Matilda Veneer X Garnica: innovation and sustainability in fire-rated plywood

Overview

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, designed by Terroir in Phillip Island, Australia, is an iconic space for penguin observation and environmental education. The project aimed to combine innovative architecture with sustainability and a memorable visitor experience. For the interiors, the team opted for Garnica’s fire-rated plywood, Fireshield, tested to local stringent Standards, distributed and value-added in Australia as Fireply® and Fireply X® by  Matilda Veneer. This choice provided the perfect balance between safety, durability, and natural aesthetics, allowing the building to harmonize with its unique coastal surroundings.

Challenge

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre faced the complex task of replacing outdated facilities while enhancing both visitor experience and environmental protection. Designers needed a material that could meet Australia’s strict fire safety standards, withstand heavy daily use from thousands of visitors, and seamlessly integrate with the natural coastal surroundings. At the same time, the chosen solution had to be visually appealing, sustainable, and flexible enough to accommodate custom architectural designs, including open, luminous spaces that encourage engagement and interaction. Balancing these technical, aesthetic, and environmental requirements was key to achieving Terroir’s vision for the project.

Solution & Results

To meet these challenges, Fireshield from Garnica, tested and distributed in Australia as Fireply® and Fireply X® under Matilda Veneer’s certification, was selected as the primary material for over 3,000 m² of interior surfaces. This solution provided certified fire resistance, durability, and ease of installation, ensuring the building could safely host up to 840,000 visitors per year.

Collaboration with Matilda Veneer added value through high-quality finishes that enhanced the natural, inviting aesthetic of the interiors. The material’s versatility allowed the architects to maintain open and luminous spaces, while sustainable sourcing reinforced the project’s environmental objectives. The result is a visitor centre that harmonizes with the coastal landscape, provides a safe and engaging environment for visitors, and contributes actively to the conservation of the penguins’ habitat.

Looking Ahead

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre demonstrates how Garnica and Matilda Veneer can provide innovative solutions that combine safety, design, and sustainability. The project sets a benchmark for future developments, showing that high-quality plywood products can transform public spaces into inspiring experiences while protecting both people and the environment. This collaboration highlights the potential of responsible and innovative materials in architecture, proving that functionality, beauty, and sustainability can go hand in hand.