When The School of Fine Furniture at The University of Tasmania needed a purpose-built educational facility (the first of its kind in Australia when it was completed in 2009), they turned to Six Degrees.

The studio space accommodates 45 students but offers the flexibility for future expansion.

The driving philosophy of the building is centered on the university’s values around environmental sustainability. As the first educational facility of its kind, Six Degrees drew on this core concept to create an interactive learning environment.

The building itself extends sustainability parameters through its carefully considered design.

The design implements several environmental strategies, such as long-span timber structures to minimise the use of non-renewable resources. In addition, long life materials such as plywood, recycled carpet tiles and fibreglass have been incorporated.

The exterior is clad in a translucent sheeting material, which maximises the natural light that filters into the workspace. The outcome is a building that serves a unique purpose for furniture design students, built in a simple form and complemented by simple and durable materials.

Practice Team

Director: Peter Malatt, Simon O’Brien 
Project Leader: Six Degrees and SBE in collaboration 
Architects: Dan Demant, Giles Freeman, Alan Ting, Sian Murray, Chris Begert and Sean McArdle 
Documentation: As above 
Interior Design: Robyn Ho 
Consultant Team: Services Engineering Solutions, Tasmania 
Building Surveyor: Greg Green Protek 
Structural: George Apted & Assoc. 
Heritage: Six Degrees
ESD: Sustainable Built Environments
Photography: Patrick Rodriguez

Indesign #73, the education issue, is hitting subscribers now. Look out for original stories that will continue the theme on Indesignlive.com.