"office management software"

The Farr Institute in Edinburgh is a collaboration between six Scottish Universities and the NHS National Services Scotland. They aim to place the country as a global leader in health informatics research whilst improving the health of the Scottish population. 30,000 sq. ft. has been fitted out to accommodate Bio Incubator laboratories and offices together with meeting, conference and dining facilities. The remainder of the building will accommodate laboratories and offices for life science research. SAS International’s acoustic baffles were specified to meet acoustic demand and make the most of the high ceilings and breathable space. The colours, baffle layout and service integration were carefully co-ordinated to the brief. SAS130 and SAS330 were specified and installed in the central core. Both systems offer quick and easy access to otherwise hidden mechanical and electrical systems. With SAS130, tiles can be lifted out to gain access to the ceiling void. SAS330’s hinge notch allows tiles to be hung vertically from C-Profiles, providing unobstructed access to the ceiling void. Ray Kwiecinski at Michael Laird Architects gave the below quote on working with SAS International; “MLA has specified a variety of SAS International’s lay-in grid ceiling systems over the years and we have always been extremely satisfied with the finished product. At the Farr Institute however, we decided to create a feature of the structural soffits and the M&E services and, by careful coordination of these services, the steel beams… [With] the SAS Baffle System and SAS Raft System 600, we were able to create an open, collaborative and exciting office environment whilst maintaining a high degree of sound absorbency. Our Client is delighted with the results as are we.” The Institute’s independent research will support innovation in the public sector, leading to advances in preventative medicine, improvements in NHS care and better development of commercial drugs and diagnostics.

Sitting proudly at the junction of the M4 and M7 motorways in Sydney's Greater West is Calibre Eastern Creek Building 3. An architecturally designed warehouse and two-storey office space which incorporates 990 m2 of Vitradual on the attractive facade of the development. Builder: Vaughan Constructions, Architect: SBA Architects.

We had the pleasure of working alongside Cachet Group to install our artificial greenery into the newly-designed office space of BAI Communications and the results were stunning! We used a combination of different hanging bushes and vines, which were offset beautifully against the modern, crisp white interiors of the space.

Rondo’s main focus has been to complete 17 levels of one of the five office towers, of which two levels are for shops and a café. With the majority of the 70,000 lineal metres of product being Rondo DUO Exposed Grid System, Rondo continues to provide technical support for the project through weekly site visits.

Contractors Precision Interior Walls and Ceilings (PIWC) primary responsibility was the installation of the specialist linings on curved feature ceilings. PIWC Construction Manager, Ashley O’Connor mentions working closely with Rondo, and using CAD drawings to create a ceiling system before the panels were even made. “We designed and ensured the ceiling systems project’s specific design criteria were met”, said Ashley.

Construction started on Burj Khalifa in 2004 before the building was officially opened in January 2010, although ceiling systems are still being supplied to the office areas on level 160. At the peak of construction, over 12,000 workers were onsite every day from 30 contracting companies, representing more than 100 different nationalities.

GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied a full schedule of fittings for the Alluvion Tower project. Situated in the heart of Perth’s CBD, Alluvion sets the benchmark for office design and sustainability. GWA’s tapware, bathroom basins, urinals and toilet suites were selected both for the quality of their aesthetics and their distinctive, in-built technologies that limit unnecessary water wastage and associated costs.

As Western Australia’s flagship health facility, the Fiona Stanley Hospital is the largest building project ever undertaken for the Western Australian Government. The hospital is a complex of buildings that combine to form the hospital campus. This A$2 billion project was designed by the Fiona Stanley Design Collaboration - a joint venture between the local offices of three architectural practices: Silver Thomas Hanley, Hames Sharley and HASSELL.

GWA provided a complete solution for Central Equity’s landmark 43-level MainPoint Apartment complex in Melbourne. Ian Carkeek, General Manager - Product and Development at Central Equity said, “The GWA Bathrooms & Kitchens range suited our design concept while at the same time achieving key practical and environmentally sustainable requirements. This, in addition to our long standing, first-hand experience using their products meant it was an easy choice for us.”

