"raised access floor"

Craigieburn Central ­­­­is a highly anticipated development providing residents of the area one of Australia’s freshest retail experiences. Through weekly site inspections and design assistance, Rondo will support the project and in particular builder Lend Lease and contractor Expoconti to achieve their ultimate goal of developing a unique and accessible shopping district for Craigieburn residents.

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.

With a northerly aspect overlooking serene Lake Orr, a residential apartment development in Varsity Lakes, Queensland, is setting a new standard in waterside living. Set over seven levels, the two and three bedroom apartments of “South Lakes at Varsity” all feature inviting balconies to capitalise on the location, accessed through Alspec’s Altitude Apartment Sliding Doors.

The project has utilised a various range of Rondo products, including Stud and Track, DUO Concealed Grid System and PANTHER Access Panels to name a few. Rondo generously donated many of these products to this amazing charity, part FOC and part subsidised. With the official opening in May 2011, this house that will lend a hand to thousands of struggling families is sure to make a difference.

new beach house on Sydney's Northern Beaches her brief was to create a home that embraced the surrounding vernacular of casual, barefoot living and allowed access to a breezy beach focussed lifestyle.Built as a young family’s holiday retreat, the homes coastal design is based around a series of stacked pavilions which invite you to move through the space as you feel the volumes expand and contract. 

Being one of the largest public healthcare precincts in Australia at 160,000 m² and spread across 20 hectares of land at Birtinya north of Brisbane, we present the 750 bed Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH). The SCUH has been designed for Queensland Health to be a world class health facility providing exceptional healthcare to its patients as part of Queensland Health’s vision for the future.Incorporated within this Hospital’s health precinct, this state-of-the-art facility offers numerous services for staff and patients. With all that the SCUH has to offer, it was vital that all the equipment and fittings that were required needed to be compliant, safe, practical and had an exceptional appearance. This is where the CS Group was able to provide a portfolio of products to the project that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.All hospitals have high volumes of wheeled corridor traffic, these day-to-day movements are commonly encountered in a busy hospital. Due to this traffic, it is difficult to keep walls in their original pristine condition. To try to limit the damage that can be caused by wayward trolleys and gurneys, wall protection is put in place.Construction Specialties have supplied a portfolio of products to the SCUH to meet these needs. Starting with their corner protection for the gyprock walls, the CS Group’s VA 250N corner guard can be found throughout the Hospital in both 90 and 135 degree configurations protecting salient corners from damage. Protecting the walls from damage is CS Model SCR-48N crash rail, a 152 mm wide x 32 mm deep Acrovyn crash rail that is installed in the Hospital in both single and double runs for maximum protection. CS Model HRB-4CN Acrovyn handrail, which also acts as a high-level bump rail, completes the wall protection package.Posing a separate challenge to designers were the two Isolation Wards. Both are located within the Hospital in such a way that neither has access to an external window. Rather than have patients stare at blank walls during their stay, CS were asked if we had a solution to the problem. Our graphic imaging product, Acrovyn by Design was suggested as a possible solution and was accepted. Both wards now have a full height wall mural of a relaxing beach scene to look at rather than a typical blank white hospital wall alongside their beds.With such large footprints, each floor of the Hospital required extensive use of expansion joint covers. Construction Specialties were called on to help with the design and specification of expansion joint covers for the project. The CS Group’s SGR Model expansion joint cover was selected for the project as it is available in various widths, the Hospital being 5 floors, as well as allowing a flush mounted finish. The SGR was also chosen for its ability to accommodate wheeled traffic and meet the stringent requirements of infection control associated with a hospital project.Beautiful and practical are two words that can be used to describe the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. An amazing project featuring various CS products throughout the Hospital.

The tower corridors to the hotel rooms followed a slight curve and the Rondo Technical Services Team were engaged to provide many engineered designs for both internal and external wall framings, as well as internal ceilings and external soffit framings. This included Stud & Track, MAXIframe External Wall Framing System, EXANGLE Finishing Sections and PANTHER Access Panels, all needed to meet the detail required throughout the tower and podium levels.

With a demand for leading scientific research facilities growing year upon year, the South Australian Government commissioned the development of the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Since the project commenced in 2010, Rondo has supplied our KEY-LOCK Suspended Ceiling System, Steel Stud and Track, DUO Exposed Grid Ceiling System, PANTHER Access Panels, Shaftwall and Walk-About Trafficable Ceiling System.

