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Ensuring Air Tightness & Air Quality, in complex Multi-functional Timber Buildings

CETEC ensures educational buildings meet sustainability and wellbeing goals through expert air-tightness and indoor air quality testing.

CETEC

As sustainability and occupant wellbeing become central to modern educational design, verifying that design intent translates into real-world performance has never been more critical.

CETEC partnered with Hansen Yuncken at the University of Newcastle Gosford Central Campus, delivering specialist airtightness and indoor air quality (IAQ) services to ensure the new timber building performs exactly as intended, efficiently, safely, and with consistently healthy internal environments.

Principal Consultant Adam Garnys explained that CETEC’s scope focused on two essential areas: airtightness testing to support Green Star Certification, and exposure to toxins, VOC and formaldehyde testing to underpin indoor air quality.

Ensuring air-tightness & air quality in complex multi-functional timber Buildings - CETEX at University of Newcastle Gosford Central completing testing,
Ensuring air-tightness & air quality in complex multi-functional timber Buildings - CETEX at University of Newcastle Gosford Central completing testing,
Ensuring air-tightness & air quality in complex multi-functional timber Buildings - CETEX at University of Newcastle Gosford Central completing testing,

The building’s striking architectural form, featuring a curved envelope and extensive engineered timber, presented unique technical challenges. “Timber buildings can be more complex from an airtightness perspective,” Adam noted. “There is material constraint with bespoke structural elements around airtightness, so it really comes down to collaborating with the team from the design stage.”

CETEC’s early engagement proved pivotal. During design review, they provided targeted technical guidance on services penetrations, junction detailing, and air barrier continuity, areas that are the highest-risk points for air permeability and moisture transfer in timber buildings. Periodic site inspections ensured these strategies translated in built reality.

“The Hansen Yuncken team had a growth mindset,” Adam added. “They were curious and proactive in seeking advice. That level of collaboration really enabled strong performance outcomes.”

CETEC’s national capability further strengthened delivery. “We operate across all major cities with specialist equipment and experience,” Adam said. “And with our long history in air tightness and air quality leadership, including contributing to the development of Green Star’s IEQ requirements, we’re able to bring both technical depth and strategic insight to projects like this.”

For more information contact Cetec, www.cetec.com.au nationwide

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Designing Interiors for Functionaland Sustainable education Campuses

Pluim Joinery delivered sustainable, precision-crafted timber interiors at Gosford Central, enhancing functionality, wellbeing, and learning.

Pluim Joinery

The University of Newcastle’s Gosford Central Campus is defined not only by its sustainable credentials and architectural distinction, but by the quality of its internal environments.

Pluim Joinery delivered precision-crafted internal joinery that enhances the functionality, aesthetics, and wellbeing of the campus. Pluim Joinery were responsible for the manufacture and installation of all internal joinery across the entire campus, including the reception counter, café, banquette seating, timber-clad columns, kitchens and retail areas.

“From the first point of contact at reception right through to the café, teaching support spaces and retail areas, our joinery helps define & shape how people move through and experience the building,” explained Pluim Joinery’s Director, Andrew Sohier.

Joinery at the University of Newcastle Gosford Central.
Bleachers at the University of Newcastle Gosford Central
intergrated benches by Pluim Joinery at the University of Newcastle Gosford Central.
Lockers at the university of Newcastle Gosford Central by Pluim Joinery.
joinery in lab spaces by Pluim Joinery at University of Newcastle Gosford Central.

Whilst the project presented no major construction challenges for the Pluim Joinery team, the success of the works relied heavily on precise manufacture & delivery coupled with close co-ordination with all Construction partners on-site along with strict compliance to the sustainability aspects of the fit-out & materials used. To achieve this result Pluim Joinery worked closely with the main contractor, design consultants and university stakeholders to ensure all products met the required Green Star targets.

Beyond performance and compliance, the joinery contributes directly to the comfort and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors. The warmth of timber finishes, carefully detailed seating and custom built elements introduce a tactile and welcoming quality that contrasts beautifully with the campus’s bold structural form.

“The high level of craftsmanship displayed in the joinery work adds to the overall ambience of the campus,” Andrew explained. “We’re proud to have delivered joinery that doesn’t just perform technically, but genuinely enhances the way people feel & interact in the space.”

Through careful attention to detail, sustainable material selection, and close coordination with the contractor and design team, Pluim Joinery delivered interiors that meet Green Star requirements which in-turn support and assist the wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. Their work provides a demonstration of how precise, well-coordinated & placed joinery can integrate with educational environments to provide functional, durable, and contextually appropriate interiors.

For more information contact Pluim Joinery, Unit 3/900 Pacific Highway, Lisarow NSW 2250, phone 02 4328 0500, email info@pluimjoinery.com.au, website www.pluimjoinery.com.au

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