Northrop

It is a rare opportunity nowadays for structures to have such a profound impact on the people who use our buildings, but exposed timber structures can add a particular warmth and tactility to the structure that can't be compared.

Melbourne Connect, a University of Melbourne project (in partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease) is a 74,000 sqm purpose-built innovation precinct made up of a series of connecting buildings arranged around a central open space, right in the centre of Carlton. The precinct aims to set a new benchmark in education and industry collaboration and was designed and delivered to the highest standards of sustainability. Once fully completed, the precinct will provide shops, cafes, public spaces, accommodation for more than 500 students and visiting academics, a childcare centre and Science Gallery Melbourne, which will deliver cutting-edge exhibitions, events and experiences.

Northrop carried out the structural design for a six-storey engineered timber office building within the precinct. The building consists of a glulam beam and column structure with CLT slabs throughout – the extensive use of timber has dramatically reduced the embodied carbon footprint of the building structure. The structural design required special consideration of the fire strategy, floor vibration analysis, connection strategies and design for progressive collapse. Northrop also assisted in the fitout design for this project, which includes the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and the first childcare facility in a mass timber building!

Quality design (contributing to better learning outcomes), sustainability and innovation were all at the very heart of this project, and Northrop are immensely proud to have worked alongside a very talented project team in helping bring the client’s vision to life.  

What our client had to say about us: 

A great experience on a project with so many unique challenges. The outcome on a project, a first of its kind in Victoria, is a testament to the tenacity of the Northrop team. We have no hesitation in recommending Northrop for the next big thing in construction.

Michael Pascuzzi - Senior Project Manager | Lendlease Building

Contact Nick Boey or Ali Habibi in our Sydney office if you are thinking about using timber for your next project.