Ferrero’s new global HQ gathers in one building with nearly 1,300 people, previously spread over five different offices. The building, with a total floor space of almost 30,000 m², opened in December 2019. The building is designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian square: a vast atrium is surrounded by two multi-storey office wings. Boon Edam was appointed to craft and install the golden revolving door, on behalf of facade builder Groven + Portal, who in turn worked for general contractor Felix Giorgetti. The colour of the revolving door makes a visual reference to the world-famous golden chocolate - Ferrero Rocher. The Casa Ferrero administrative building consists of two blocks built on a common basement. It was the combination of these plots, and the architectural skills, that resulted in what you see today: a building that is both impressive and elegant as well as being a pleasant and functional workplace for the employees of the food group. Ferrero’s colours are subtly incorporated into the classic facades, with bronze tones and a gilded effect over the windows as well as the entrance glass panels. This effect was achieved by applying a gold-coloured textile fabric to the laminated glass during the project’s construction. Behind the glass facade of the entrance, the most jaw-dropping area of Ferrero’s headquarters unfolds - a central atrium that connects the two blocks and is entirely covered by a glass roof. The spacious atrium is designed to function as a reception and meeting space. Horizontal circulation between the two blocks is facilitated by connecting walkways with a range of 20 meters. The vertical circulation occurs through panoramic glass elevators. The central atrium’s glass-roofed space is open to life within the company and encourages interaction between employees. This 11-storey building, including six upper levels (ground floor + 5 floors) and five lower levels, adapts perfectly to its urban surroundings. The office areas are spread over nine floors, taking advantage of maximum light for the interior space. Levels -3 to -5 include technical areas and parking spaces. Ferrero’s wish was for a functional and pleasant building for everyone who works there. We think they have achieved this in spades!

MP Group were charged with managing the installation and finishing of all internal and external walls and this is also where Rondo offered our support. With the external structural steel framing having been installed 150mm out of position, Rondo’s Technical Services Team came to the rescue and designed an external stud wall system using our MAXIframe External Wall Framing System to ‘fill the gap,’ including design of special header bracing details to support the wall.

Memocorp is one of the largest private property groups in Australia. They manage the M Collective – a premium investment grade portfolio spanning commercial, retail and residential properties. Committed to delivering the best spaces and experience for their clients they use workplace design ideologies that harmonise and fascinate. Installing Dyson Supersonic hair dryers and Dyson Airblade V hand dryers, Memocorp found products that not only suited the sleek aesthetic of the luxurious design but also delivered high performance and usability.

Designed by Silver Thomas Hanley (STH) Architects, the structural additions provide four extra levels of useable space above the existing emergency department. As a construction-managed project, the design and construction teams were able to work in concert to ensure all specifications were correct and appropriate at every stage of the work. Having considered the project challenges, including site constraints, access and speed in which the project needed to be completed, CW175 was chosen for its flexibility, engineering and structural integrity.

This stunning architectural build is the new Australian Headquarters for PROBOND. Three shades of PROCORE A1® create this show-stopping commercial facade: Midnight Metallic and Custom Pearl Grey Metallic accentuate the office space popout. Sabre Silver Metallic is used in the window surrounds and the side wings which disguise the distribution complex and feature a multi-faceted 3D triangle pattern. The lightshow throughout the day is stunning as the sun moves across the complex.

Inspired by water droplets in the wild, the POD Pavilion showcases the new sustainable urban development located in Petaling Jaya Commercial City, west of Kuala Lumpur. Designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates in collaboration with Studio Nicoletti Associati (Italy), the POD Pavilion is now PJCC’s corporate office and sales gallery. Rondo provided both product and design assistance to the project, which required a significant amount of input because of its unique elliptical design.

7000m² of SAS310 helped Qantas Airways overcome acoustic challenges, controling reverberation time and meeting a very high acoustic performance target. Qantas Airways Limited, nicknamed ‘The Flying Kangaroo’, is Australia’s largest airline. The new headquarters is the largest property project undertaken by Qantas Airways in the last 10 years. The project aims to rejuvenate the existing campus, consolidating and upgrading four existing office buildings and joining them together with an interconnecting hub. Selected areas of the existing building floorplate have been extended into the new atrium space creating balconies and office pods. These improved physical and visual connections aim to encourage interaction and engagement between workers. With a brief for high acoustic performance, SAS International were an obvious choice for Hassell architects, due to our vast portfolio of high acoustic rated metal ceiling tiles. SAS provided 7000m² of SAS310. The acoustic challenge was to control the reverberation time in a large volume space accommodating a PA system and a very high acoustic performance target. The reverberation time was significantly reduced with the addition of absorptive material and purposed designed acoustic ceiling panels. Qantas Headquarters was constructed with longevity in mind so the durability of the tiles was key, an advantage of using metal. The finish completely meets the performance demands, is extremely functional and cost effective, an A Grade corporate campus that incorporates the latest developments in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Rondo supported Maxcon Pty Ltd through contractor L&Y Commercial for this project incorporating two 26 and 36 story residential towers of 551 apartments, an Art Series Hotel with 90 rooms, retail spaces and serviced offices. Due to the large-scale nature of the build, our customer was very satisfied with Rondo’s ability to provide quick turnaround times for crane lifts as well as our efficient and effective operation of installation and delivery of goods on site, on time.

