"natural floor coverings"

Protective epoxy flooring in mining maintenance workshop.

Decorative metallic flooring in a Baskin Robbins store.

Decorative metallic floor in an inner-city cafe.

Non-slip epoxy flooring in a commercial kitchen.

Decorative epoxy flooring with concrete finish in retail outlet.

Protective epoxy flooring in a large warehouse and manufacturing facility.

Non-slip epoxy flooring in a roof tile factory.

Non-slip epoxy flooring in a railway maintenance workshop.

Non-slip epoxy flooring in a mining maintenance workshop.

Wellington Airport previously used warm hand dryers and paper towels. Their motivations for changing hand drying method were to find a more environmentally sustainable form of hand drying, also wanting to avoid the slip hazard that can result from water on the floor. Project Architect, Katherine Skipper explains "The Dyson Airblade Wash+Dry provided the perfect solution for the problems they were having with water on the floor and constant restocking of paper towels."

The City of Boston is known for many things – from Fenway Park to the Boston Marathon to the bar from Cheers, the city is full of iconic landmarks, events, cultural assets, education centers, and more. The City is also recognised for its vast history, especially downtown, where hundred-year-old buildings have been preserved or restored. There is also a mixture of new property development, including 33 Congress Street, in the heart of the financial district, which combines the best of historical design with new construction. 33 Congress incorporates more than 400,000 square feet of office and retail space, transforming the historic neighborhood and positioning the area as a dynamic downtown destination. The project was designed by Arrowstreet, an award-winning architecture and design firm, and was led by Jason King, AIA, LEED, AP, BD+C, Senior Associate for Arrowstreet. Blending Historical Features with a Modern Design According to King, the 33 Congress Street building consisted of three different structures that were built at separate times: in 1904, 1906, and in 1922 and then all combined into one space. While the space functioned as one building, there were three separate elevator cores, sets of restrooms, sets of stairs, and more. Those entities needed to be reconfigured into one. The most striking feature of 33 Congress is a new, modern glass and steel structure, containing 6 additional floors of office space that sits on top of the original three masonry buildings. Another important project goal was to upgrade the main lobby to a modern design that allowed public access, increased security for building employees, and respected several historical aspects. “We needed a way to get people into the new, main elevator lobby quickly due to the high volume of traffic that we were anticipating would take place after the redesign,” King said. “We also wanted to create an entrance that would create a better flow of entry from the sidewalk into the building.” The original building had an existing revolving door, but it was small and surrounded by stone. “It was dark and uninviting,” King said. “We were creating an open and airy Class A lobby space and wanted visitors to clearly see the ornate, coffered ceiling and experience the grand and historic nature of the lobby as they entered.” Revolving Door and Speed Gates Provide Aesthetics and Function King implemented a Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket manual revolving door to lead visitors in the double height lobby space. The Crystal Tournket is constructed virtually completely from glass with only a few stainless steel accents to ensure the solidity of the revolving door. It fits seamlessly with modern glass facades but can also be a beautiful eye catcher in more traditional or classic designs. For employee access, the building’s previous design did not incorporate turnstiles to the elevator banks. “The building did have card reader access, but only at certain doors and locations,” King said. King installed four lanes of Boon Edam Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates and two Winglock Swing model access gates to provide secure employee access to the building’s upper floors. The Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gate manages and channels the flow of people entering and moving around buildings. It employs sensors that detect visitors approaching, with pulsing light strips to guide the user. A sleep function saves on energy use. It can be customised with dimensional and glass choices, including corporate identity colors or other options, so that it either blends-in or stands-out from its surroundings. The Boon Edam Winglock Swing is constructed from stainless steel and a single glass panel, and is unobtrusive in nature and design. The access gate easily manages bi-directional traffic, with LED lights that signal if the gate is in use or on standby. The access gate ties into a manned security desk located near the front doors. Employees gain access to the building through either the Lifeline turnstiles, or a Winglock Swing access gate, while building visitors can receive credentials at the security desk. King said, “We started the process looking at Boon Edam from a security and an aesthetic standpoint. We went through multiple product options but always had a Boon Edam product as the basis of the design. We have been happy with Boon Edam entrance solutions and we are planning to use them again for future projects.”

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.

Designed and built by C Plus C Architectural Workshop. Large format curved glass panels up to 2400mm high x 3500mm girth have been manufactured by Bent & Curved Glass in a variety of glass types to meet the design requirements for thermal performance, privacy, night lighting effects while also maximising natural light and a sense of space and openness. Early consultation between architect, glass manufacturer and frame fabricator and a process of glass sampling, review and selection created the best project outcomes. The quality of these glass elements has made a significant contribution to the success of this exceptional project.

This 28 metre-long facade of floor-to-ceiling glazing is constructed using Alspec’s high performance window and door framing products.

A series of versatile spaces enclosed with floor to ceiling glass feature in this new community service and entertainment centre in the South Australian city of Salisbury.

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.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors have helped create a light-filled family living space at the rear of this renovated 1920s cottage in Summer Hill, Sydney.

