Jackson Clements Burrows (JCB) Architects are designing a new 252-bed student accommodation project at Monash University’s Clayton campus using a hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure, scheduled for construction start in 2026.

This project follows JCB’s expertise in sustainable mass timber, such as Turner Hall and the significant Gillies Hall (4,100 m3 of CLT/glulam), aiming for low embodied carbon, high-quality, and warm, exposed timber interiors. 

Key details regarding the upcoming 252-bed project and JCB’s mass timber approach: 

• Structure: The project features a hybrid mass timber, specifically utilizing CLT and glulam for a sustainable, low-carbon building.
• Design & Amenities: The building includes single en-suite rooms, communal kitchens, study zones, winter gardens, and a wellness hub.
• Sustainability & Context: The design incorporates environmental considerations with mass timber construction, which can reduce embodied carbon significantly compared to concrete. The design responds to the campus landscape, including nearby trees.
• Experience: JCB has extensive experience with mass timber, including the 5-storey Turner Hall (250 beds) at Monash and the 6-star Green Star-rated T3 Collingwood. 

This development builds on Monash’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance student housing, with previous projects utilizing exposed timber to enhance student well-being.