"access control systems"

S2 Ep 6 - The new sliding doors were Alspec's Carinya Classic Sliding Doors combined with the Carinya Classic Sliding Window.

A large multi-purpose facility called The Clubhouse is the popular new hub of a lifestyle community near Hervey Bay in Queensland.

Modernist cube shaped construction paying tribute identifiable artistic references

Water tanks with a difference

A combination of Alspec products were used together with large expanses of glass and diverse spaces for this modern learning hub.

Britex are proud to be involved in Randwick City Council’s refurbishment of Coogee Oval in NSW. Featuring a comprehensive upgrade of the current landscape, the installation of brand new facilities including male, female and accessible bathrooms feature Britex’ Signature high quality public amenities products such as vandal resistant toilets, hand basins and slab urinal and urinal pods. The Britex products installed as part of this project include: Britex Vandal Resistant Wall Mounted Round Basins (Product Code HBWMR)Britex Vandal Resistant Accessible Hand Basin (Product Code HBDA) Britex Centurion Accessible Pans with Vandal Resistant Toilet Seats (Product Code PCD) Britex Centurion Ambulant Pans with Vandal Resistant Toilet Seats (Product Code PCAM) Britex Centurion Standard Pan with Vandal Resistant Toilet Seats (Product Code: PC-SVRC-B) Britex Vandal Resistant Sanistep Urinal with Smart Sensor Flush Britex Vandal Resistant Sensor Activated Urinal Pods (Product Code: URAM)

A bold geometric façade with striking patterned glazing is the new face of 21st century education at this historic Adelaide College.

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

Alspec window and door framing solutions give the conference centre and hotels a unique look and feel.

The worlds of glazing and surfing collide to produce an impressive training facility at Casuarina Beach in northern NSW.

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.”

SAS International's bespoke waveform acoustic baffle ceiling solution was used as a feature in the new Skype Headquarters. An SAS International bespoke waveform acoustic baffle ceiling solution incorporating luminaires by Zumtobel, was specified by Walker and Martin Architects (WAM) for the new Skype Headquarters. Situated in Luxembourg, the new building forms part of the regeneration works to an existing brewery located in Clausen, the old quarter of Luxembourg City. The challenge set by the client was to provide an interior that would inspire innovation in the daily workplace of Skype employees whilst retaining an element of corporate sophistication. The solution helped create a dynamic and flexible office space. In the design, development and installation of the system, WAM worked closely with SAS International, to ensure the baffles integrated seamlessly with the luminaires to suit the ceiling and building shape. WAM designed the acoustic baffle ceiling solution with technical help from SAS International, then developed the layout to achieve the ‘wave’ and ‘fluid’ affect. Stuart Walker adds, “The ceiling design gives an uplifting ambience to the space, people ‘look up’ when they enter and immediately know they are in a space that challenges office convention with innovative thinking.” Another consideration that WAM took when selecting materials for the fit out process was the impact on the environment. SAS International metal ceilings have a lifespan in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance. These products withhold a residual value and can be recycled at end of life into new virgin steel or aluminium without any loss of properties; this ensures products do not end up in costly and unsustainable landfill sites.

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.

The Hadspen Bull Run Reserve playground is an excellent example of a community playground that suits everyone! Located within the Meander Valley Council in Tasmania, the park is a central hangout for the community in Hadspen. The vast range of equipment within the park is what makes this playground so special. There is something for all ages and interests, with a play unit, flying fox, multi-user rocker, wheelchair carousel, swings, single rocker, interactive panels, and a fitness station. While there is plenty for children, the fitness station also provides for the older demographic that may be minding the children on the playground, or doing their morning workout. Having the playground accessible was an important feature in the brief provided to adventure+. To reflect this, our design team included rubber paths for access through the playground, with access to low-level interactive panels and a wheelchair carousel. With our serious approach to play, we always aim to make our playground designs engaging and enjoyable. But, making the playground attractive is also essential. Selecting a modern colour scheme, as well as a play panel with an engraved bull image, makes the playground enticing, and ties the design to the name of the park.

Alspec window and door framing products maximise natural light and integrate the diverse requirements of this performance space.

The safety product Invisi-Maxx has been used in a practical, creative manner and turned into a striking design feature.

Former iconic grain silos transformed into residential apartments using Alspec's window and door framing products.

The Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) now benefit from a highly progressive workspace in their newly refurbished head office on Parramatta Street. The main aim of the refurbishment project was to improve facilities and collaborative spaces for staff and visitors. However, a significant challenge for the contractors was to keep all existing communications rooms fully operational throughout the project. Achieving the Aim: SAS800 Trucell ceilings were installed in the open plan lounges and stairwells of the renovation. Creating a grid of squares, strong lines stretch the length and breadth of the collaborative space. The system gives a decorative feature to the fit-out with the illusion of a much larger space for activity-based working. Comfortable lounge furniture and bright colours have also been chosen to encourage communication and create a flexible working space. Meeting the Challenge: Specified with a lay-in exposed grid, each tile slots in place without the need for gaskets or cutting. With the building in constant use, installation was quick and easy keeping the project on schedule with minimal disruption. Popular in Australian CBD property markets, the refit considers occupant well-being with Grade A ‘end of trip’ facilities. An upgraded lobby area also contributes to the value-added space with an improved experience for employees and visitors alike.

Currently, Quest is on an aggressive expansion drive throughout Australia, with seven projects to be completed over the next 12 months. Specifically, the freshly completed Quest on Franklin in Central Adelaide of which, Rondo has provided over 200,000l/m worth of product. Working alongside Kyren Group, Ceiling Express and Cheesman Architects, Rondo delivered frequent technical design support, as well as stock level forecasting which was imperative to control the crane lifts.

