Timber Tones Transform Tropical Theatre
Cairns Performing Arts Centre

The 940 seat theatre at Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) takes advantage of the flexibility of the Click-on Battens system to create stunning feature screens throughout.
Product
Click-on Battens
Materials
Spotted Gum
Sector
Cultural
Architect
Cox Architecture and CA Architects
Builder
FK Gardner & Sons
Location
Cairns, QLD
Completion Date
2018
Photographer
Andrew Watson

Tropical Expression
As part of a large redevelopment project named ‘The Precinct’, Cairns Performing Arts Centre seeks to create a form which captures the essence of the northern tropics. Cox Architecture Brisbane and CA Architects sought to embrace the tropical surrounds of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, using Australian Spotted Gum timber battens combined with some incredible lighting effects to produce an aesthetic which reflects the Cairns lifestyle.
Particular focus on the interior to exterior transitions, and creating dynamic spaces also seek to bring the outside in, taking advantage of the surrounding area.

Designing for the Performing Arts
A major design goal of CA Architects and Cox Brisbane was to create a space which nurtured the best of the Cairns and North Queensland Performing Arts culture, providing world-class facilities to benefit performers and audiences alike.
Installed by Interline, the timber battens used in the theatre at the CPAC look stunning. However, aesthetics are not their only purpose. The large batten screens double as both an architectural feature and an acoustic solution, enhancing the acoustic performance drastically.


Like the look?
The following table highlights the specification details for the Click-on Battens used at Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Use this as a guide to create your own specification or use our online Price & Spec tool which allows you to quickly envisage, budget, and specify your project. Learn more about our tool below or view this project in Price & Spec.
The sustainable timber batten materials, clean lines & the simplicity of the Sculptform Click-on Battens system met both the design vision for the project and provided a necessary economy for the significant quantum of timber battens that exist in the CPAC project.
Shane Horswill
Senior Associate | Cox Architecture
The design concept was to enliven visitor experience both internally and externally. This was achieved by a suite of public arrival and connecting spaces, and the employment of new architectural treatments that enlivened the existing building fabric.
Shane Horswill
Senior Associate | Cox Architecture
Product Specifications
Timber Click-on Battens
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber
Species
Spotted Gum
Profile
Block, 32x32mm
Coating
Clear Poly
Spacing
32mm
Mounting Track
Curving
Acoustic Backing
No

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