Connecting with a naturalistic approach, realistic timber finish encases Cairns coworking hub

As a collaborative and engaging place for community to come together, Art Work Spaces, located in Cairns in far north Queensland, is a coworking offering that embodies a core ethos of diversity.

Convening like-minded professionals and creatives to work alongside one another, share knowledge and collaborate, the space draws on the existing character of the area to elevate the experience. As an extension of that shared togetherness and reference to an honest approach, Art Work Spaces incorporates the realistic timber look panels of Covet’s Ever Art Wood® range in the Mokuzai Weebu Mahogani finish, as an iconic architectural expression of place.

Combining textural diversity and an aesthetic likeness, timber look aluminium sheets ensure an endurance beyond the traditional limitations of timber. Extending the lifetime, required maintenance and application options of timber and wood products, the specialised panels ensure an increased potential for a myriad of uses. “A visual delight from a distance,” Gordon Beath, architect adds, “the panels exhibit intriguing details in proximity.” Sitting adjacent an existing heritage building, it was also imperative that context, scale and proportion were met, and most importantly, a fitting materiality were considered in all elements of the proposal.

Known as a place of immersion within the natural environment, Cairns requires a sensitivity to design that both embraces its remoteness and one that aligns respectfully within the surrounding natural environment. “The material needed to withstand the tropical conditions, humidity, salt and to also be robust,” says Art Work Spaces co-owner Paul Kamsler, “and as Cairns is highly known for its use of natural materials, it surprises people to discover the (Ever Art Wood®) façade isn’t actually timber.”

As a landmark architectural icon of the area, the team cohesively wanted to strike the ideal balance between form, innovation, purpose and contextual sensitivity. “The building’s design displays a joyous collage of material, craft and geometry,” adds Gordon, “where we strove to achieve a holistic artwork design derived from a geometry of two- and three-dimensional forms, combining the practicality of screening sunlight and enhancing the manipulation of light and shadow.”

“A visual delight from a distance, the panels exhibit intriguing details in proximity.”

Gordon Beath, Edge Architecture

Awarded the People’s Choice Award, Art Work Spaces is the result of, “Architecture and art coming together,” says Gordon. He believes that through the bringing together of contemporary buildings with a sensitive interpretation of an area, that enduring results are created. As a building that also brings people together, the high-profile site required an equally high level of quality materials. “Our client wanted a low maintenance, durable façade that had its own presence,” adds Grant Mulkearns, VIS Constructions Project Manager, “and the Covet Mokuzai sheets provided the ideal aesthetic that they were after.”

Art Work Spaces has firmly cemented its value as a coworking space that encourages people to gather and convene. Recognisable through its appropriate interpretation of the narrative of Cairns, the lasting timber look aesthetic captured externally will remain relevant for many years to come. “We haven’t seen any change in the material,” adds Paul, “and its lasting performance capabilities ensure the architecture will continue to have such a great presence.”  

Cladding Profile

Colour

Fire rating

Ever Art Wood® Mokuzai Panels

Weebu Mahogani

Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).

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