Ecoply by Carter Holt Harvey was used to brighten up the interior of a new cafe located within the walls of the former Pentridge prison.

Jean-Pierre Biasol brought the Jury Café, located within the bluestone walls of the former prison, to life through clever application of plywood, creating a light and playful look that helped the cafe get over its sombre history.

Biasol explains that a palette of bright colours and blonde timbers were used inside to contrast the dark bluestone walls outside. Ecoply’s natural timber appearance creates a fresh, organic look at Jury Café.

Plywood has been used consistently and extensively throughout floor areas, walls, sub-frames, joinery, tables, chairs, planter boxes, and even menu frames. The back wall cabinetry features Ecoply CD Grade with its grainy texture adding warmth and movement in contrast to the pale grey concrete expressed on the adjoining wall.

According to Biasol, appearance is an important factor in plywood along with affordability and workability. Ecoply is not only strong and durable but also surprisingly easy to handle and use in a variety of applications.

A popular material in eateries, office fitouts, apartments and homes particularly for joinery, interior lining, sheathing, bracing and soffits, Ecoply is also a sustainable choice as it is locally made from renewable, plantation grown pine and available AFS and FSC certified on request.

For designers looking for sustainability, workability and affordability, Ecoply is a smart design choice.