Occupying a 2134m2 block of premium land, Leopold residential apartments is one of the newest commercial/residential developments in Melbourne’s residential and business district. The project involved the internal demolition of existing commercial fit out, the construction of an additional six levels and the fit-out of 174 residential apartments as well as four office tenancies. The works undertaken comprised of a new wall facade, the attachment of 97 new balconies to the existing structure, and installation of a structural steel transfer level with lightweight floor system (Powerscope).

54 Mary Street is an office building nestled in the heart of Brisbane. Spanning over 22 levels, it was no small feat for bureau^proberts to carry out a retrofit of the public washrooms. As part of the refurbishment of male, female, and ADA Accessible washrooms across numerous floors, bureau^proberts had to source a large selection of soap dispensers that would be readily available in large quantities – and ideally, in a particular matte black finish. ASI JD Macdonald were perfectly positioned to provide the solution.

COLLABORATIONArchitects: Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) and the Government Architect’s Office.Builder: Built.BRIEFThe project required a coating that would preserve and protect the feature precast concrete ceiling, beams, walls, and eyelet as part of the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.MATERIAL & APPLICATIONECOCLEAN Porosity SealerECOCLEAN Self-Cleaning CoatingOUTCOMEA stunningly sustainable multi-award-winning project that includes the prestigious Sulman Medal. Our team is so proud to have played a part in the preservation of one of Sydney’s most iconic monuments, a symbol of our history and our future.

ABN Group chose a site in Leederville, WA, for a new state-of-the-art headquarters building. This included a multi-level office, ground floor commercial tenancies, end-of trip facilities, and parking for approximately 160 cars.The project demanded high standards for quality, had a construction time frame of 87 weeks, and was to be five-star Green Star rated.These considerations had an impact on the selection of finish for the car park floors, which is where MARKHAM became involved in the project.AQURON 1000 was selected for enhanced concrete curing, permanent sealing, and deep anti-dust hardening.

SAS International designed and manufactured a range of solutions for the new 75,000 square metres Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, Ireland. According to Dublin Airport the new second terminal will be capable of comfortably handling up to 15 million passengers per year. Specification demanded that durability, ease of maintenance and acoustics were considered. SAS International worked with architects Pascall + Watson to design the ceiling solution answering the architect’s brief to factor in ongoing maintenance conducted by Facilities Management teams in the future. The design of these large sized ceiling panels required careful consideration at design stage to ensure they would be manageable when working at a height. Designed and developed specifically for Dublin Airport was 35,000 square metres of ceiling systems, installed in the main departure area, walkways and baggage handling areas. This solution looks like any other suspended metal ceiling system as it provides an aesthetically pleasing flush finish. But where this product differs is its ingenious way of allowing access to the ceiling void and services for ongoing essential maintenance. This is of particular benefit in high traffic areas such as Dublin airport as it enables a corridor to remain in use rather than having to close off the entire route. SAS International manufactured the 20,000m2 of large aluminium frames for the fabric ceilings which creates a striking central feature. Working closely with SAS International were local installers Platt and Reilly who applied the stretched fabric to the frames on-site and hoisted them into position. Creating a comfortable environment for traveller and worker was helped with the use of acoustic floating rafts and perforated metal ceiling solutions (with integrated acoustic pads) to provide the necessary acoustic control for this project. Lighting was suspended neatly between the rafts to also provide a modern finish to the corridors. In addition Perimeter heating and air handling grilles also enhance the experience.