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."

he developments $247.3m price tag makes it marginally more expensive than the $246m Adelaide University building next door. HIB will house the Centre for Cancer Biology and UniSA’s pharmacy school, with 450 researchers between them. Rondo’s involvement included providing ceiling and wall systems using our Shaftwall One-Way Erected System, KEY-LOCK Concealed Ceiling System and PANTHER Access Panels to create the desired effect.

The IKEA Majura features the following RBA products:RBA4150-230 – 90° Wraparound Grab Rail & Backrest, Left HandB686 – Double Toilet Roll HolderB2111 – Vertical Soap DispenserB295 x 14 – Accessible Compliant ShelfB542 – Cubicle HookKB200-01SS – Koala Kare Baby Change Table | Stainless VeneerRBA4090-450 – 90° Grab Rail, Ambidextrous | AmbulantB2892 – Jumbo Twin Toilet Roll Holder

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.

CollaborationArchitect: JPW and Marchese PartnersBuilder: EQ ConstructionsDeveloper: Aoyuan InternationalMaterial & ApplicationWe applied our specified ECOTONE Minsil to precast concrete elements onsite using swing stage access.OutcomeThe Lennox stands proudly on the riverside at the junction of the historic Lennox bridge and Church Street Parramatta. Our colour finishes work perfectly with the building and surrounds. The Lennox has gone on to win ‘Best International Project’ at the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards in San Francisco.

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.

Installation of floor and wall coverings, Sealants application, Surface preparation, Tile & stone installation systems, Waterproofing

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.

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.

Stunning views and natural light pervade this Mosman home with the inclusion of creative window framing elements, an internal courtyard and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.

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.

Part of a vast regeneration programme to improve student amenities, the UoB invested £60m in a state-of-the-art academic library. The project aimed to celebrate the wider campus architectural styles and improve access to new resources like e-journals and wireless charging stations. Associated Architects chose SAS International to provide the high acoustic and finishing touches to the academic interior fit-out. In order to create an effective library environment, acoustic performance must also be carefully considered. With the aim to create a space suited for thousands of scholars, bespoke acoustic metal wall panels were supplied to the library. Depending on the location of each tile, the panels were finished in white and black-grey PPC or anodised in regency gold. Specified with a 23% or 50% open area, the panels act as acoustic absorbers with an oblong perforation. Each panel is fitted with a black, fleece-wrapped acoustic pad for high performance. The architects specified three additional acoustic treatments for open soffit areas over computer clusters and lounge spaces. SAS500 baffles and bespoke ring shaped and circular rafts were created by SAS International to fulfil this requirement. The discs and raft-halos are an SAS150 hybrid designed to fulfil acoustic and service requirements while contributing to the contemporary look. Consisting of multiple panels, the concealed grid system creates a smooth finish enclosed using a steel perimeter trim. Long 3m baffles were also installed in a continuous sequence along walkways and group study areas. These options provide durable acoustic solution, minimising maintenance and improving access to the soffit and services.

