Interpon Powder Coatings

As the countdown for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games begins, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre is emerging as the centrepiece of the newly revitalised Carrara Sports Precinct. The Centre rises from the bank of Clear Island Lake in Carrara, Queensland, resplendent in an eye-catching, sub-tropical palette of yellow and ultramarine blue. Its sprawling 16,500m2 footprint is home to over 5300 spectator seats and 15 multi-use sports courts, which will host a number of Commonwealth Games events including badminton, weightlifting, and wrestling. Designed by BVN Architecture and taking just under four years to complete, the $101 million Centre represents the best and the brightest that the Gold Coast has to offer in terms of sports training and completion facilities. Throughout the design process, BVN had to comply with standards set by the Commonwealth Games and International Sports Federations, as well as those of the local council. The resulting project embodies – and triumphs over – the challenges faced by high profile projects that need to meet high standards, and is evidence of how rewarding such projects can be when done right. It’s rare that a project so closely captures the spirit of the program for which it was designed: the Centre does this and more with flair, the bold, colourful design clearly communicating the vibrancy and high energy of the Australian sporting spirit.  To realise the soon-to-be iconic design of the Centre, BVN turned to Interpon Powder Coatings, the largest manufacturer of powder coatings worldwide. Drawing from their unbeatable experience as the trusted frontrunners in powder coatings technology, Interpon’s team of experts closely colour-matched the architects’ palette to bring their drawings to life. “We were able to work collaboratively with our liquid Metal Coatings team and Bluescope® Steel to match the corresponding powder coat colour to compliment the exterior durability required for the project,” said Gareth Connell, Interpon Specifications Manager.  Warranty-grade Interpon D2015 Ultriva™ products in Carrara Gold Matt and Copper Penny Matt met the long-term legacy requirements of the Council, and will hold their sunny colours for years to come. The Interpon D2015 Ultriva product range offers outstanding performance with a 20 year film integrity and 15 year colour and gloss retention guarantee.  The warmth of the project also reflects the human element that organisers of the 2018 Games are championing in the lead up to the event. “This is a special event… it stands for everything good about humanity,” Gold Coast 2018 chief executive Mark Peters told Inside the Games earlier this month. “We want to make sure the Gold Coast and Australia continues that.”  The gold-tinged façade is fitting in more ways than one: once the Commonwealth Games end mid-April 2018, the Centre will become the new home of the Gold Coast AFL Club, aptly named the SUNS. “We are absolutely delighted,” said Andrew Travis, CEO of the Gold Coast SUNS, about the impending move, “I can’t wipe the smiles off people’s faces.”  For over 25 years, Interpon has supplied high quality powder coating solutions for architectural projects of all styles and colour palettes, bringing smiles to the faces of designers and clients alike.

Monash University’s Clayton campus was recently awarded three major architecture awards by the Australian Institute of Architects for the second year running.The precinct consists of four new residential buildings with associated retail and informal learning spaces, with each of the buildings having its own individual architectural style.The project includes designs from four different architects including Hayball, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), Richard Middleton Architects and McBride Charles Ryan, with master planning from MGS Architects and partners.Central to the design are the powder coated aluminium elements featured across each of the buildings, ranging from sharp blacks and silvers on one building through to bright and exuberant colours on another, driving home the individuality of each designer.Among the award winning designs, the Logan Hall residency, designed by McBride Charles Ryan was recognised by the judges for its excellence in architectural skill and merit of design. Interpon Black Ink was used for the shading devices and window frames, with Interpon Eternal Silver Satin specified for the weather panels above the ground floor retail.“As we were conscious of long term maintenance as well as creating an ongoing pleasing presence, the products used on the project were chosen for their intrinsic beauty and longevity,” says Debbie Ryan of McBride Charles Ryan.“The pattern is intentionally complex. We have used honest and time proven Interpon products which have all come together in a really joyful way through composition.”Having previously worked on the colourful The Icon apartment complex in St Kilda designed by JCB, Interpon’s Specification Expert Gareth Connell understands the importance of tailored palette when vibrancy and colour are central to a project.