The first installation in Australasia has been completed of Boon Edam’s Circleslide architectural curved automatic sliding doors that elegantly cater to access for disability needs of modern and traditional buildings. The Circleslide installation for Mark Moran Group at Pacific Highway Warrawee on Sydney’s North Shore provides a prestigious, weather-protected entrance to a development of up-market aged care accommodation built by Next Group for Benson McCormack Architecture.  The door’s practical advantages also apply to a wide range of buildings in Australia and New Zealand, including commercial and public and private facilities, including offices, aged care, health, hospitality, restaurant, retail, tourist and transport facility uses, says Boon Edam Australia Managing Director, Michael Fisher.Circleslide installations consist of two sets of curved sliding doors – one on each of the entrance and exit sides – to provide a larger opening than traditional sliding doors, and retaining the elegant shape of revolving doors. This extra space is a major advantage for people with a disability, or those that require mobility aids. Enhanced accessibility Circleslide curved automatic sliding doors provide spacious and comfortable access for everyone using them including especially people with disability and their carers, and particularly people those with mobility issues who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, wheeled walkers and other mobility devices commonly used in workplaces and public facilities. “Access to public and private facilities is an important and increasing issue for more than five million Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities. This growing sector of the population includes the higher proportion of older people with limited mobility, including more than 750,000 Australasians who use mobility aids,” says Mr Fisher. “Where building professionals seek to provide for such people but want to retain the prestigious shape and functionality of revolving doors, Circleslide doors are an ideal solution that provides the additional capacity required,” he says. Circleslide doors complement Boon Edam’s global ranges of revolving doors, which is one of the world’s most comprehensive ranges. Their elegant design and access control functionality are preferred by architects, builders and designers for Fortune 500 companies in 27 countries. Customisable features The Circleslide door has an optional “winter mode” whereby only one sliding door opens at a time, which can reduce HVAC losses and contribute to the overall sustainability of the building. Like all Boon Edam revolving doors, Circleslide is available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, so it can be customised to the look and feel of contemporary and period buildings. The self-learning technology incorporated in the curved sliding door mechanism ensures extremely quiet and smooth movement of the doors. Options include: Interlocking modeConnection to external alarm system (e.g. fire alarm, smoke detector)Push-button free outKey impulse switchDirection sensitive motion detectorsGlass protection sheetsFloor matsAuthorised night entry·        Air curtain technology to create a barrier of air flowing from the revolving door’s canopy or sides to further extend revolving doors’ built-in advantage of excluding heat or cold to save HVAC costs through their unique always-open, always-closed configuration.  Night Locking Options include an electromechanical lock that can be unlocked with a key or by means of an optional key impulse switch.

CollaborationArchitects: Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) and the Government Architect’s Office.Builder: Built.Material & ApplicationFunctional Coatings were applied to precast concrete elements to protect the memorial from carbonation in addition to giving the surface self-cleaning and air-purification propertiesOutcomeA stunningly sustainable multi-award winning project that includes the prestigious Sulman Medal. Our team is so proud to have played a part in the preservation of one of Sydney’s most iconic monuments, a symbol of our history and our future.TestimonialThe Anzac Centenary Project not only realises the vision from our past, it will continue to remind future generations of the contributions made by our servicemen and women.The Right Hon. Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney

The legendary Peninsula Hotel in the heart of Paris was undergoing a large renovation project and the project’s architect, who specialised in the restoration of exceptional establishments, decided on three Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket revolving doors and one Circleslide to fit their brief of installing a transparent and luxurious entrance. Built in 1908 to host the palace “Hotel Majestic”, this palace hotel was due for of an extensive renovation to offer modern facilities, standards and technology while still preserving its historic roots. The restoration took 4 years to complete and the end result is a five-star contemporary hotel which maintains and respects the spirit of the original institution. The project involved working with the finest artisans with an ancestral knowledge of this landmark building. The architectural renovation was led by AFFINE DESIGN, one of the major architecture and interior design offices in Paris