The new Student Center at Columbia College Chicago, located at 754 South Wabash Avenue in Chicago, opened its doors in the fall of 2019. This brand-new building offers five spectacular stories of spaces for students including music and film-screening rooms, dining options, a fitness centre, a reflection room for meditation and prayer, and event spaces for meetings, performances, and receptions. Columbia College Chicago has a closed campus. In order to enter any building on campus students and staff must have a Columbia ID or visitors must have a valid appointment. The main entrance at the Student Centre is the Tourniket manual revolving door that leads to a public foyer that includes a coffee shop and lounge. Since the speed gates are just past the security desk at the boundary of this area, they serve as a visual and physical indicator of where the public area terminates. Next to the Speedlane Open speed gates, which are notable because they do not have any closing barriers, guards watch as people pass through them to ensure that everyone is scanning their IDs and that the IDs are valid, in which case the speed gate shows a green light. In a situation where a red light shows and the gate alarms, the guard will check the person’s credentials and can try to troubleshoot the ID card. “The decision was really about what creates the least barrier to those entering and exiting the building,” said Dutil. “We don't really want our students to feel like they are overly policed or that our buildings are not accessible to them. So the design of the Open speed gates provided the best solution in terms of controlling access without being obtrusive." Swift Passage While Maintaining Accountability Before the Student Center was built, students entering any campus building would just show their ID to the security officer as they walked past. The administration realised that while this does provide some level of security, it is not foolproof – particularly when many people are entering at the same time for a class. The College’s head of security made the suggestion to install a system that would allow for swift passage of authorised people while maintaining accountability around who enters and exits the building. As anticipated, there was a brief learning curve for the students using the new system. “This was the first system like this on our campus,” said Dutil. “And the first few days that the new Centre was open were also the first few days of school. There were a lot of people new to the campus who required a bit of coaching from guards and our student staff in terms of where to place your card, and to not walk through before you place your card.” Coming Out Ahead of Swinging Doors Dutil confirms that the access systems placed at Boon Edam speed gates are actually outperforming those placed at swing doors across the campus for convenience and adoption. Across the campus, there is a card reader at every swing door entrance of a building where you present your card and a light turns red or green. But oftentimes the card reader is missed, or depending on the placement of the lights and placement of the guard, it can be kind of hit or miss with students walking right by it. “But with the Open speed gates, they're very visible and although they're not a total barrier to entry, they are something that's right in front of you. Because it's very noticable and not easily overlooked, the students have learned pretty quickly to get their ID out. In fact, this was meant to be a test run for the campus to ensure it would be viable and worthwhile for other buildings as well.” Advanced Features Add Value and Flexibility The speed gates have delivered additional benefits beyond basic campus security, according to Dutil. “One of the nice things about a system like this is that we can count visitors to the Student Centre because we get the data of everybody that scans in. So on a busy day for us it's about 2500 people throughout the day. That can range depending on what's going on and what time of year it is. On weekends we're very slow, since there are no classes – maybe 900 to 1200.” “We are a rental venue as well, so we have times where the building is open to non-Columbia College Chicago people for events or other functions. There's a really convenient touch panel right at the security desk called the BoonTouch, where the officer can turn off the turnstiles during those times and then attendees can move through freely without any alarms going off at all.” A New Revolving Door Adds Comfort and Peace of Mind Finally, the Tourniket manual revolving door delivers one additional benefit to the Student Centre, located in a city known for harsh weather. “Revolving doors are always preferred at a building like this that gets a lot of traffic going in and out. We have cold, drafty weather that blows right into our main space at that first floor entry. The revolving door helps to keep the building warm and saves energy and utility costs as well,” said Dutil. “Students feel safe and comfortable entering the building at night,” he concludes. “Our building has a lot of nooks and crannies, and someone can end up alone in a space. And so I think knowing that the only people that are in that building are the ones that are supposed to be there is helpful. Overall, our students appreciate the effort to try to keep them safer.”

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!

Commissioned by Hobson Bay City Council as part of the PA Burns Reserve and Altona Dog Beach Upgrade, Britex supplied a set of purpose built, custom designed Vandal Resistant Stainless Steel Dog Showers. Accessible Drinking Fountains with additional Dog Bowl were also supplied. The Customised Britex Dog Shower supplied included: 4 x Vandal Resistant Stainless Steel Square Dog Showers Manufactured from Marine Grade Stainless Steel Various heights supplied, 800mm and 1200mm options Integrated Lead Connectors • Vandal Resistant Time Flow Tapware Multiple Shower Sets installed at different heights for small and big dogs Integrated Safety Grab Rails

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.

The resort offers numerous accommodation styles, most beautifully appointed with balconies or terraces. These are complimented by a range of fun filled holiday activities, magical dining experiences, contemporary facilities, secluded beaches and stunning rain forest. Mapei was a part of the following installments: Floor/wall coverings, sealant applications, surface preparation and waterproofing.

For a busy place like The Star casino complex in Sydney, it’s important for visitors and employees alike to be able to come and go from the car park without any hassles. But after a significant amount of wear and tear, The Star’s existing metal expansion joint covers were leaking between floors. Not only that, they were a trip hazard too as the fixings began to dislodge.

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.

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

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.

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.

The University of Melbourne’s (UoM) Biosciences building is the perfect example of how to match a consistent timber throughout an entire space. And not just any timber. Australian Oak Engineered Flooring, cleverly partnered with GoodWood Victorian ash and IronAsh. To coincide with one of HASSELL’s philosophies to ‘continuously improve environmental performance and energy efficiencies as well as create healthier working environments’, the UoM building demonstrates an accurate representation of sustainable design and the connection of nature to increase productivity.

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.