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The headquarters of the BNL-BNP Paribas Group building is a stunning example of how to successfully combine innovative architectural design with optimum comfort and wellbeing for the building’s occupants. Due to the clever structural glazing, the aesthetics are visually appealing, reflecting the building’s surroundings on all sides and changing its appearance depending on the time of day and the weather.

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.

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.

One of the suites at the St John of God Bendigo Hospital, features a bath for pain relief, and an Acrovyn by Design wall mural.

Residents benefit from Alspec’s high end acoustic framing, windows and doors

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

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.

Acrovyn by Design, was the ideal product to promote a fun and healing environment in the children's unit of the Royal Hobart Hospital. Displaying images that portray an Antarctic theme throughout 47 bedheads of the hospital for the use of aesthetics and protecting the walls of the hospital.

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.

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.

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.

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 NSW SES used Acrovyn by Design, where the walls were all white and needed some visualisation.

To tackle the car park issues, the CS Zip Block (ZB Series) expansion joint cover was selected as part of the solution.

Designed by Tempus Design Studio, this project won the BDAQ Regional Design Awards 2019 – New Houses $500,001 – $750,000 Construction Cost. Breezway Louvre Windows feature a unique modern design that helps suit the brief for this ‘Curved Abode’. Along with modern aesthetics, Breezway Louvre Windows are designed to open wide to allow maximum airflow into the living areas whilst providing clear, uninterrupted views for the family to enjoy. An ideal window choice for this design.

The University of Sydney Queen Mary Building features the following RBA products:B2890 – Jumbo Toilet Roll HolderB2111 – Vertical Soap DispenserB2112 – Horizontal Soap DispenserB262 – Paper Towel DispenserB1658 1639 – Accessible Compliant MirrorRBA4090-301 – 90° RH + 300 Straight Grab Rail SetRBA4000-090 – 900mm Straight Grab RailRBA4177-161 – Aluminium Shower Curtain TrackRBA4177-999-002 – Taffeta Shower CurtainRBA4090-450 – 90° Ambulant Grab RailRBA4000-060 – 600mm Straight Grab RailB819687 – Folding Shower SeatB683 x 24 – Stainless Steel ShelfB295 x 14 – Accessible Compliant Shelf

Springvale Rise Primary School engaged adventure+ to redevelop two of the school’s playgrounds. Utilising funds provided from a government election promise enabled the school to provide the best for their students. The scope included designing and installing two spectrum+ combination units and one large pinnacle+ rope climbing structure in the areas. As part of the package, adventure+ supplied and installed shade sails and undersurfacing in both play areas. Careful selection of colours ensured the playgrounds both matched with the surrounding environment and newly constructed buildings and gave an inviting and engaging atmosphere for the students. The pinnacle+ rope structure has been so successful for the school that they have to roster turns for the children! Providing the entire playground package ensured the playground redevelopment experience was as smooth as possible for the school.

Acrovyn by Design was applied to doors at a local Perth nursing home.

SAS International provided an unusual feature perforation to a metal ceiling solution for Cork County Council’s redevelopment of their MOT office. The refurbishment of Cork County Council has created an outstanding open plan office for their upgraded MOT Office. Included in the redevelopment is the installation of 240 meters squared of acoustic SAS500, with a unique OB50 perforation, installed within the open plan office, meeting rooms and cellular offices. Conserving the original architectural features was significant when embarking on the reconstruction of the building. SAS500 was chosen to accommodate the spacing of existing structural beams, the system hung on secondary grids to adhere to specific architectural requirements. To adhere to the recent popularity in open soffit trends, SAS500 offers a solution in addition to providing acoustic absorption. A unique OB50 perforation was specified in the design of the baffles for this project. SAS International worked in collaboration with Cork County Council Architects and CField Construction to provide bespoke design solutions for this project.

​About the ProjectThe sporting history of Waverly Oval dates from the 1880s when the Waverley Cricket Club gained approval to construct a pitch. Football codes also began using the park at this time. In 1890, the oval was created, and in 1898 the Waverley District Baseball club was founded at the oval.The first pavilion was built by the Waverley Cricket Club in the 1890s and Council built a second pavilion in 1908 with expanded facilities for the benefit of the cricketers and the public. This Pavilion was replaced in 1939 with an Inter War Functionalist style building. In April 2012 the new Waverley Park Pavilion was named the Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre, in honour of the long association the late Margaret Whitlam (AO) had with the Waverley area. The pavilion was chosen because of its civic, community and recreational facilities incorporating several important aspects of Margaret Whitlam’s life.ProblemRemediation of the pedestrian areas of Margaret Whitlam Grandstand was completed 5 years ago but unfortunately was not successful due to product failure (not Tremco). Council contacted Tremco to provide an acceptable solution with the requirements that the new system needed to come with a 15 year warranty.The challenge of this project was not the 15 year warranty period, but the need for a low odour solution due to the area being in a Public/Government venue. Not all membranes have Low VOC properties.SolutionTremco recommended Vulkem 350/951NF/951NF for the job, which is not only low odour but also offers a 15 year warranty period as required from the council. Tremco offering onsite support throughout the project gave the council confidence in our product.Vulkem 350/951NF/951NF, is a composite waterproofing system comprised of tough-curing liquid polyurethane. It cures to form a durable rubber membrane surface that provides a lasting and easy-to-clean waterproof and trafficable coating. Textured surfaces for traffic will use an aggregate-laden top membrane to aid in wear and slip resistance.