After nearly 100 years of serving the local community, the Petersham RSL club moved to a new home this year, in a redevelopment centred on style and comfort. Part of the design brief for the architects and developers was that the indoor spaces were comfortable for guests, particularly in reception, which can often feel the effects of wind and debris entering through open doors. The developers chose a fully automatic Tourniket revolving door from Boon Edam Australia to make a grand first impression to the classy new club, which was recently opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It is the same type of cost-effective entrance used by leading hospitality venues globally to protect patrons and workers against wind, weather, and pollution, while also controlling traffic flow and opening up new sheltered areas for productive amenities. Petersham RSL CEO, Danny Fitzgerald, said “The Boon Edam revolving door creates an impressive entrance to our modern club, and was the perfect fit for our redevelopment. With this door, Boon Edam met two key specification requirements – enhancing climate control inside the club, and enhancing personal comfort in the reception area.” A welcoming entrance The 3-wing Tourniket revolving door pictured has a height of 2,650mm and diameter of 2,800mm to allow ample room for entry and egress. It has four LED warm white downlights for a pleasant and welcoming experience. A powder coated black grey finish on the exterior of the door allows it to effortlessly blend in with the building’s overall aesthetic and design. Boon Edam Australia Managing Director Michael Fisher says that a major benefit of revolving doors is that they allow visitors and staff alike to enter into a new world inside – one that is calm, quiet, and protected against allergens and climactic extremes. “In addition to customising the door to the club’s aesthetic preferences, we worked closely with Petersham RSL to deliver the doors within a complex installation involving temporary doors while other elements of the façade and reception were completed, prior to the arrival and installation of the revolving door,” he said. Boon Edam Australia is a part of the globally leading revolving door manufacturer, Royal Boon Edam, and the door selected by the Petersham RSL is a type already used by architects, builders and specifiers for Fortune 500 companies globally and for major Australian hotels, clubs, banks, offices, legislatures, and buildings. “The teams worked well together, and the result was an outstanding front façade and entrance, which will have a long-term impact on climate control and comfort,” said Fisher. Always Open, Always Closed A key benefit of revolving door systems in addition to access control is energy conservation, with their “always open, always closed” functionality providing lower HVAC losses while increasing the temperature stability and comfort of people inside. These advantages have been proven in many of the world’s leading clubs, hospitals and hotels, where visitor comfort is paramount. “Think about how much air escapes when a sliding door opens, or how much dust, pollution, or pollen can enter the front reception area. With a revolving door, only one quadrant of air is moving around each time, providing a highly effective method of controlling the indoor climate,” said Fisher. Further economy and versatility are provided where required by night locking entrance options including electromechanical locks that can be unlocked with a key or by means of an optional key impulse switch.  “These climate control features are not always considered at the design stage, so Petersham RSL has shown great foresight by specifying these outcomes early,” added Fisher.

The Uni of Queensland Emmanual College features the following RBA products:The 2011 Brisbane floods initiated the refurbishment of parts of University of Queensland’s Emmanuel College and created an opportunity to upgrade student amenities. The Facilities Managers decided to control water usage by using RBA’s Time-Trol shower controller. At the same time, they chose to replace out-dated twin element ‘boiler’ water heaters with instantaneous gas. The results were astonishing. “The university estimates it is now saving $60-$70K per year in water and energy savings.”The Time-Trol Shower unit allows maintenance staff to nominate run-time and lock-out parameters. These can be selected from, and changed to, any one of 12 options. No special coding required, just the flick of a dial by staff. It was ultimately decided to offer students a 5 minutes shower with a 30 second lockout. According to university staff ‘…the students have adapted to the usage restrictions seamlessly. There hasn’t been a complaint uttered…’

The City of Adelaide owned and operated UPark Gawler Place provides locals and visitors with easily accessible parking in the center of Adelaide. Open 7 days a week, the undercover parking facility required an urgent trafficable waterproof deck coatingsolution.Flowcrete Australia was consulted on how the operators could prevent water leakage into the tenancies located below, whilst ensuring the structural integrity of the parking facility was maintained. An added challenge was that the facility needed to remain operational throughout the installation.Deckshield ED Rapide was the ideal solution for the unique challenges at UPark Gawler Place. The hybrid PUMMA system features the Deckshield PDS Membrane which is certified by CSIRO to AS 4654.1.2012 - the system was designed to prevent the water leakage faced by the car park operators.Over 5,500m² of Deckshield ED Rapide was applied throughout the facility. The installation took approximately 2 months to complete, as the applicators were required to approach the project section by section, whilst liaising with traffic management to ensure parking operations were minimally disrupted and the facility remained open to patrons.