“We knew the design brief called for a exuberant range of colours for a wide range of building elements and performance of this aesthetic. We knew we’d have a proven high performance finishing solution that would maintain the performance requirements for such a high profile project, which is why Interpon D2525 Super Durable polyester powder coat was specified.”In contrast to the more ‘simple’ colour scheme used for Logan Hall, the Turner Hall building, designed by JCB, is defined by its bright colours, using a rainbow of ten different colours from the Interpon colour palette to create a vibrant and refreshing appearance that has revitalised the University as a whole, traditionally known for its dull brown buildings.A coloured ‘hood’ at the window of each sole occupant studio glows at night, enhancing the colour spectrum. Custom colours from the Interpon Ultriva™ collection were used for aluminium elements including extrusions, sheets, flashings, cladding, trims and fins.The complexities of the ambitious project required careful consideration and planning between the architects and powder coating supplier. The vibrant design brief lent itself to Interpon’s unique small batching facilities in Sunshine, Melbourne, that cater for such striking colour schemes in a cost effective and timely manner.Throughout the project, specialists from Interpon Powder Coatings worked closely with the multiple architectural teams involved in the project to ensure the perfect colour palette was developed for the best results both in individual building design and the project as a whole.In specifying the Interpon D2525 series, the designers were ensured significantly higher gloss retention and resistance to colour change along with maximum film integrity guaranteeing long term cosmetic and functional protection. Interpon D2525 offers 25 year film integrity and gloss retention with 15 year colour retention and chalking resistance.The Interpon D2525 range exceeds American Architectural Manufacturers Association Standards for High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminium Extrusions and Panels as well as exceeding the performance criteria of AS 3715 Metal finishing – Thermoset powder coating for architectural applications of aluminium

A significant Melbourne landmark, Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance has undergone a major redevelopment by local firm ARM Architecture. Completed in late 2014, the redesign accommodates new requirements of the memorial that have evolved in recent years, while respecting the original design by Hudson and Wardrop, thus ensuring the memorial’s use by future generations.  Built between 1928 and 1934 to honour those who served in the First World War, the Shrine was inspired by the tomb of King Mausolus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the late 1990s, the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees embarked on a bold plan for the site. Access to the upper levels of the Shrine was problematic, especially for veteran visitors, and public visitation was increasing as younger generations came to understand the legacy of their forebears. Accordingly, the Shrine’s collections were expanding with donations of artefacts from families and a growing need for education facilities and an improved visitor experience became evident.  In 2001, ARM Architecture were commissioned to develop a master plan to develop the Shrine. Following the original 1920s design, ARM proposed four symmetrical zig-zag shaped courtyards, allowing access to the undercroft spaces under the existing structure which now house gallery areas, an auditorium, dedicated education rooms, an archive and offices. Stage 1 of the project saw the Visitor Centre and two of the courtyards completed on the north side of the structure in 2003. Stage 2 expanded the undercroft with the addition of the Education Centre and Galleries of Remembrance, and the final two courtyards. ARM Design Architect Jeremy Stewart explains “It was important that each of the courtyards had a distinct feel”. The open air Student Entry Courtyard offers a separate entrance to the Shrine for school groups, with a large sculptural poppy, the flower of wartime remembrance, suspended overhead. With the colour red notorious for fading on external structures, Interpon Powder Coatings recommended a system that would be colourfast. In a high traffic space that closes for only two days each year, with the additional solemnity of the memorial environment, choosing a product that would last the distance and require minimal maintenance was essential to this project. Interpon’s D2015 Gold Global Warranty offers the Shrine Trustees this assurance. Working with Locker Group, HDM Metal, an experienced fabricator and Interpon Approved Applicators AAF Vic and Powdercoating Services ACT as exclusive warrantors provided further reassurance of the product quality.  The giant overheard poppy features Interpon D2015 Ultriva™ R15 Crimson Matt YG215A and its support structure Interpon D2015 Ultriva™ Ebony YN201A. On the south west diagonal, the Terrace Courtyard features a lush green referencing South East Asian inspired garden. Amidst the greenery, laser cut aluminium panels coated in Interpon D2015 Ultriva™ R14 Waratah Matt YG222A list the names of Victorian towns, providing a reference point for visitors. The zig-zag shape of the terrace courtyards infer irregular exposure to the sun, further emphasising the need for a product of premium quality. “Interpon are interested in and open to ideas”, says Stewart, making this a win-win collaboration for the architects of this redevelopment of Victoria’s premier place of remembrance.  

