Using local Victorian Ash timber, each 9.5 metre column took 16 hours to make, before they were sanded, polished and fitted with custom fabricated steel connections.
The pieces of the columns were then glue-laminated together to produce larger and significantly stronger beams, in an outstanding display of innovative manufacturing.
"It was a really unique process. We might not ever do a project like this again, both from an architectural point of view, or an aesthetic point of view. - Vince Hurley, ASH Managing Director"
“It was a really unique process. We might not ever do a project like this again, both from an architectural point of view, or an aesthetic point of view,” said Vince Hurley, ASH Managing Director.
In addition to creating local employment, the project was environmentally friendly, with each pylon using around 60 cubic metres of timber that will permanently store 21 tonnes of carbon.
“Not only do we have a very good carbon store, we have a great aesthetic product, a great structural product, a great fire-resistant product,” said Mr Hurley.
“It’s only travelled from the back of Erica and the back of Noojee to Heyfield and then into Latrobe City to make this fantastic project,” he added.
The construction of the $42 million Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and surrounding creative precinct was supported by $12 million in funding from the Victorian Government.
The project also received a $20 million investment from Latrobe City Council and $10 million from the Commonwealth’s National Stronger Regions Fund.