USQ EDGY Building has been awarded the highest possible Green Star rating of 6 Stars for Education As Built. This state of the art building at the Springfield campus of the University of Southern Queensland features several Supawood products in the expansive foyer ceiling.

Throughout the designing and building of this facility the incorporation of sustainable building materials was a priority for both MODE Design and Badge Group, their aim being to reach the highest possible green rating.

SUPAWOOD slatted ceiling tiles, decorative panels and acoustic slotted panels were chosen for the ceiling linings because their finish could be matched perfectly to achieve the look wanted plus they also addressed all the required green credentials.

On the ceiling of the open double storey foyer SUPATILE SLAT slatted Lift & Shift ceiling tiles option 5 have been used as a perimeter around a central circular feature. These enable full accessibility into the ceiling cavity.

Central to this ceiling is a circular feature constructed from SUPALINE decorative and SUPACOUSTIC slotted panels set in an upstand. Suspended from the centre of the circle is a 3-sided video display unit and the acoustic panels have been used above this to address any sound reverberation.

All three of these products have been faultlessly matched with the same finish low VOC SUPAFINISH Tasmanian Oak concept veneer. All also have an MDF substrate with low formaldehyde emissions which is made from PEFC certified plantation grown timber. In addition, all the products are rated Fire Group 1. You can’t get much greener that that!

SUPALINE and SUPACOUSTIC panels with the same attributes have also been used in the lecture theatre. Here they have been cleverly angled and fitted between concrete beams to help dull noise reverberation from the concrete ceiling above them.

Offering an innovative hub for administration, teaching and learning at the campus, this is now the flagship of the University and highlights their commitment to managing their environmental footprint. As well as the recent 6 Star rating, this building initially achieved a 5 Star Green Star - Education Design 1. The Badge Group have also been awarded the Master Builders Queensland and Brisbane 2016 Construction Awards for Education Facilities over $20 million.

Image: Photography Courtesy of MODE Design