The Shed by Wardle
The Shed at the University of Tasmania by Wardle is a pioneering example of sustainable construction and the third instalment of the university’s Northern Transformation Program in Launceston. It embodies the university’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through innovative timber use and low-carbon materials. A key sustainability initiative was the use of Eucalyptus nitens, a fast-growing plantation species initially cultivated for pulp. The project repurposed this timber for structural elements, veneers, and linings, showcasing the potential of locally sourced materials in large-scale, low-carbon construction.
A vision for sustainability
The initiative for these projects stemmed from the University of Tasmania’s Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions across the university’s infrastructure. This led to extensive research into local suppliers and trades who could provide materials with low embodied carbon. The projects integrated several groundbreaking initiatives, including recycled and repurposed materials, carbon-neutral bricks and low-carbon concrete, the first of its kind in Tasmania.
Engagement with local suppliers was integral to the project’s success. The timber industry responded enthusiastically, showcasing the capability and versatility of locally sourced materials. The positive feedback from the University of Tasmania’s leadership team and the broader community has highlighted the effectiveness of this approach.
Timber as a core element
Tasmanian timber played a crucial role in The Shed as well as the other two buildings, River’s Edge and The Library, belonging to the Northern Transformation Program. Each having a strong focus on local procurement and sourcing sustainably harvested timber.
“When we initially engaged the local industry and local suppliers, there was the suggestion of using plantation Eucalyptus nitens. These trees were initially intended for paper pulp, but the industry was looking for new ways to put this timber to good use besides just exporting it as pulpwood. This meant there was an immediate source of local, sustainable wood, and our initial thought was to use it in the mass timber structure; however, we also wanted to celebrate and show the different ways in which nitens could be used, so we exposed those structural [elements] wherever we could, and also used it prominently for internal linings and veneers,” says Ricardo Hernandez from Wardle.
Key Tasmanian timber Applications:
- Structural Elements: Plantation-grown Eucalyptus nitens was used for columns, beams, and in the atrium skylight’s structure.
- Wall Panels & Veneer: The panelled walls around the atrium prominently feature Eucalyptus nitens veneer, creating a warm and natural aesthetic.
- Flooring: Blue Gum flooring, selected with guidance from the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW), complements the buildings’ interiors.
- Joinery & Finishes: A mix of Tasmanian Oak
,hardwood, veneer, and rough-sawn timber shapes various study spaces, staircases, and communal areas.
Design intent & community impact
The Shed serves as the campus’s “front door,” spanning from the city to the university, with two elongated sheds framing a public realm. The industrial-style exterior contrasts with the warm timber interiors, intentionally designed to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for students and the wider community. The university envisions these buildings as open spaces for education, professional development, and youth engagement.
“The use of timber helps to deinstitutionalise attending university or coming into a university setting. In The Shed, timber was predominantly used in the central atrium intentionally as it welcomes students and the wider community and invites them to engage with a warm and inviting space,” says Wardle Partner, James Loder.
Assembly, character and community
A standout feature of all three buildings is their focus on disassembly. Every element has been designed with lifecycle assessment in mind, allowing for future reuse and recycling. Timber aligns with this philosophy—its versatility made it ideal for walls, floors, ceilings, and acoustic treatments.
While timber played a critical role in the design aesthetic across all three buildings, Loder says The Shed is particularly different.
“The internal character of the buildings are all distinctly different. The Shed is more industrial and layered compared to the other buildings. The wall surfaces, desks, stairs and panel systems are entirely different. There’s been a robust exploration of the use of timber across the surfaces that create a unique response, from the hardwood Tas Oak applications to the pods designed to look like packing crates, there’s a clear visual dialogue throughout the design of The Shed,” says Loder
A Model for Future Projects
The Shed and buildings within the Northern Transformation Program exemplify how Tasmanian timber can be harnessed for large-scale, sustainable projects. Their success paves the way for future developments, encouraging wider adoption of local materials across the state.
By demonstrating timber’s role in sustainability, these projects strengthen the pipeline for future use, influencing both the architectural landscape and the broader construction industry.
