Supacoustic panels from Supawood Architectural Lining Systems were selected for the main entrance atrium at the new Gold Coast University Hospital to address noise reverberation control and high fire hazard requirements.

The $1.7 billion GCUH at Southport Queensland is the largest public health project undertaken in Australia to date, and has been designed by a consortium consisting of Silver Thomas Hanley, PDT and HASSELL.

The main entrance and foyer of the hospital building form a huge atrium space lit by natural light through the large amount of glazing connecting the interior with the surrounding parkland. The design, however, created reverberation issues due to the large spaces and acoustically reflective glazing work.

Additionally, BCA required the highest possible fire hazard rating, Group 1 for the main entrance and exit of the hospital.

Supawood’s Supacoustic products completely met both requirements and also achieved the aesthetics demanded by the design. The Supacoustic panels successfully muted the acoustics, achieving a non-clinical and welcoming atmosphere. Supplied in concept veneer, the panels on 12mm FR MDF were also Fire Group 1 certified. From an aesthetics perspective, the perforated panels in Supafinish Hoop Pine bring the warmth of timber to the hospital, with the concept veneer ensuring consistency of colour and grain over a broad surface area.

Supawood acoustic panels and ceiling tiles in Supafinish were also installed throughout the Clinical Services Building and Internal Patient Unit of the hospital.