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Architectural Precision Meets Prefabrication

Candour delivered precision timber façades for The Forest, combining CNC fabrication, modular assembly, and durable finishes.

Candour

Australian architecture continues to embrace the possibilities of intricate timber façades and precision prefabrication.

On the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, Candour translated complex designs into high-performance, buildable outcomes, leveraging CNC fabrication, modular assembly, and advanced timber treatments to realise one of Tasmania’s most technically ambitious adaptive reuse projects.

For The Forest, Candour’s contribution was key to achieving the project’s signature organic aesthetic. Candour’s scope ranged from mass timber façades to external fins with finishes that ensured both visual performance and long-term durability in the Tasmanian climate.

“We focus on complex timber design and fabrication, using our architectural prefabrication platform to efficiently deliver high-end outcomes,” explained Founder and CEO, Jas Johnston. “We CNC machined the Masslam façade and exterior fins, factory-applied a premium timber finish, and provided H3 treatment for all external fins.”

“The scale of this project pushed us to develop new quality control and part management processes to ensure an accurate and high-quality outcome,” Jas said. These improvements have now become part of Candour’s operational backbone, strengthening their capacity for future large-scale work.

Currently, Candour is applying the same innovative thinking to major projects across sectors, including the North East Link Motorway Control Centre and a range of architectural prefabricated homes, further showcasing the versatility of their advanced timber fabrication capabilities.

With a combination of digital precision, material knowledge, and a commitment to architectural excellence, Candour continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in timber fabrication—one meticulously crafted project at a time.

For more information contact Candour, 9 Sara Grove, Tottenham VIC 3012, phone 0402 823 549, email hello@candour.cc, website www.candour.cc

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Flowing with Excellence: Precision Plumbing in Action

Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania delivers innovative, sustainable hydraulic solutions at The Forest, combining technical precision and workforce development.

Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania

Tasmania’s commercial construction sector is evolving rapidly, with projects demanding not only technical precision but also innovative, future-ready solutions. In this environment, reliable and forward-thinking hydraulic services are critical to delivering buildings that are efficient, sustainable, and resilient.

Since its establishment in Tasmania in 2018, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania (CDT) has positioned itself as a trusted partner in meeting these challenges, combining technical expertise with collaborative project delivery to ensure complex developments are completed safely, on time, and to the highest standard.

Tasked with delivering advanced hydraulic systems, including syphonic drainage, suspended drainage under a raised access floor, rainwater reuse systems, and seismic design and installation, the CDT’s involvement demanded meticulous co-ordination across multiple disciplines.

“At CDT, we don’t just build systems — we build relationships,” said State Manager Alex Swift. “From early contract engagement and design development to cost planning and final delivery, our goal is to ensure every stakeholder is informed, involved and satisfied.”

With AS/NZS ISO accredited Quality and Safety Systems, the company’s WHSEQ team drives a collaborative and compliant culture across every job. “Safety, sustainability and smart technology are not optional — they’re built into our DNA,” the CDT team emphasises.

The Forest project also reflects CDT’s commitment to developing talent and nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Apprentice plumber Sam McLagan completed his apprenticeship on this development, contributing across every stage of the project. His journey underscores CDT’s focus on mentorship and skills development, and is a point of pride for the team.

Looking forward, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania continues to support Tasmania’s evolving infrastructure with innovative hydraulic solutions that push industry standards and deliver future-ready performance.

For more information contact Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania, Unit 2, 481 Main Road, Montrose TAS 7010, phone 03 6144 5504, email info@cdpg.net.au, website www.cdpg.net.au

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High-Precision Plastering for Acoustic and Curved Interiors

Plastering Solutions Tasmania applied advanced plastering systems to achieve acoustic compliance and seamless curved ceilings.

Plastering Solutions Tasmania

Achieving precise acoustic performance and seamless curved ceilings in high-use learning spaces requires more than standard plastering techniques.

For the University of Tasmania’s The Forest development, Plastering Solutions Tasmania carried out the Level 1 ceiling and partition works, shaping the spaces that support teaching, collaboration and movement throughout the building.

The project is defined by its curved forms, learning landscapes and quiet, nature-inspired interior palette. “The project incorporated a specialty acoustic system in key teaching and communal areas, which required a high level of care to install correctly,” said Plastering Solutions Tasmania Director, Mitch Turner.

One of the central challenges was the use of the FADE acoustic product, a semi-rigid fibreglass insulation panel finished with a spray-applied compound designed to create high acoustic absorption.

“It required precise handling, from the initial tape and setting of joints right through to the finished spray coats. Each stage had to be inspected, patched, and signed off before we could move to the next,” explained Mitch.

The project also featured extensive curved detailing throughout bulkheads, pelmets and ceiling forms in large teaching spaces. “The most complex FADE ceiling was a curved shell design integrated seamlessly into curved bulkheads and pelmets,” Mitch said. “These areas best showcase our craftsmanship. The precision needed to achieve those transitions was significant.”

