The design, construction and delivery of the New Student Precinct (NSP) at The University of Melbourne represented a journey of collaboration involving multiple project stakeholders including Decor Systems.

According to Lyons Architecture, the NSP “unveils rich cultural histories and shapes diverse new interactions. The project focuses on reconnecting the campus to the city and facilitates opportunities for University life to expand and meld with its surroundings.”

The precinct is designed around existing heritage buildings and includes the 400-seat Proscenium Arch Union Theatre for which the Decor Systems product, DecorZen was specified.

The brief was to incorporate original theatre heritage elements into the new theatre space. To achieve this, imagery from classic film shoots was perforated onto DecorZen perforated panels.

For the finish, Decor Systems sourced SmartLook blue colours to meet the design intent. The colours were not available in our standard range but a full range of samples was supplied for confirmation of colours by the architect to achieve the exact look required.

This project was a demonstration of the breadth of service that we are able to offer with local manufacturing at our fingertips. Beyond custom designs and finishes, Decor Systems offered a unique Perspex (not DecorSorb acoustic) backing to be applied behind the panels to allow for lighting to shine through.

To further achieve the desired look, the acoustic panels were angled and Decor Systems created and supplied a very complex set of drawings as well as aluminium framing to ensure no troubles with the installation at the very specific angle(s) they were specified.

This was a huge project with a lot of modules including specialised finishes and integrated lighting. It required extensive collaboration and cooperation with Lyons Architects, Kane Constructions and the subcontractor, A & A Cabinets, to bring it through to completion.

Project details

Project: Melbourne University

Product: DecorZen

Application: Internal

Location: Parkville, Vic, 3010

Architects: Lyons Architecture

Builder: Kane Construction

Installation: A&A Cabinets

Traditional Custodians of The Land: Wurundjeri people