This unique offset ellipse design tower had to allow the ceiling to flow around the building. A bespoke SAS330 metal ceiling system was specified incorporating trapezoidal panels. Trust Tower forms one of three new tower blocks; part of the Central Market development. The first tower to be completed is tower three a 59-storey commercial office development. The tower is a unique offset ellipse design, to allow the ceiling to flow around the building a bespoke. SAS330 metal ceiling system was specified incorporating trapezoidal panels. Enabling a monolithic finish to the ceiling plane, black service troughs house recessed lighting and other MEP services; this enables maximum acoustic performance to be achieved from the ceiling tiles. Over 900 different sized ceiling tiles were manufactured and installed throughout the project. Metal ceilings provide durability, accessibility to the ceiling void and low maintenance. The life-span of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance. The entrance mezzanine area features a four-storey high ceiling finished in midnight blue, providing a dramatic entrance to this iconic building.

Ivanhoe’s newest building is a landmark you can’t miss. The facade components of light bricks, dark cladding and luminous aluminium Click-on Battens perfectly complement each other, creating a contemporary finish. The interior also features our battens, which seamlessly connects to the exterior. The building comprises a three-level basement, ground floor retail outlets, two levels of offices and multiple fully appointed apartments among the two upper levels. The building is bordered on three sides by busy public roads which posed logistical challenges with its construction. However, the speed and ease of installing Click-on Battens alleviated this issue on the upper levels. The curved facade is wrapped in Sculptform aluminium Click-on Battens. They were installed upon standard and curved tracks which were delivered to site in a flexible state so that they’re able to be wrapped around the substrate and hug the exterior. Batten clips are factory fixed to the tracks at the spacing sequence that is specified. Helping to save time installing on-site. Battens are simply push-clicked onto mounting tracks that are positioned behind the battens in a concealed manner.

When entering the new Segerstedthuset building at the Uppsala University in Sweden – guests, students and employees alike are cheerfully greeted by a colourful revolving door. This unique door is an art installation by renowned American artist Spencer Finch and is aptly named ‘The Colour Wheel’. The artist is best known for installations that visualise his experience of the nature of light, colour, memory. The Uppsala University is the oldest university research university in the Nordic area and this large facility is located in Uppsala, Sweden - educating 45000 students. The new Segerstedthuset building, designed by 3XN is a multi-purpose extension to the university and was conceptualised and constructed as a modern workplace for researchers, university administration and management. Boon Edam Sweden was approached to supply Spencer Finch with two Tourniket revolving doors. The doors measure a diameter of 3000 mm and a total height of 2400 mm and the 6 glass door panels provide the canvas for the light installation artist to work his magic on. Colour film is fitted between the glass which creates a truly remarkable and memorable entry experience into this urban, communal space. The Segerstedthuset building was built as a sustainable building and proved to meet high environmental standards such as efficient energy use, sound material choices and a silent indoor environment. The building is environmentally certified according to the Sweden Green Building Council at the silver level.

Ireland’s second largest legal firm, Arthur Cox, has moved to its new headquarters, Ten Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin. Located a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Green, the LEED Platinum fit-out building is a marker of sustainable design. Architects, Scott Talon Walker, had a specific design requirement in mind so chose SAS International for their longstanding relationship and expertise. To accommodate the number of recurring apertures, Scott Talon Walker collaborated with SAS to create bespoke service panels within the SAS330 hinged mega panel tartan grid. The panel design features five unperforated squares which create a single unit capable of housing fire detectors, movement sensors and other electrical devices. These unique panels satisfy the client’s M&E stipulations, ensuring the building’s sustainable performance well into the future. Additional SAS systems installed include: SAS500 acoustic lighting baffles and SAS150. Both of these systems assure complete design flexibility and service maintenance in equal measure. Nominated for Fit Out Project of the Year – Large Office, SAS International has once again exceeded the mark to deliver premium metal ceiling solutions for its client.

Project Overview The Wharf Phase 2 will deliver the final more than 1million square feet (92,903 square metres) of mixed-use development to the vibrant waterfront neighborhood, The Wharf. Phase 2 will include a marina, office, residential and retail in addition to a 1.5 acre (0.6 hectare) park and abundant outdoor public space. Delivered in 2017, Phase 1 includes more than 2 million square feet (185,800 square metres) of development. The project architects and designers comprise one of the most impressive lineups in the nation, including SHoP Architects, WDG, ODA, Rafael Viñoly, Morris Adjmi Architects, Hollwich Kushner (HWKN), S9 Architecture, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, DCWDG Architecture, Parker Rodriguez, Rhodeside & Harwell, Thomas JuulHansen and Wolf Josey. Sustainable Waterfront CarbonCure-based concrete mixes were selected for the construction of The Wharf to support the sustainability goals. Vulcan Materials Company placed 18,891 cubic yards (14,443 cubic metres) of concrete made with CarbonCure through their partners at Concrete Mixes Inc. These mixes prevented the emissions of an estimated 134 tonnes of CO2. That’s equivalent to 175 acres (71 hectares) of forest absorbing CO2 for a year