There were two sets of challenges involved in the Rosewood Aged Care.Firstly, waterproofing the basement. The basement was excavated around a heritage-listed building, which had to stay undamaged for the duration of the works. Piles and shotcrete were implemented for the construction, but there was no scope to install a membrane due to space and other limitations. The Markham BASE-TECT system was ideal for this situation.Second were the requirements for moisture control and permanent hygiene protection for the interior floor slabs of the residential parts of the building. This is a more routine challenge, faced by aged care facilities with concrete floor slabs. AQURON 2000 MEDI+ was selected for concrete curing enhancement and permanent hygiene sealing.

APPLICATION: 30mm Wall PanelsPROJECT LOCATION: Redland Bay QldPROJECT DETAILS: Seeping WallsPROJECT COMPLETION: Jun 2011Atlantis fixing old water seepage problemsA property in Redland Bay Qld was having water seeping through the walls of the lower part of the property, which was below ground level.A trench was excavated to expose the walls which were below ground level, and the walls were allowed to dry out.A waterproof membrane was affixed to the wall and Atlantis® Flo- pipe® geotextile wrapped perforated pipes were clicked together and laid on top of the lower fold of the water proof membrane.A run of Atlantis® Flo-cell® drainage cells was sat on the perforated pipes and taped to the waterproof membrane, to extend along the length of the trench. The run of drainage cells was covered in hydrophilic geotextile and the trench filled in with compacted gravel.The water proof membrane formed a barrier to prevent water from contacting the walls of the property, while the 30mm drainage cell formed an air gap to relieve any hydrostatic pressure on the water proof membrane. Any water entering the drainage cell falls into the perforated pipe where it is taken away. This arrangement has been used, literally, thousands of time to overcome or prevent this seepage problem.

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.”

Built by FKG Group, Queensland Cotton's Dalby Project involved the construction of two large steel framed sheds with a total floor area of almost 20,000m2. Metroll is proud to have been involved in the supply of materials to this significant expansion of storage facilities.

The six-storey car dealership opens up to the south and city streets with a fully glazed façade construction. In the evening the building reveals itself as a glass shelf. Inside the showroom, the floors are connected to each other by air spaces, creating a mix of visual relationships.

The unique spiral design of the tower is a remarkable architectural accomplishment, with an overall twist of 156 degrees clockwise – one of the most extreme twists in any architectural project. Each of the tower’s 52 floors is rotated through 3 degrees, leading to its twisted corkscrew shape.

Rondo’s Technical Team supplied emblematic CAD floor plans and designs for wall types including acoustic and fire rating to board to the manufacturer’s specifications. Onsite support from Rondo included assistance in setting out, framing, lining and finishing training as well material supply coordination.

Collaboration Architect: PB&A ArchitectsBuilder: Ganellen ConstructionPrecaster: ConcretecDeveloper: Young & PartnersMaterial & ApplicationWe created and applied various tones of ECOTONE Matt and ECOTONE Sharp to grey brick moulded precast concrete to replicate natural brickwork. Application completed within the Concretec precast yard with final finishing onsiteOutcomeAll ECOTONE colours were customised in consultation with the client to deliver a realistic aesthetic in line with the architect’s vision.TestimonialThanks for the really great job your team have done on the project. It looks bloody fantastic.The detail and effort you have put into the brick authenticity really lifts the entire project above where even we had hoped it would be. We are extremely pleased with the result, and I hope we get to work again on a future projectPeter Allison, PB&A Architects

Rondo partnered with contractors ‘Sydney Projects’ once again, along with architects ‘The Buchan Group – Sydney’ to develop and execute the proposal for this project which involved the re-development of the retail arcade through the ground floor level, along with the eastern portion of the casino to contain additional commercial/tourist facilities, external works to the existing tower building and landscaping and public domain works

For instance, the guest room ensuite walls were mainly comprised of glazed aluminium panels made overseas. Unfortunately, this meant there were minimal tolerances in the set-out. Yet, because the hotel floors were generally the same layout, Rondo created a template system for setting out most of the guest rooms while also ensuring that ceiling heights were set exactly.

AQURON 1000 penetrating hydrogel treatment was applied to the warehouse floor slabs for curing, sealing and deep hardening for durability.The slabs were poured in very high temperatures. The hydrogel treatment helped preserve the curing quality.This project was Green Star rated. AQURON 1000 is licenced to use the Environmental Choice New Zealand ecolabel, which is recognised by the Green Building Councils of Australia and New Zealand.

Working closely with SA Master Plaster as the internal drywall contractor Rondo has supplied 64 & 92mm x 0.70BMT and 92mm x 1.15BMT wall studs for the internal wall framing with over 1,000 studs being required per floor. Also the project is utilising Rondo KEY-LOCK concealed plasterboard framing for ceilings and over 2,000m2 of the external Rondo MAXIframe wall system.

