The timber frame of Newcastle University's new $25 million Honeysuckle building will be on show to the passing public thanks to a high-tech glazing system.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes attended a topping-out ceremony for the four-storey Stage 1A building on Wednesday.
The city's first timber-framed commercial building is clad in "electrochromic" windows from American firm SageGlass which change tint as the sun moves.
Sensors on the roof send voltages to each pane of glass, tinting the sun-lit side while keeping the rest clear.
The system is designed to show off the building's timber frame, reduce glare, improve energy efficiency and remove the need for blinds and curtains.
Students and staff will move into the School of Creative Industries building in mid-2021. The building will also be an innovation hub for Hunter industry.
The university's deputy vice-chancellor (academic), Prof Mark Hoffman, said Stage 1A would be the largest building in Australia to use the glazing system.
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