Vaulted Ceilings in Sync with the World of Ballet

The renovation of The Thomas Dixon Centre, home to the Queensland Ballet, was cleverly designed by Conrad Gargett to reflect the elegance and precision of ballet itself.

Sculptform’s Click-on Batten systems were instrumental in bringing this vision to life, particularly in the execution of the centre’s iconic vaulted ceiling.

Product
Click-on Battens

Materials
Blackbutt, Powder coated Aluminium

Applications
Feature Walls
Feature Ceilings
Facades

Sector
Entertainment

Architect
Conrad Gargett

Builder
Hansen Yuncken

Location
Brisbane, Australia

Completion Date
2022

Photographer
Cieran Murphy

Feature Vaulted Ceiling Entrance

At the main feature entrance, the design moves fluidly from the outside in, much like the seamless transition between acts in a ballet performance. Sculptform’s Click-on Battens play a key role in this movement, with exterior aluminium battens transitioning into interior Blackbutt timber battens as the vaulted ceiling arches from the exterior promenade into the welcoming foyer. The aluminium battens follow the curved form of the external ceiling vaults, providing durability and flexibility.

Cohesive Transition

As the design transverses from exterior to interior, the battens change material but retain their elegant rhythm. Inside, Blackbutt timber battens, matching the same profile, bring warmth and texture to the foyer, creating a cohesive visual journey. This transition is carefully choreographed, allowing for a smooth shift in material while maintaining the consistent profile and flow of the design.

Precision in Design

The design of the vaulted ceilings, particularly the sweeping curves at the entrance, required careful planning and innovative solutions. We used curved tracks to allow the battens to follow the ceiling’s contours precisely, ensuring a seamless fit across the curved surface. The result is a clean, flowing design that enhances the architectural intent of the space, without compromising on functionality or installation efficiency.

Acoustic Performance

In spaces designed for performance, acoustics are key. The timber battens are not only beautiful but functional, engineered to enhance the acoustics of the space. Paired with acoustic backing, they achieve an NRC rating of 0.4, ensuring optimal sound quality, particularly in critical areas like Studios 5 & 7. Here, the timber battens are combined with black acoustic panels to further improve sound absorption.

Enhancing WELL Standards

The Queensland Ballet Thomas Dixon Centre is not only a space for artistic expression but also one designed with occupant wellness in mind. Sculptform’s Click-on Battens contributed to meeting WELL Building Standards, specifically the sound-reducing criteria in S04.2, with the addition of acoustic backing ensuring the centre provides the highest level of comfort for performers and visitors alike. The materials used also align with X08.1 and A01.2 standards, ensuring the facility is both healthy and sustainable—a performance that prioritises the well-being of its audience.

A Dance Between Art and Architecture

A masterful blend of architectural innovation and artistic expression at The Thomas Dixon Centre, where Sculptform’s Click-on Battens not only serve as a visual centrepiece but perform as integral elements in the building’s acoustic and wellness designs. The seamless transition between Blackbutt timber and aluminium battens is much like the shift from act to act in a ballet—smooth, elegant, and perfectly choreographed. This project stands as a testament to how architecture, like dance, can move and inspire through its thoughtful execution and impressive design.

As a revered heritage site, the Thomas Dixon Centre holds significant cultural and historic value for the region. Through a program of meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse, the Centre has been sensitively transformed into a dynamic space that seamlessly combines the preservation of its architectural heritage with the demands of modern functionality.

Queensland Awards Jury 2023

Winner of the Institute Architects Queensland Heritage Architecture Category for 2023 Award

The Thomas Dixon Centre

The renovation of The Thomas Dixon Centre, home to the Queensland Ballet, was cleverly designed by Conrad Gargett to reflect the elegance and precision of ballet itself.

ProductClick-on Battens

MaterialsBlackbutt, Powder coated Aluminium

ApplicationsFeature WallsFeature CeilingsFacades

SectorEntertainment

ArchitectConrad Gargett

BuilderHansen Yuncken

LocationBrisbane, Australia

Completion Date2022

PhotographerCieran Murphy

Feature Vaulted Ceiling Entrance

Cohesive Transition

Precision in Design

Acoustic Performance

Click-on Battens

Enhancing WELL Standards

A Dance Between Art and Architecture

Product Specifications

Exterior Vaulted Ceiling

Product

Material

Profile

Spacing

Finish

Colour

Endcaps

Acoustic Backing

Interior Vaulted Ceiling

Product

Material

Species

Profile

Spacing

Mounting Track

Acoustic Panels

Studio Battens

Product

Material

Species

Profile

Spacing

Mounting Track

Acoustic Backing

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Product
Click-on Battens

Materials
Blackbutt, Powder coated Aluminium

Applications
Feature Walls
Feature Ceilings
Facades

Sector
Entertainment

Architect
Conrad Gargett

Builder
Hansen Yuncken

Location
Brisbane, Australia

Completion Date
2022

Photographer
Cieran Murphy