Building Performance Through Communications Infrastructure

ILEC delivered large-scale communications infrastructure, supporting reliable digital performance across UTAS’s complex Forest redevelopment.

ILEC

As universities invest in digitally enabled learning environments, communications infrastructure has become a critical layer of building performance rather than a background service. On the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, ILEC Pty Ltd delivered large-scale structured cabling and fibre optic systems that demanded precision, coordination, and long-term reliability across a complex, highly visible campus environment.

Over a two-and-a-half-year delivery period, the Tasmanian-based electrical and communications specialist was responsible for designing and installing the project’s communications infrastructure.

“We handled all the communications infrastructure, including the structured cabling and fibre optic cabling on the project,” said James Rand, Project Manager at ILEC. “It was one of the larger projects we’ve been involved in, with around 2,400 data outlets and significant fibre infrastructure between the multiple communications rooms.”

The project’s scale and visibility made the installation particularly challenging. “There is over 100km of Cat6A cables installed throughout the building,” James explained. “A lot of it’s on display, so it all had to look good, which meant a lot of planning and attention to detail.”

Working within a live construction site, co-ordination with multiple trades was essential. “There were so many parties involved; AV, electrical, and other services,” James said. “Some of the AV packages required early handover of our cabling, so timing and sequencing were key. It was a real team effort to make sure everyone had what they needed, when they needed it.”

For James, the standout achievement was the quality of the final result. “I’m really proud of how well the team performed and how the finish came together,” he reflected. “A lot of work went into the early documentation to make sure every cable had its place, and it shows in the result.”

ILEC worked hand-in-hand with FIP Electrical Tasmania and the builders Hansen Yuncken, maintaining close collaboration from start to finish. “It’s been a long project but a great experience,” James concluded. “Everyone’s worked together really well, and we’re proud to have helped deliver something of this scale and quality for UTAS.”

For more information contact ILEC Pty Ltd, Unit 6, 2 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge TAS 7170, phone 03 6248 4255, website www.ilec.net.au

/by

Growing the Vision: SLS Brings The Forest at UTAS to Life

SLS Landscape Group crafted a technically precise, immersive forest landscape, bringing tranquillity and natural beauty to the University of Tasmania – The Forest.

SLS Landscape Group

On projects where landscape is embedded within the building fabric, success requires construction discipline and experience in interpreting architectural intent with innovative, build-able solutions.

At the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, SLS Landscape Group delivered a transformative living internal and external landscape that required careful sequencing, technical coordination, and a nuanced understanding of the project’s design vision.

Drawing on extensive experience delivering complex urban landscapes, SLS executed works across multiple zones, creating a cohesive forest-like environment that now sits at the heart of the campus.

“In the Atrium area, we constructed all the garden areas and planting, including the installation of the Stratavault system and forest pool,” explains Dean Harris, General Manager. “We also handled boulder placement, the timber boardwalk, irrigation including the misting system, paving base works, gravel pavement, and concrete footings for the light poles and fallen tree.”

Their detailed craftsmanship extended into the laneway, where SLS delivered garden construction, irrigation and planting, boulder placement, sandstone retaining walls, and additional forest pool installations. In the carpark precinct, they constructed the garden areas, irrigation, planting, timber handrails, and further sandstone retaining structures.

“Working in a relatively small workspace around other trades with limited access provided some challenges,” Dean said. “Sourcing suitable material for the forest pools to ensure they held water was another hurdle. And with the architect aiming to recreate a dense forest environment, fitting in all the specified plants within the space was challenging.”

Designed by Realm Architecture, the landscape intent was deeply integrated with the building’s form and the university’s sustainability-led vision. “What we were undertaking had already been designed to fit in with the overall environment. Realm has done an amazing job,” Dean explained.

For more information contact SLS Landscape Group, 14 -16 Hale Street, Derwent Park TAS 7009, phone 03 6273 0075, website www.slslandscapegroup.com.au

/by

High-Performance Commercial Tiling Solutions

Dynamic Hobart Tiling ensured high-quality, durable, and coordinated tiling outcomes across
diverse spaces within The Forest redevelopment.

Dynamic Hobart Tiling

As one of Tasmania’s emerging leaders in specialist commercial tiling services, Dynamic Hobart Tiling, led by Director Henry Nguyen (Cert IV in Construction and Building), delivered proven technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a highly collaborative approach to the landmark University of Tasmania – The Forest development.

At the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, Dynamic Hobart Tiling mobilised its highly skilled team of ten tradespeople to execute complex wall and floor tiling works across multiple building levels. The scope included high-use, high-expectation environments such as Level 1 End-of-Trip facilities, Level 2 Back-of-House areas, teaching spaces, and premium corporate zones, all requiring a consistently high-end architectural finish.

“This project required the installation of a wide variety of tile formats, ranging from intricate Japanese mosaics to large-format panel tiles,” explains Henry Nguyen. “Achieving the specified finish demanded advanced technical capability, accurate setting-out, and strict adherence to workmanship standards across every stage of delivery.”

To mitigate long-term waterproofing, durability, and system compatibility risks, Dynamic Hobart Tiling implemented a fully integrated Mapei system, incorporating screeds, membranes, adhesives, grouts, and silicones. “By adopting a single, fully compatible system, we were able to secure full manufacturer warranties while ensuring long-term performance and consistency across all applications,” said Henry.