International technology firm Microsoft have recently moved into their brand-new office located in Leopardstown. SAS International designed and manufactured a range of metal ceilings and bespoke metalwork installed in the multi award-winning innovation hub. This modern office signifies the celebration of an extensive 30-year history Microsoft share with Ireland. SAS500 linear baffles were supplied in either RAL 9016 (Black) or in a pre-coat timber effect to enhance the natural, organic character of this project. Installed in the main office areas, galvanised SAS130 T-Grid in RAL 9016 was chosen for its industrial demeanour and sharp appearance. SAS330 C-Profiles have also been supplied in a pre-coat timber effect, achieving the popular timber natural impression while still providing the longevity and benefits of metal. Installed in a unique triangular grid pattern, this ceiling adheres to the contemporary aesthetic of an exposed ceiling. The new building has been designed with the 2,000 Microsoft employees needs in mind creating large open spaces with the aim to promote engagement amongst colleagues. SAS International achieved the artistic vision of RKD architects through the collaboration with BAM and Platt & Reilly.

Designed by Smart Design Studio, the building is an honest layering of old and new as expressed by the raw treatment of the exterior façade through to the smooth, modern interior. The rooftop addition connects the double-height banks of glass Breezway Louvres with an articulated aluminium roof folding down as a screen to the back of the building. The end result successfully incorporates flexible and functional office interiors and a two-bedroom rooftop apartment within a rigorously controlled contemporary architecture of old and new.

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 £70 million project saw SAS International design and manufacture bespoke spun alum­inium profiled discs, acoustic metal wall panelling and System 600 rafts in the new terminal. The architects 3D Reid had to make the building light, airy and modern yet the façade and various materials used within the terminal had to withstand potential of a security breach. All products installed ‘land-side’ were required to meet the requirements of Aviation Security in Airport Development (ASIAD). The result answers aesthetic demands, yet provides the highest level of performance for the requirements of the building. For the design to be realised, square aluminium sheets were cut by the manufacturer into a circle and spun into a dome. Installation in such an environment means safety cables had to be attached to each disc, wall panel, tile and raft to ensure they do not fall and cause injury. Allowance for safety cables to be attached had to be taken into consideration during the design phase. Large vertical wall panels with an ultra-micro perforation were also specified to provide the necessary acoustic properties required for this vast open space. The very fine 0.7mm perforation, with 1% open area, helps to manage acoustics within the large open spaced terminal. The off-site modular manufacture of the architectural metalwork products meant installation was quicker, which causes less disruption to such a busy environment, and in addition there is no waste on site. Aesthetic versatility can be achieved using SAS International Architectural Metalwork throughout projects. It also allows for inte­gration of M&E services into the building design while meeting design demands and durability requirements. The range includes acoustic baffles, acoustic wall panels, air handling units, bespoke ceilings, and column casings.

Birmingham New Street Station was originally re-built in 1967 to accommodate 650 trains carrying 60,000 passengers per day. By 2010 it had become the busiest station outside of London, operating at more than twice its intended capacity. The first half of the refurbishment was completed in 2013. The station’s recently updated configuration should now accommodate a yearly 8.3% rise in passenger numbers. SAS International commenced work on the three-phase project in June 2012. NG Bailey and main contractor Mace installed SAS systems across the platforms, the shopping centre and the concourse. Full scale, physical mock-ups of the bespoke ceiling solutions were built on-site to ensure design intent prior to installation. The integration of fans for smoke extraction and complex wind loads had to be considered to guarantee passenger safety. The wind loads were a concern as trains passing platforms at speed can cause considerable negative loads. Bespoke ceilings comprising fixed angle bulkheads were installed in line with the curving platforms. The typically trapezoidal bulkheads were bolted end to end in order to form a faceted layout to follow these curves. Using shared data from the project’s BIM model, SAS International used a point cloud to measure the platforms and 3D model the panels. The model’s geometry revealed that the platforms were all non-uniform. This posed a significant design challenge. The data required careful analysis in order to achieve a smooth curved line within the platform edge. This was essential to provide train drivers with an unobstructed view coming into and out of the station. The SAS International design team was able to rationalise the number of unique panel types down to four. This overcame the driver visibility issue, ensured uncompromised aesthetics and brought costs within budget. Electronic Total Station setting-out techniques were then used to set out the panels along the curve.

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.

This modern townhouse development in West Essendon has given ZINTL the opportunity to truly show its style and contemporary design. Chosen as a statement to the façade at this modern development, the popular Standing Seam 190 profile was powder coated in Dulux Charcoal Satin Finish. A vertical installation adds to the leading-edge architectural style captured within this project.

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.  

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.

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.

Offering a wide range of colours, limitless design opportunities and stock availability in custom colours, ALUCOBOND PLUS®, MondoClad® and ZINTL® are the ideal products for orporate branding signage and external building cladding. Unlike other alternatives, the HVG Façades premium range incorporates attributes such as long-term colour consistency, weather resistance, excellent flatness, rigidity and formability, as well as ease of maintenance.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Data Center was recently built using our premium aluminium cladding solution, MondoClad®. FDC Building engaged Archer Facades to install this unique cladding design on the BAC Data Center. Archer Facades’ aim was not only to meet the architectural design requirements, but also to exceed them. External Cladding on a building is a focal point and a showcase for many projects that Archer Facades installs. Therefore, MondoClad® was a fit for purpose product for both the installer and the builder.

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. 

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.”

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

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

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.