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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.

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.”

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

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.

Snapper Creek Car Park was developed as an environmentally friendly permeable car park. As such the Atlantis® Turf CellTM and Atlantis® Gravel CellTM systems were chosen, to provide gravel driveways and grass parking areas, thus preventing compaction of the soil and to protect the grass and to stabilize the gravel and provide a permeable car park.The parking areas were divided into car only parking and car & trailer parking.The area, consisting of natural sandy material, was excavated to a depth of 300mm, and a tensar grid was placed into the excavation and the excavated material placed back on top of the tensar grid and compacted.A layer of 100mm of gravel was then place on the areas where the Atlantis® Gravel CellTM modules were to be used and the Atlantis® Gravel cellTM modules positioned thereon and filled with gravel.The Atlantis® Turf CellTM modules were installed and filled with soil and then the area was grass seeded; no turf was used. The project was completed in mid 2014 and was at that stage semi grassed and in use.The project required 4,300sq. m of Atlantis® 52mm drainage cell, which are 480mm x 260mm x 52mm panels and have a rigid interlocking clipping system and are made from recycled polypropylene.In August 2017, the operators of the car park, which is still operating, were contacted and they stated that they were extremely happy with the condition of the car park, even though it has heavy traffic as there is a boat ramp there, and some areas have been flooded by Snapper Creek.The Atlantis® Turf CellTM & Atlantis® Gravel CellTM systems are specifically suited for car parks, access roads, aircraft taxiways and helicopter landing pads as it has the following features:a high load bearing of approximately 4000t/sq. M;protects the root system from compaction, while allow for vigorous horizontal and vertical root growth;permits surface water absorption and infiltration; andhave a long use life.

APPLICATION: 52mm Turf CellPROJECT LOCATION: North Ryde NSWPROJECT DETAILS: Macquarie University Permeable Overflow Car ParkPROJECT COMPLETION: March 2017Established in 1964, Macquarie University began as a bold experiment in higher education. Built to break from traditions: to be distinctive, progressive, and to be transformational. Today its pioneering history continues to be a source of inspiration as they celebrate their place among the best and brightest minds.When Macquarie University’s existing cark park became too small for the amount of cars now using it, it was decided to construct an overflow car park. However, not just any car park, but in keeping with their innovative thinking, an environmentally friendly permeable car park. Of course the Atlantis® Turf CellTM system was chosen, so that turf covered parking spaces could be provided.The project required 9,843sq. m of Atlantis® Turf CellTM system, which is constructed from 480mm x 260mm x 52mm panels and has a rigid interlocking clipping system and is made from high quality recycled polypropylene. The project was undertaken by J & G Excavations and Asphalting (NSW) Pty Ltd.The Turf CellTM cells were laid on a bed of permeable soil, and filled with sandy soil and turf was then placed on top of the linked Atlantis® Turf CellTM cells and rolled with a heavy roller to press the roots into the soil in the cells, where they were protected from compaction and could grow freely both horizontally and vertically.The Turf CellTM system is another Atlantis invention, and is specifically suited for car parks, access roads, aircraft taxiways and helicopter landing pads as it has the following features:a high load bearing of approximately 4000t/sq. M;protects the root system of grass from compaction, while allow for vigorous horizontal and vertical root growth;permits surface water absorption and infiltration;has a long use life; andaesthetically, the system allows the grass to fill in completely, creating a lush lawn with an invisible reinforcement structure.

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!

The Deakin Uni LC Building features the following RBA products:RBA2733-032 – Compact Water Cooler Stainless Steel ShroudRBA2732-001 – Push Button Bottle Filler Stainless SteelDeakin University holds multiple campuses across multiple Melbourne suburbs. The University houses four main faculties, arts & education, business & law, health, and science, engineering & built environment. Deakin Uni is also renowned for its world-leading online tertiary education program, innovating modern education. Located to the west of the heart of Melbourne, the Burwood Campus holds the newly-unveiled LC Building, designed in an innovative way, holding multiple levels of formal and informal learning areas, health and wellbeing services and a premium staff working space for the Law School. The building aims for sustainability, sporting solar panels, native flora in its Wellness Garden and indoor greenery. The contemporary “green” design had to include RBA, as we share the same goal of sustainability. Furthermore, by providing to the ever-innovative Deakin University, we are improving the learning experience of the education sector.Pictured below, RBA’s ‘Compact’ Water Cooler, or the RBA2733-032, flows 30L of water per hour. RBA categorises the unit as ‘heavy duty’, meaning it maintains to be strong and long-lasting. Made of Stainless Steel with a Satin Finish, it has an Anti-microbial flexible bubbler with self-closing push button and non-squirt features (stainless steel bubbler options available upon request). Included is an integral perforated drain for hygiene & ease of cleaning. The Water Cooler exhibits a smooth radiused design that eliminates sharp corners thus minimising catch. All pipework is concealed within the Stainless Steel Shroud and contains the option of a Bottle Filler.Deakin University LC Building decided to pair the Water Cooler with a Push Button Bottle Filler, or the RBA2732-001. Users hold their bottle in the recess provided and press the button to activate the flow of water. Flow stops upon releasing the button. Spillage is directed onto the deck of the Water Cooler mounted underneath. Thus, students have a sustainable alternative for hydrating.

Acrovyn by Design® from Construction Specialties, was specifically chosen for the new Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS) Hospital in Jindalee, Brisbane, Queensland. The overall objective of the project was to create a bright and welcoming space, as well as an extremely hygienic care environment for the veterinary doctors and staff, the patients (pets) and their owners.The combination of both functionality and design flexibility available with Acrovyn by Design® has allowed the creative “cute pet theme” to be installed behind the wash basins as splash-backs. The images used include a collection of cute animals such as kittens and puppies, which could very easily be executed with the design flexibility and functionality of Acrovyn by Design® wall panel sheets.Veterinary hospitals and lobbies are high traffic environments with a significant amount of equipment, including trolleys and stretchers that can scrape or bump against walls. In addition, they have strict cleaning requirements for high hygiene standards that often requires the use of harsh chemicals, such as bleach, to disinfect hard surfaces.The client’s mission statement is to “provide the best possible care”. To this end, they have 4 different locations around Queensland all operating a 24-hour referral and emergency animal hospital. All facilities have state-of-the-art equipment with experienced and helpful staff. The first of the four hospitals opened to the public in 2000.Acrovyn by Design® has a proven reputation as the preferred choice with many major hospital projects across Australia, including The Royal Hobart Hospital, The Memorial Hospital Adelaide, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Adelaide’s Calvary Hospital to name a few. It is wonderful to see that the unique qualities of Acrovyn by Design® are now being recognized as suitable for use in the care of our much-loved pets undergoing veterinary care as well.Did you know that the number of Australians who are adopting or fostering pets since the COVID-19 restrictions were introduced has exploded? According to the RSPCA, many people are now adopting pets because they feel that they finally have the time to settle a new animal into their home. It is also believed that home isolation has increased the desire among many single people for a companion. The RSPCA has reported a 45% increase in dog adoptions and a 20% increase in cat adoptions since COVID19 began.Consider Acrovyn by Design® for your next project; for design flexibility, impact resistance and easy to clean maintenance in veterinary hospital environments. In addition, Acrovyn by Design® allows for fast installation when faced with tight project schedules in 24/7, critical care operating workplaces.