The Fernery in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens was built in 1887 but demolished in the 1920’s because Australian Native Timbers used in the construction did not withstand Australian Climatic conditions.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2024
First Award | Public Landscape (Built)
Project Name: FERNERY at Ballarat Botanic Gardens
Category: Public Landscape (Built)
Studio Name: BALANCE Architecture & Interior Design
Project Status: Built
We have used a new timber for the external slats called Cumaru ( from Peru ) which has a 40 year above ground life and more than 25 years in-ground. Cumaru is a Structurally Rated Timber – F34 in Beams & F27 in Posts.
It satisfies BAL 19 requirements and as such can be used in Bushfire Zones. It is FSC Rated (Responsibly Sourced Timber) and is Termite Resistant.Cumaru is a very dense timber and must be drilled before it is screwed for fixing. It is available in long lengths & wide boards.
The slats that were used are of a size & spacing to allow maximum sunlight to penetrate into the internal spaces.Structural Posts and Beams were Powdercoated Mild Steel approved by Heritage Victoria.
Horizontal Channels were installed with the Toes facing outwards to be covered by the Slats. The intention with this set-out was so the Fernery interior did no look like a modern factory.
