Last year, Multiplex Global Limited, an international construction company, was nearing completion of the gorgeous Boola Katitjin at Murdoch University’s Perth Campus in Australia. They were looking for a corporate gift to commemorate the milestone and approached Playwell Bricks to create a custom set of the prized structure.

The building’s name, Boola Katitjin, is a Noongar term that means ‘many facets and many levels of learning,’ a meaning reflected in the layers of the design itself. The building’s groundbreaking architecture integrates biophilic design elements with academic practicalities. It’s also the largest mass-engineered timber building in Western Australia.

From Playwell Bricks, Multiplex Global wanted 20-30 custom models made from genuine LEGO® bricks of the Boola Katitjin building, complete with packaging, instructions, and branding. They knew that our bespoke models would show their recipients that they’re valued while also offering a tangible representation of what their partnership helped to achieve.

Playwell Bricks CEO Jason Pyett took on the design of this project using the architectural plans and a 3D model of the Boola Katitjin. After some back and forth with Multiplex Global to get the scale right, Pyett dove into the design.

“The biggest challenge was getting it to look like a timber frame,” Pyett recalls. “Getting all the angles right. There was also a ‘new to me’ style of roof design that I hadn’t seen before. I had to figure out a way to build a beam and have a hinged connection for the roof at the same time.”

The completed model is over 3/4 of a meter long and highlights the gorgeous and award-winning architecture with pride. Multiplex Global loved the finished design and Murdoch University went on to request their own model to be displayed inside the building.

In some ways, the Boola Katitjin’s meaning of ‘many facets and many levels of learning’ extended to the Playwell Bricks team as well. Shipping a project this large from Canada to Australia taught Pyett the ins and outs of not only playing well with bricks, but how to play well with U.S. Customs agencies as well. “We learned so much about international shipping from this project,” says Pyett.

Since the completion of the project, both in real life and in bricks, Boola Katitjin has gone on to win numerous international awards, including the Higher Education and Research Category in 2023’s World Architecture Festival. It’s also received the 6-Star Green Star Certification for environmental sustainability. Playwell Bricks is proud to have a connection to such groundbreaking work.

Do you have an important milestone coming up with your team? Playwell Bricks’ custom sets are an inspiring and engaging gift designed to stay true to your vision and to your corporate brand. Contact Playwell Bricks with your ideas today and let’s build your dreams!