemble an egg.‌

Vince Persi, Associate Director, Major Projects at Swinburne said: “As a university we need to be leaders in construction and design.

"Our Factory of the Future has used the latest technologies in the use of timbers to create a space that is inviting, creative and exciting."

The other finalists in the ‘Excellence in the use of timber products – timber panels’ category were:

Creative 9 for 9 Noodle House
MORQ for Lovestory Shop
Schulberg Demkiw Architects for Beach Avenue
Scott Carver for The Recording Studio

The award was presented to representatives of H2o and Swinburne in Melbourne last week.