Recognized for its maritime importance by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and fifth largest in the world, and has had a significant impact on European history. Appropriately known as “the Diamond Capital of the World,” Antwerp sees $16 billion in polished diamonds pass through its exchanges each year, with the city boasting an overall turnover of $54 billion in the gemstone.By 2007, however, the Port of Antwerp had outgrown its office space. To maintain the port’s prominence in an ever expanding international arena, the city needed a sustainable, future-proof workplace, with a design that represented the city’s past, present and future.To compliment the iconic structure and allow future workforce expansion, the building needed iconic washroom facilities that guaranteed sophistication, privacy, and the flexibility to grow. To deliver on these lofty washroom design requirements, Zaha Hadid Architects turned to ASI Group Europe. Custom-made, extra-height black Alpaco partitions provide superior privacy in the stunning washrooms. Stainless steel hardware accents the washroom design, adding distinction worthy of the building’s reputation and a touch of modern aesthetics. The elegance of stainless steel washroom accessories add sophistication to an already distinct design.

To protect the priceless infrastructure and mission-critical IT information in Australia’s first custom built, high-tech data centre, Polaris, Project Manager Thiess turned to the leading manufacturer of specialist building products, Construction Specialties.Integral to the $121 million construction was the regulation of airflow to safeguard the computer hardware; Construction Specialties’ customised performance louvres were the only product in Australia able to meet this construction challenge.Boasting 14,000m2 of floor space on 5 storeys with 7000m2 of raised floor over three data centre levels, the project, based in Springfield, Queensland, is the largest of its kind in Australia and will be Queensland’s only Tier 3+ data collection point.So important were the Construction Specialties performance louvres to the development, much of the building design was driven by the positioning, material specifications and design of the louvres.Lawrence Issa, Project Manager for Construction Specialties, and project partners Darryl Wright and Steve Emery of Project Sales worked closely with the Polaris construction team from project inception to completion to devise the most effective weatherproofing and airflow option for the building which also matched the intended aesthetic.“In-depth collaboration with the Polaris team led to the selection of our Architectural Line Louvres, of which two types were used – our RS7305a and LSM louvre models,” Lawrence said. “Unlike other louvres on the market, this range prevents up to 99% water penetration and maximises airflow, while also complementing the building facade as the horizontal louvre frames selected are hidden from view.“Our performance louvres cover 345m2 of the exterior building and are specifically customised in terms of size, shape and colour for the data centre,” Lawrence said.Miguel Thievent, Senior Project Engineer at Thiess, remarks that the CS Louvres perform to the highest standard, which was essential in meeting the building specifications.“It was vital we didn’t compromise on weather proofing and airflow,” Miguel said. “For example, we have six generators integral to maintaining the whole IT system in case of power failure which would not run if the airflow was affected or they were damaged by rain.“The Construction Specialties performance louvres were the only ones on the market that could guarantee damage would not occur as a result of bad weather conditions,” Miguel said.Construction Specialties’ performance louvres are at the leading edge of louvre design and are tested under real world conditions to meet the maximum standards demanded.Construction Specialties offers a broad selection of louvres under 3 main categories:Storm Resistant/Performance Louvres – The main objective of Performance Louvres is to allow the passage of air, whilst providing the area beyond the room with protection from rain penetration.Standard Louvres – A standard louvre will provide the maxiumum airflow required, but with minimal rain defence.Screening Louvres – Screening louvres, are low cost solutions that hide plant or other equipment from view.CS Louvre systems are available in a comprehensive range of finishes and colours, ensuring there is a Construction Specialties Louvre system to suit most aesthetic and performance needs.Louvre panels are factory assembled in a controlled and quality assured environment and provided to site in a fully finished modular form; thus, allowing for trouble-free and fast installation.A comprehensive range of accessories including insect/bird mesh and blanking panels in various materials and finishes is available to complete the application.

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.”