Acoustic SAS International metal ceiling systems were installed in the eight-storey Eqwater office building in Paris. SAS International’s SAS330 was installed throughout the office areas in the building. SAS330 is a lay-in metal ceiling tile system that provides functionality and outstanding acoustic performance for a range of cost-effective design options. The practical nature of its structure allows ease of construction and maintenance. The corridors of the building were fitted with SAS International’s SAS205. In some areas it is not possible to use a standard hanging bracket due to the number of services in the ceiling void, SAS205 is supported at the perimeters, up to a maximum width of 3000mm, making it a perfect solution for corridors. Metal offers an inert and inherently hard-wearing surface, making metal ceiling systems both hygienic and a low-maintenance option over the course of their lifespan. Only a simple cleaning routine is required. The lifespan of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance.

The Berkeley Hotel is a luxurious and iconic hotel, housed in the fashionable district of Knightsbridge, London. When renovations were required, Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners designed a glass façade entrance to the hotel. Boon Edam Ltd was consulted to provide a stylish entry solution to complement the updated lobby entrance and reflect the luxurious image of the Berkeley Hotel brand. Business Challenges The hotel entrance required a renovation which would give guests an instant welcome upon arrival, whilst also providing a practical function to meet access needs. For a hotel as prestigious as The Berkeley, first impressions are hugely important. The entrance and welcome given by a hotel provides the guest with an indication of what to expect from their stay, so therefore the entry solution was a key consideration within the renovation project. With a constant flow of visitors in and out of the lobby, the entrance door is vital in maintaining a comfortable climate and pleasant atmosphere for guests. As sliding or swinging doors bring in cold draughts, the specification called for a revolving door to keep out wind, noise and dust. The project architect specified that the door was to be fully automatic and made entirely of glass to match the newly renovated lobby. However, for a door to be fully automatic, there must be several sensors and buffers which would have impacted the all-glass aesthetic of the entrance. Boon Edam was appointed to provide a tailored solution which could meet all the specific functional requirements, without needing to compromise on the luxurious style and quality desired. The Boon Edam Solution A Custom Designed Crystal Tourniket Due to the high-end nature of The Berkeley Hotel, attention to detail was paramount. Multiple meetings were held with the architect to ensure that Boon Edam’s team of experts could fully capture all requirements to provide the perfect, bespoke solution. Boon Edam’s Crystal Tourniket door was selected for the entrance of The Berkley Hotel; one of the most impressive and eye-catching revolving doors available. A Crystal Tourniket is constructed almost entirely from glass, with added stainless steel accents to support the solidity of the door. The End Result The Berkeley Hotel is now home to a grand lobby entrance provided by Boon Edam, which utilises natural wood in the drum wall of the Crystal Tourniket revolving door to provide guests with a warm and elegant welcome. In combination with the all-glass door set and modern lighting, the bespoke solution truly reflects the prestigious Berkley Hotel brand.

Ocean Keys is a major shopping destination in Clarkson, one of Perth’s new fast growing suburbs. This $100 million expansion completed in October 2014 included the addition of retail and fresh food stores and new residential apartments. The shopping complex is now 65% larger with a total floor space of 35,000m². Rondo supplied Key- Lock Concealed Ceiling System and steel framing for the extensive plasterboard soffits and bulkheads on the project.

APPLICATION: Road CellPROJECT LOCATION: Chan Chan PeruPROJECT DETAILS: Protecting Walkways and Preventing erosionPROJECT COMPLETION: Sep 2016Chan Chan, the largest City of the pre-Columbian era in South America is now an archaeological site in La Libertad Region, 5 kilometres west of Trujillo Peru. Chan Chan is located in the mouth of the Moche Valley and was the capital of the historical empire of the Chimor from 900 to1470, when they were defeated and incorporated into the Inca Empire. The city Chan Chan spanned 20km2 and had a dense urban centre of 6 km2.The increasing popularity of the site forced the authorities to consider how to protect the walkways and to provide drainage, to remove rain water from the site to prevent erosion. The solution was to use the Atlantis® Road CellTM 53mm drainage cell. This installation made Chan Chan the second World Heritage site in all of Peru to have a highly technical system of protection of the original pavement installed and it covered almost the entire tourist circuit with the exception of the funeral zone.A layer of water proof membrane was laid down on the walkway and the the Atlantis® Road CellTM 53mm drainage cells were clipped together on the water proof membrane and filled with gravel. Thus providing protection for the walkway and also providing a drain for directing rain water away from the archaeological site to ameliorate erosion. Also it facilitated the access of visitors, especially those with disabilities, by providing a firm stable walk way.In all 1,700 m2 of the Atlantis® Road CellTM 53mm drainage cell were laid, and filled with gravel.

To set the internal aesthetics apart from other similar projects being built in Brisbane, Wood Marsh Architects designed some jaw-dropping gold ribbon ceilings that hover above the modern curved walls, which elegantly wrap around the lobby floor. In saying this, achieving perfection is not a simple task and none of this could have been accomplished without Rondo’s technical designs and NAC’s expertise in making them come to life.

Construction has concluded on the redevelopment of the ‘old Harris Scarfe’ site at Rundle Mall in Adelaide. The renovations seek to re-energise the area but remain committed to preserve Adelaide’s most cherished department store. Four floors of retail space have had the base built by Interior Projects who have been a valued Rondo customer since 1988. Rondo provided essential technical expertise and design solutions for the fire walls and security mesh between tenancies.

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).