Project delivery was underpinned by disciplined coordination and early engagement with the builder, consultants, and key stakeholders. Dynamic Hobart Tiling worked closely with the builder, architect, and client from initial pricing and programming through to site mobilisation and final handover, ensuring all works were delivered in strict accordance with engineering and architectural documentation.

Documentation control, sequencing, and quality assurance were managed through Aconex and BIM 360, supported by regular site meetings that maintained clear communication across trades and significantly reduced the risk of downstream rework.

For Dynamic Hobart Tiling, The Forest project demonstrates how early technical input, consistent installation methodology, and collaborative site engagement can successfully deliver complex tiling packages within high-performance institutional and commercial environments.

Established in 2022 and led by Henry Nguyen, who brings more than a decade of hands-on industry experience supported by formal construction qualifications, Dynamic Hobart Tiling has rapidly built a reputation as a trusted contractor for high-end commercial and institutional projects across Tasmania.

For more information contact Dynamic Hobart Tiling, 230-234 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000 phone 0416 727 768, website www.dynamichobarttiling.com.au

/by

Seamless Furniture Integration for Future-Ready Heritage Learning Environments

Zenith Interiors delivered custom furniture and workspace solutions, blending contemporary functionality with heritage building character.

Zenith Interiors

Delivering contemporary, high-performance interiors within heritage-listed buildings demands more than furniture,
it requires nuanced understanding of the building’s function, history, and architectural intent.

Zenith Interiors delivered a highly tailored interior fit-out for the University of Tasmania’s The Forest, achieving a rare balance between contemporary workspace design and sensitive heritage integration. The scope of works included a comprehensive furniture and workspace solution across the building’s academic, research and community zones.

“This included Orbis workstations with custom Echo Panel curved and precinct screens, a suite of seating solutions including Noho Move chairs, JAC side and tub chairs, Tipo chairs, Primary tables, along with custom Verse Rooms in crafted hardwood timber and integrated storage,” said Vera Meharg, Marketing Director at Zenith Interiors.

“One of the biggest challenges was integrating contemporary furniture solutions into irregular spaces without compromising the heritage fabric or the architect’s intent for openness and connectivity,” Vera explained. Custom precinct screens and timber Verse Rooms were purpose-designed to align with the building’s historic character while delivering modern acoustic performance and privacy.

Sustainability and user wellbeing were embedded throughout the fit-out strategy. Zenith specified low-impact and recycled materials where possible, including the Noho Move chair made from upcycled materials and Echo Panel acoustic screens manufactured from recycled PET. Ergonomic seating and height-adjustable workstations were selected to support comfort, adaptability and long-term usability, while modular systems ensure the spaces can evolve over time.

“The standout achievement is the seamless integration of contemporary, flexible workspaces within a heritage-listed building. The custom Verse Rooms exemplify that balance—offering privacy and function without detracting from the building’s historic character,” said Vera. The result is a vibrant, future-ready learning environment that honours the past while supporting modern education, research and collaboration.

For more information contact Zenith Interiors, Level 6, 555 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, phone 03 9693 2600, website www.zenithinteriors.com

/by

Sustainable Furnishing for a Future-Focused Campus

Living Edge supplied 150 sustainably designed Herman Miller chairs for the University of Tasmania – The Forest, aligning with its circular design vision.

Living Edge

In a project defined by deep environmental responsibility and future-focused design, Living Edge played a pivotal role in equipping the University of Tasmania – The Forest with furniture that reflected the same ethos driving its architecture.

As a premium supplier of design-led, sustainably manufactured furnishings, Living Edge provided 150 Herman Miller Setu chairs, which combined performance, aesthetic integrity, and circular design thinking.

“We worked closely with Woods Bagot throughout the furniture selection process,” explained Tim Batchelor, Senior Education Consultant at Living Edge. “Beyond fit-for-purpose and ergonomics, the university was particularly interested in design for disassembly, warranties, and products with recycled and recyclable content. Given the high level of sustainability objectives for the project, Living Edge and Herman Miller were ideal partners.”

The 150 Herman Miller Setu chairs selected for The Forest exemplify this alignment. Combining ergonomic comfort with a lightweight, highly recyclable frame, the Setu embodies circular design principles, supporting long-term asset lifecycle strategies and end-of-life material recovery, key priorities within the university’s sustainability framework.

Throughout the procurement phase, Living Edge was required to provide detailed documentation confirming sustainability credentials, lifecycle transparency, and compliance with circular design frameworks. “As part of Living Edge’s LivingOn sustainability programme, this was readily available information which we were able to support Woods Bagot and the client with,” said Tim.

The Forest has been recognised as an architectural and environmental benchmark, integrating renewable materials, biophilic design, and thoughtful future-use planning. For Living Edge, contributing to a project of this calibre reflects their enduring commitment to sustainable innovation in commercial interiors.

“The Forest is an ambitious project with sustainability considered in every design element—from its new life to its end-of-life,” Tim reflects. “This aligns perfectly with Living Edge’s ‘Furniture for Life’ sustainability philosophy, which underpins every brand we bring to the Australian market.”

For more information contact Living Edge, phone 1300 132 154, email info@livingedge.com.au, website www.livingedge.com.au

Visit Living Edge in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane

/by