A bold and significant new development has emerged in St Kilda as a ‘liveable Lego tower’, rising in tiered rainbow cubes that appear to balance like building blocks. Aptly named The Icon, the distinctive new building is wrapped in expanded aluminium mesh that changes colour as sunlight moves.The inspiration of artist Matthew Johnson, who worked with Jackson Clements Burrows Architects to conceptualise the distinctive complex, was achieved with Interpon Powder Coating on board as a collaborative partner.“My vision for the project was for people look up and see something interesting, to see something that is in a sense iconographic – as a marker or reference point,” explains Matthew.Interpon were involved with the project “right from the start”, explains Gareth Connell, Regional Specification, Interpon. Their association began after they were introduced to Pace Developments to discuss colour and product selection for the external façade.“We work closely with Interpon, and Pace asked us to quote with the product already powder coated,” says Ian Dunstan, southern regional sales manager at Locker Group, who manufacture perforated and expanded metal. Interpon were able to step in and develop the colour range separately, to meet the design brief and provide an ultra-durable coating system that meet the expectations of all parties.“The team at Interpon were very accommodating, engaged and professional in taking the concept on board,” says Matthew. “We were able to manifest unique colours based on the ratios I created with their chemist, inventing a whole new series of colours. This was crucial, as each level is depicted in different colour hue variations from earth to sky, which cross reference the nature of the geographical and environmental stratums. This flux of seasonal change is portrayed through subtle tonal gradation. Working with Interpon was a very fluid operation.”Interpon has collaborated on several high profile property developments and high rises over the years – although perhaps none quite as unique or with as many distinct characteristics as The Icon. “The nature of expanded aluminium mesh is such that it is formed by shearing and expanding aluminium sheet to create the ‘3D form’ effect. A visually appealing system for a façade, the shearing of the metal can present issues with very sharp edges, particularly in aggressive coastal environments,” Gareth explains.“Part of understanding this project was to comprehend as many elements as possible. Given the location was in St Kilda, with the bay just over 1.5km away, environmental considerations such as UV degradation, exposure to corrosive sea salts and prevailing winds needed to be considered.”After reviewing available data, such as Bureau of Meteorology weather patterns and local geography and topography maps, a specific duplex or two-layer powder finishing system was specified.“This consisted of a controlled preparation process for the expanded aluminium sheets. An epoxy barrier primer (was specified) to provide enhanced protection and to build the sharp edges in order to minimise issues associated with filiform corrosion. And the ultra-durability polyester powder top coat was developed in 34 distinct colours,” Gareth says.After the colour range was developed, it was applied by powder coating specialists Mansutti Bros. Lead by managing director Claude Mansutti, the team refinished hundreds of mesh panels over a period of nine months.“It was a major benefit to be using powder coating because, unlike liquid paints, powder is cured once it comes out of the oven and it’s ready to go once it’s cooled down. If they were painted, the drying phase could delay the process from refinish to installation by up to two weeks. It meant we were able to keep to a very strict schedule,” Claude says.“The project involved a lot of large spreadsheet work. There were 17 floors and over 30 colours, with panels in 15 sizes; it was quite a matrix to work with. But the end result is so different and so unique. It’s an interesting design and I’m sure it’s going to be a talking point for the area for many years.”