About the ProjectSea Temple is unrivalled as THE 5-star resort in Port Douglas. The beautifully manicured grounds, stylish accommodation, world class facilities and spectacular 3000m2 central swimming lagoon, places Sea Temple in another league when compared with other resorts in the region. Sea Temple Luxury Apartments is a collection of 6 stunning 2 and 3 bedroom Swim-out and Penthouse apartments within the Pullman Sea Temple resort complex. The apartments have been selected for their ideal positions within the resort, relaxed atmosphere and unparralled quality facilities set the scene for pure enjoyment.The ChallengeWhen you are working with one of the most prestigious resorts in Port Douglas where the highest quality of facilities, services and experiences are expected, you need to provide unparalled results. Also when your guests are paying a premium price, your solution needs to be low odour so as to not disrupt the experience of paying guests whilst the work is being completed. The harsh North Queensland conditions demand a high quality product strong enough to withstand all types of weathering. So when Sea Temple Apartments discovered a problem with their waterproofing a high quality but aesthetically pleasing solution was the only option.Tremco SolutionWith the contractor previously using liquid membranes, a more robust and durable solution was needed which would also provide the warranty, demanded of a high quality building such as Sea Temple.Having previously completed many other successful projects with Tremco Systems, the applicator had trust in the Tremco solution, and a dual layer of Tremproof Torch 3000 seemed the logical choice for this end high development. The low VOC and odour levels of Tremproof Torch 3000 helped seal the deal in the built up 5 star accommodation to reduce neighbourhood discomfort.

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.

Designed by Woods Bagot Pty Ltd and built by Lend Lease Group, BCG manufactured curved heat strengthened laminated glass panels for the feature stair to the entry lobby of the first completed commercial tower at Barangaroo – International Towers Sydney (ITS) 2. Working closely with Woods Bagot Architects and fabricators F & D Normoyle Engineering, BCG assisted with the fine tuning of the detail design. BCG’s precision bending and laminating processes provided the quality of finish and timely supply required to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Designed by Tempus Design Studio, this project was the winner of the BDAQ Regional Design Awards 2019 – New Houses $750,001 – $1,000,000 Construction Cost. Breezway Louvre Windows are incorporated into the bedrooms, kitchen and alfresco area to offer a number of benefits to the homeowners including fresh air and wide open views out onto the natural surroundings. When closed, they offer protection from the elements so outdoor time can be enjoyed without the worry of the weather changing.

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.

Demanding structural and acoustic requirements

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

Imagine waking up in this 4-star luxury hotel with panoramic view of the IJ and the city of Amsterdam. Hotel Jakarta: a BREEAM Excellent certified energy-neutral hotel in Amsterdam. Designed with sustainability in mind. Unique for the Netherlands is the 30-meter-high timber structure of the hotel. All columns, ceilings and frames are made from natural, FSC or PEFC certified wood. The south and east façades are covered with 700 m2 of building-integrated solar energy panels (BIPV panels). The glass roof that covers the atrium also contains BIPV cells that, in addition to collecting energy, also function as sun blinds for the subtropical inner garden. The atrium is the center of the hotel and works as a temperature controller in both summer and winter. On each side of the building, rooms have their own covered outdoor space that functions as a structural awning. A custom made revolving door provides access to the hotel where there is a dynamic public area with various bars, restaurants, coffee corners and a wellness center. This transparent revolving door is almost 6 meters high and fits perfectly with the appearance of the facade. In addition, this type of entrance solution is in line with the sustainability requirements of the building.

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.

At Bostik, innovation comes in many forms.Ultraset® 3 in 1 is Bostik Australia's premium timber floor adhesive incorporating Thickness Control™ Spacer Technology, a proprietary feature consisting of recycled, ground-up car tyres mixed throughout the adhesive.When applied, the Thickness Control™ Spacers act like tiny rubber pillars, suspending the timber and maintaining optimal adhesive thickness to ensure superior performance as a moisture and impact sound reduction membrane.For West Side Place, Ultraset® 3 in 1 presented significant time and cost savings vs conventional multi-layer acoustic systems by eliminating the need to install a separate moisture barrier, acoustic underlay and additional layers of adhesive. Efficiencies that flowed directly onto the construction team, supporting trades and ultimately the developer, delivering a high performance solution within budget, ahead of schedule all the while guaranteeing a compliant and comfortable environment.

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.

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 modernisation of this 1960s home in WA has been achieved through combining the base of the former structure with a new design emphasising open plan living and stunning ocean views.

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.

One New Change features SAS International bespoke metal ceiling panels with an expanded metal mesh, finished in silver, red and black. The ground-breaking, bold and perceptive £300 million One New Change mixed-use development project won the MIPIM AR Future Project Award 2010. Now complete, the building has become known as the ‘Stealth Bomber’ after the radar-proof combat plane that inspired its faceted form and has also won a RIBA 2011 Award for London and LDSA Building Excellence Award. The design incorporates pedestrian arcades converging at the core of the building, reinstating a historic north-south pedestrian route and allowing new panoramas of London’s landmark St Paul’s Cathedral. SAS International supplied the ceiling solution for the retail corridors of the development with a concealed suspension system, working closely with the architects to create a result where no visible fixings can be seen through the ceiling plane. To complement this, bespoke metal ceiling panels were produced with an expanded metal mesh, finished in silver, red and black. A challenging material to work with, to ensure the mesh held a uniform shape and corners for the panels could be formed accurately, SAS International’s solution was to create a ‘picture frame’ behind each panel. This also helped to provide support for the concealed attachment bolts. Design challenges at One New Change included the building grid size and shape (it was termed the most difficult site in Europe), the complex geometry of the structure (including some tight ceiling to structural beam heights), and a shared fire strategy between retail and office storeys. Requirements to achieve an environmentally-friendly building, complying with Part L and BREEAM ratings, were also critical and the design uses a materials palette of limestone, metal, mirror and a new method of fritted glass on the exterior to help shield the interior from glare.

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.