Northern Memorial Park Depot
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust nominated Melbourne-based studio Searle x Waldron Architecture to design their new multi-purpose, operations depot located in Sages Rd.
Preliminary engineered by OPS Engineering and delivered by Building Engineering, the hybrid building is both a beautiful workplace for people who work in emotionally challenging roles, and a durable industrial depot and maintenance facility.
The pleated and perforated façade, in muted green tones, blends the nearby native trees and wetland with sustainable European timber frame. Openings in the façade allow reveal the large GLT columns.
The two-storey glue-laminated timber (GLT) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure features 20 unique open-web timber trusses that span up to 35m across the depot hardstand. The first-floor offices are nested up inside the timber trusses and are accessible by open air CLT walkways. Theca Timber worked with the team to ensure that each unique truss, as well as the steel bracing and custom connections, were fully coordinated and came to site ready to be installed and assembled.
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Location: Glenroy (Melbourne)
Developer: The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
Builder: Building Engineering
Architect: Searle x Waldron Architecture
Structural Engineer: OPS Engineering
Timber Engineering and Design: Ergodomus
Certifying Engineer: Global GCE
The GLT columns and open web trusses help create a warm and inviting entrance.
Recycled bricks and concrete plinths elevate the GLT columns ensuring long-term durability.
Openings in the façade allow glimpses of the timber structure behind.
The perforated façade and timber elements seamlessly blend with the existing vegetation.
Open web timber trusses bridge the operation and back of house spaces
A combination of embedded steel plate and bolted connections are used in line with the industrial nature of the building.
Water-based, no VOC, multi-layer timber coating system is used to protect exposed timber elements.
Access, circulation and offices spaces are nestled up in the timber trusses creating warm and inviting spaces.