Macquarie University E11A Council Room

Graphite Projects completed this significant refurbishment of the Council Room within the Vice Chancellery Building at Macquarie University. The transformation included the demolition of existing services and architectural finishes, the creation of 10 new openings to perimeter masonry walls to accommodate new windows, new feature set ceilings with acoustic design, feature timber ceiling, and wall acoustic panelling.

Curved and facetted timber joinery was installed to suit walls and ceilings and a curved set plaster ceiling with varying bulkheads included a key central “bow tie” feature. Co-ordination of services in a ceiling with multiple radiuses and differing RL’s was challenging as was accommodating services within a restrictive ceiling space.

The large custom-built timber conference table (8m x 3m) incorporates state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and was designed with the ability to be disassembled for large social functions. The ceiling design includes a central specialist lighting feature by Lightforce with two separate ring lights within the “bow tie” feature ceiling. Joinery and timber panelling were supplied by Betterbuilt with acoustic panelling by Baresque.

All project works were completed out of hours over an extended program as noise transmission was a key consideration; ensuring that the University occupants were not disrupted. In addition, with a Hotel located adjacent to the site, equipment was used with noise attenuation controls for low noise impacts. Sediment control during the external works was managed utilising geocloth filters over the existing drains and dust control via airlock hoardings to site entry.

Special thanks must go to the Macquarie University Project Management team for entrusting us with the delivery of this project, the architectural and services design teams, and our team of dedicated subcontractors.