Monash Chancellery Showcases STRUCTAply™ Square Edge in Curved Architectural Forms

The Monash University Chancellery building is defined by its striking exterior and a dramatic internal atrium anchored by sculptural, curved plywood balustrades.

Designed by ARM Architecture, the project required a material capable of achieving complex geometry while delivering structural integrity, efficiency and long-term performance. STRUCTAply® Square Edge was selected as the solution, demonstrating the capability of Australian-manufactured plywood in high-profile architectural applications.

The Design Challenge

The stepped balustrades surrounding the oval atrium demanded:

• Complex curved forms
• Structural reliability at significant scale
• Dimensional stability
• Minimal material waste
• Efficient fabrication and installation

Originally, curved glulam was considered. However, the engineering team identified plywood as a more efficient, stable and cost-effective solution, particularly given the variability of each individual section.

Precision was critical. Tolerances were tight, and each element needed to align seamlessly within the building’s sculptural interior.

The Porta Solution

STRUCTAply® Square Edge was CNC milled and laminated to form 130mm-thick curved balustrade sections. Individual sheets were glued and screw-fixed into 2.4-metre modules, some weighing up to two and a half tonnes.

In total, over 80 individual pieces and approximately 300 cubic metres of plywood were used to create the balustrade system.

Advanced 3D modelling and optimisation software enabled efficient sheet nesting, reducing waste to less than 10 percent. Offcuts were retained for blocking and secondary uses, maximising material efficiency.

STRUCTAply® Square Edge delivered:

• Dimensional stability across large curved forms
• Precision compatibility with CNC fabrication
• Structural strength for high-traffic public space
• Reduced waste through digital optimisation
• A refined exposed laminated finish

The top layer of each balustrade was finished with rounded hardwood capping, allowing the laminated plywood edges to remain visible and express the craftsmanship within each curve.

Sustainability & Australian Manufacturing

STRUCTAply® Square Edge is manufactured at Porta using sustainably grown Australian plantation pine.

By sourcing locally grown timber and manufacturing in Australia, Porta supports responsible forestry practices and regional industry. Plantation-grown timber is a renewable material that stores carbon for the life of the structure when used in long-term applications.

The Monash Chancellery was designed to meet strong sustainability principles, including net zero carbon emissions. The use of responsibly sourced Australian plywood aligned with the project’s environmental objectives while reducing reliance on imported materials.

The Outcome

The completed Chancellery atrium is both structurally ambitious and visually refined. The sweeping plywood balustrades form a central architectural feature, reinforcing the building’s identity while demonstrating the potential of engineered timber systems.

The result is:

• Large-scale curved structural elements
• Precision CNC fabrication with minimal waste
• Durable performance in a public education environment
• Sustainably grown Australian plantation pine
• Manufactured in Australia at Porta

This project highlights how STRUCTAply® Square Edge can perform at the highest architectural level, delivering structural capability, fabrication efficiency and design impact in one integrated solution.