To maintain a consistently high standard, Plastering Solutions Tasmania worked closely with Hansen Yuncken through on-site quality assurance. “Our main site manager, Andrew Hughes, oversaw the QA process and reviewed all framing and preparatory work to ensure the final finish met the project’s expectations,” Mitch explained.

Reflecting on the project, Mitch acknowledged the collective effort behind the work. “I’d like to extend a huge thanks to my team at Plastering Solutions Tasmania for their hard work and commitment, and to Hansen Yuncken for trusting us with such a great project.”

For more information contact Plastering Solutions Tasmania, 87-99 Talbot Road, South Launceston TAS 7249, phone 03 6128 3026, email mitch@pstas.com.au

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Warmth, Function, and Precision: Glazing Solutions for Heritage-Inspired Design

VOS Constructions & Joinery delivered precision bespoke glazing, combining technical expertise with architectural excellence.

VOS Constructions & Joinery

While VOS Constructions & Joinery is widely recognised as one of Tasmania’s largest and most established builders, VOS’ specialist Glass and Joinery division integrated complex glazing systems with extensive custom joinery throughout the learning and collaboration spaces.

The glazing scope integrated with timber interior finishes and included the supply and installation of 13.52mm Evantage clear heat-strengthened custom laminated glass to internal timber windows, along with Capral aluminium sliding windows, hinged doors and automatic sliding doors.

“We worked closely with the joinery teams from the beginning of the project to ensure the timber rebates and beads were produced accurately for the glass installation,” Glazing Manager Mitchell Free explains. “That early co-ordination meant the glazing integrated seamlessly with the timber architecture.”

The breadth of the package required careful sequencing and detailed co-ordination with the larger construction programme. “The volume of product required across the site was substantial, and ensuring everything arrived on time, was fabricated precisely, and integrated seamlessly was a major focus for our team,” said Glazing Manager Mitchell Free. “The internal glazing package demanded absolute precision. We worked closely with suppliers to meet the exacting requirements, and our installation teams delivered finishes that complement the mass-timber architecture beautifully.”

Across the Learning Landscapes, open collaboration areas, stair cores, and teaching spaces, VOS’ joinery and glazing elements elevate the warmth and sophistication of the timber-led design. Including circular modular work booths, curved banquette seating, terraced learning landscapes, timber wall linings, and acoustic panelling, many of the joinery elements featured curved or complex geometries, requiring detailed 3D modelling and modular fabrication to ensure accurate installation on site.

“The way the custom laminated glass complements the timber features and internal garden is inspiring,” Mitchell explained. “When you walk through the curved pod meeting rooms and look out across the timber stairs toward the garden, the finish really stands out.”

For more information contact VOS Constructions & Joinery, 70 Browns Road, Kingston TAS 7050, phone 03 6229 0300, email reception@vosgroup.com, website www.vosconstruction.com.au

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Translating Architectural Ambition into Structural Reality

Danmor Engineering delivered precision steel fabrication, protective coatings, and innovative structural solutions for The Forest.

Danmor Engineering

Precision, reliability, and innovation in structural steel are increasingly critical as architectural ambition and complex geometries push Tasmania’s commercial and infrastructure projects to new heights. Danmor Engineering Pty Ltd leverages more than four decades of expertise in steel fabrication, industrial painting, and protective coatings to deliver technically demanding projects with enduring quality.

On the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, Danmor was entrusted with the main structural steel package, translating complex design intent into precise, build-able solutions that balance aesthetic excellence with structural integrity.

“The scale and delivery schedule for this project demanded careful co-ordination,” explains General Manager Danny Morris. “We had multiple detailers working simultaneously to ensure every area and contractor was aligned, especially given the complex geometry and integration of existing structures.”

Among the project’s standout engineering achievements was the curved dome truss, meticulously designed to support the glazed central atrium, a signature architectural feature of The Forest. “That dome truss was a real challenge,” Danny said. “It required precision fabrication and installation to achieve both the aesthetic and structural integrity the architects envisioned.”

At the height of construction, 14 of Danmor’s skilled team members were onsite, supported by the company’s advanced in-house fabrication capabilities, including a CNC fibre laser (processing up to 40mm plate) and a beamline system (max profile 1100 x 460mm).

As a Dulux Certified Coating Specialist, Danmor also ensured the steel components were treated to the highest protection standards.

With more than four decades of experience, Danmor Engineering Pty Ltd continues to set the standard in structural steel fabrication and installation, industrial painting, and protective coatings across Tasmania’s commercial, infrastructure, and private development sectors. Current projects include the refurbishment of Elizabeth Street Pier, the Royal Hobart Showground Development, and the Selfs Point Sewage Treatment Plant.

For more information contact Danmor Engineering Pty Ltd, phone 03 6445 1350, email danmor@danmor.com.au, website www.danmor.com.au


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