University of Newcastle Central Coast Campus

The University of Newcastle’s new Central Coast Campus in Gosford is a three storey education facility designed to bring high quality university education closer to the Central Coast community.

Designed by Lyons Architecture with EJE Architects and delivered by Hansen Yuncken, the 4,650m² building provides flexible teaching spaces, collaboration areas, student facilities and spaces for industry engagement.

Engineered timber plays a central role in both the structure and character of the building. The timber structure combines approximately 480m³ of glue laminated timber (GLT) beams and columns with cross laminated timber (CLT) floors. Beams up to 12 metres long were prefabricated off-site with embedded steel connections for rapid assembly.

The exposed timber structure creates a warm and inviting learning environment while reducing the embodied carbon of the building. A striking curved glazed façade complements the timber structure and reflects Gosford’s natural environment and connection to the surrounding mountains. Theca Timber worked with Rubner, Northrop Consulting Engineers and Hansen Yuncken to provide specialist timber consultancy during the design development phase. The team coordinated the timber structure with the wider design and building services, helping to maintain the project programme and provide cost certainty through construction.

The scope included the engineering and supply of approximately 480m³ of spruce GLT, including prefabricated curved timber beams and columns with factory assembled steel connections. All timber elements were manufactured and delivered to site as a coordinated package.
The project demonstrates how prefabricated engineered timber can be integrated into a complex Australian education facility, combining architectural character, efficient construction and a lower embodied carbon structure. The building was completed in 2025 and opened to students in 2026, with the project targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating.