"office and project management"

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.

The Uni of Queensland Emmanual College features the following RBA products:The 2011 Brisbane floods initiated the refurbishment of parts of University of Queensland’s Emmanuel College and created an opportunity to upgrade student amenities. The Facilities Managers decided to control water usage by using RBA’s Time-Trol shower controller. At the same time, they chose to replace out-dated twin element ‘boiler’ water heaters with instantaneous gas. The results were astonishing. “The university estimates it is now saving $60-$70K per year in water and energy savings.”The Time-Trol Shower unit allows maintenance staff to nominate run-time and lock-out parameters. These can be selected from, and changed to, any one of 12 options. No special coding required, just the flick of a dial by staff. It was ultimately decided to offer students a 5 minutes shower with a 30 second lockout. According to university staff ‘…the students have adapted to the usage restrictions seamlessly. There hasn’t been a complaint uttered…’

Supercar, Super FinishThe new Porsche dealership in central Hamburg provides customers with the high-level comfort, convenience and safety associated with the brand. A striking new complex is being erected in Hamburg city centre, which includes the Porsche Center Hamburg Alstergate, due to open this spring. Hamburg is a leading Porsche stronghold, reputed to have the highest density of Porsche owners in the world, with a 0.8% quota of the city’s car population and nearly 1,000 vehicles a year sold regionally since 2014. Covering almost 8,000m2 of land, the Alstergate plot has over 200 parking spaces, including an underground car park with valet parking service. Attending to the growing Porsche model range, the building will have four new charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles and will be one of the few German competence centres for the 918 Spyder supercar and Carrera GT. Along with the new building, Porsche’s workforce in the region is set to grow to 115 employees.Such a prominent Porsche dealership in northern Germany’s foremost metropolis demands extraordinary standards from the construction and décor contractors entrusted with the project. Applicators Strahl, Reinigungs & Anstrichtechnik of Kiel, with whom Hempel already has long-standing commercial relations, were required to produce the extra smooth surface finishes sought by thedesigners. Furthermore, public safety is an inherent factor that has to be considered in all aspects of construction, so applicators chose to apply Hempacore One as the intermediate coat on ready-primed steelworks, prior to finishing with a topcoat of our Hempathane 87481 enamel.Both Hempacore One 43600 and its fast-drying 43601 version provide up to 120 minutes retardation in the event of fire, a factor of great importance in buildings designed for public access. Significantly on this occasion, Hempacore One does not just offer excellent passive fire protection but also certain additional features of great value to designers and applicators alike. The fact that its full fire retardant properties can be achieved with much lowerlayer thicknesses makes for speedier work and also more natural aesthetics on visible steelwork. Lower layer thickness naturally means less paint consumption, thus allowing project managers to make significant savings.Porsche’s new state-of-the-art centre in Hamburg underlines the company’s values of Tradition & Innovation; Performance & Practicality; Design & Functionality; and Exclusiveness & Social Acceptance and the professional application of Hempel coatings help to uphold and enhance those same values.

The first installation in Australasia has been completed of Boon Edam’s Circleslide architectural curved automatic sliding doors that elegantly cater to access for disability needs of modern and traditional buildings. The Circleslide installation for Mark Moran Group at Pacific Highway Warrawee on Sydney’s North Shore provides a prestigious, weather-protected entrance to a development of up-market aged care accommodation built by Next Group for Benson McCormack Architecture.  The door’s practical advantages also apply to a wide range of buildings in Australia and New Zealand, including commercial and public and private facilities, including offices, aged care, health, hospitality, restaurant, retail, tourist and transport facility uses, says Boon Edam Australia Managing Director, Michael Fisher.Circleslide installations consist of two sets of curved sliding doors – one on each of the entrance and exit sides – to provide a larger opening than traditional sliding doors, and retaining the elegant shape of revolving doors. This extra space is a major advantage for people with a disability, or those that require mobility aids. Enhanced accessibility Circleslide curved automatic sliding doors provide spacious and comfortable access for everyone using them including especially people with disability and their carers, and particularly people those with mobility issues who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, wheeled walkers and other mobility devices commonly used in workplaces and public facilities. “Access to public and private facilities is an important and increasing issue for more than five million Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities. This growing sector of the population includes the higher proportion of older people with limited mobility, including more than 750,000 Australasians who use mobility aids,” says Mr Fisher. “Where building professionals seek to provide for such people but want to retain the prestigious shape and functionality of revolving doors, Circleslide doors are an ideal solution that provides the additional capacity required,” he says. Circleslide doors complement Boon Edam’s global ranges of revolving doors, which is one of the world’s most comprehensive ranges. Their elegant design and access control functionality are preferred by architects, builders and designers for Fortune 500 companies in 27 countries. Customisable features The Circleslide door has an optional “winter mode” whereby only one sliding door opens at a time, which can reduce HVAC losses and contribute to the overall sustainability of the building. Like all Boon Edam revolving doors, Circleslide is available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, so it can be customised to the look and feel of contemporary and period buildings. The self-learning technology incorporated in the curved sliding door mechanism ensures extremely quiet and smooth movement of the doors. Options include: Interlocking modeConnection to external alarm system (e.g. fire alarm, smoke detector)Push-button free outKey impulse switchDirection sensitive motion detectorsGlass protection sheetsFloor matsAuthorised night entry·        Air curtain technology to create a barrier of air flowing from the revolving door’s canopy or sides to further extend revolving doors’ built-in advantage of excluding heat or cold to save HVAC costs through their unique always-open, always-closed configuration.  Night Locking Options include an electromechanical lock that can be unlocked with a key or by means of an optional key impulse switch.

When entering the new Segerstedthuset building at the Uppsala University in Sweden – guests, students and employees alike are cheerfully greeted by a colourful revolving door. This unique door is an art installation by renowned American artist Spencer Finch and is aptly named ‘The Colour Wheel’. The artist is best known for installations that visualise his experience of the nature of light, colour, memory. The Uppsala University is the oldest university research university in the Nordic area and this large facility is located in Uppsala, Sweden - educating 45000 students. The new Segerstedthuset building, designed by 3XN is a multi-purpose extension to the university and was conceptualised and constructed as a modern workplace for researchers, university administration and management. Boon Edam Sweden was approached to supply Spencer Finch with two Tourniket revolving doors. The doors measure a diameter of 3000 mm and a total height of 2400 mm and the 6 glass door panels provide the canvas for the light installation artist to work his magic on. Colour film is fitted between the glass which creates a truly remarkable and memorable entry experience into this urban, communal space. The Segerstedthuset building was built as a sustainable building and proved to meet high environmental standards such as efficient energy use, sound material choices and a silent indoor environment. The building is environmentally certified according to the Sweden Green Building Council at the silver level.

Mother Teresa Catholic College, WALocation – Baldivis, Perth, Western Australia      Installation Duration - 3 monthsInstallation Year – 2019                             Project Value - $15-20 millionSpecifying Architects – Parry and Rosenthal Architects TECHNICAL DETAILInstallation Type                                             NumberService penetrations                                     150Cluster penetrations                                      11Control joints                                                   700 LMConcrete slab pours                                       Grid pattern - numerousPerimeter                                                           500 LM  BACKGROUNDMother Teresa Catholic College is a progressive co- educational facility in the fast-growing suburb of Baldivis, 60 kilometres south of Perth in the City of Rockingham.The school opened in 2013 and in 2018/19 a Stage 3 Capital Development Program called for the construction of junior-secondary class-rooms and associated facilities, playing fields, courts, grounds, and extended parking. REQUIREMENTThe College’s ongoing plans for facility enhancements represents a significant investment and is worth protecting with the most effective pre-construction termite management system.The College caters for students from pre-kindergarten to Year 12. Chemical termite controls were not an option because of toxicity issues, making a clean and environmentally safe physical termite barrier the correct solution.APPROACHA typical WA site, the college’s location is predominantly flat, with sandy soils and substrates. In general, this type of environment poses a high risk for termite attack common to this region of Western Australia. SOLUTIONThe main challenge with the installation came from the rammed earth exterior walls. Their natural composition can chip easily, so nailing or sealing the termite barrier onto the wall was not practical.Our solution was to install Termimesh cold joint /paver trays to the perimeter of the concrete slab edge. These protected the concealed entry point between the slab and wall. They also engaged into the external pavement instead of against the rammed earth wall itself.BENEFITSThe Termimesh System which comprises of our 725 grade stainless steel mesh, Termiparge bonding cement and high grade stainless steel clamps not only met their strict requirement of no chemicals it will also continue to provide them with reassurance and peace of mind the comes with our market leading Pledge Guarantee. The Pledge Guarantee provides the client with a 10 year guarantee that requires no annual inspections during that initial period. The client then has the option to extend this on an ongoing basis by having an approved annual inspection.

After nearly 100 years of serving the local community, the Petersham RSL club moved to a new home this year, in a redevelopment centred on style and comfort. Part of the design brief for the architects and developers was that the indoor spaces were comfortable for guests, particularly in reception, which can often feel the effects of wind and debris entering through open doors. The developers chose a fully automatic Tourniket revolving door from Boon Edam Australia to make a grand first impression to the classy new club, which was recently opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It is the same type of cost-effective entrance used by leading hospitality venues globally to protect patrons and workers against wind, weather, and pollution, while also controlling traffic flow and opening up new sheltered areas for productive amenities. Petersham RSL CEO, Danny Fitzgerald, said “The Boon Edam revolving door creates an impressive entrance to our modern club, and was the perfect fit for our redevelopment. With this door, Boon Edam met two key specification requirements – enhancing climate control inside the club, and enhancing personal comfort in the reception area.” A welcoming entrance The 3-wing Tourniket revolving door pictured has a height of 2,650mm and diameter of 2,800mm to allow ample room for entry and egress. It has four LED warm white downlights for a pleasant and welcoming experience. A powder coated black grey finish on the exterior of the door allows it to effortlessly blend in with the building’s overall aesthetic and design. Boon Edam Australia Managing Director Michael Fisher says that a major benefit of revolving doors is that they allow visitors and staff alike to enter into a new world inside – one that is calm, quiet, and protected against allergens and climactic extremes. “In addition to customising the door to the club’s aesthetic preferences, we worked closely with Petersham RSL to deliver the doors within a complex installation involving temporary doors while other elements of the façade and reception were completed, prior to the arrival and installation of the revolving door,” he said. Boon Edam Australia is a part of the globally leading revolving door manufacturer, Royal Boon Edam, and the door selected by the Petersham RSL is a type already used by architects, builders and specifiers for Fortune 500 companies globally and for major Australian hotels, clubs, banks, offices, legislatures, and buildings. “The teams worked well together, and the result was an outstanding front façade and entrance, which will have a long-term impact on climate control and comfort,” said Fisher. Always Open, Always Closed A key benefit of revolving door systems in addition to access control is energy conservation, with their “always open, always closed” functionality providing lower HVAC losses while increasing the temperature stability and comfort of people inside. These advantages have been proven in many of the world’s leading clubs, hospitals and hotels, where visitor comfort is paramount. “Think about how much air escapes when a sliding door opens, or how much dust, pollution, or pollen can enter the front reception area. With a revolving door, only one quadrant of air is moving around each time, providing a highly effective method of controlling the indoor climate,” said Fisher. Further economy and versatility are provided where required by night locking entrance options including electromechanical locks that can be unlocked with a key or by means of an optional key impulse switch.  “These climate control features are not always considered at the design stage, so Petersham RSL has shown great foresight by specifying these outcomes early,” added Fisher.

The project was subject to wind loading up to 2.8kPa ultimate and 1.9kPa serviceability. Our technical designs specified wall and ceiling systems, as well as complementary accessories to be supplied to the project. Being able to provide tailored designs within a tight deadline was crucial to the project.

Builder: Brookfield Multiplex Contractor: Sydney Projects Architect: JPW Architects Location: Sydney, NSW Project Value: $83 Million

Ivanhoe’s newest building is a landmark you can’t miss. The facade components of light bricks, dark cladding and luminous aluminium Click-on Battens perfectly complement each other, creating a contemporary finish. The interior also features our battens, which seamlessly connects to the exterior. The building comprises a three-level basement, ground floor retail outlets, two levels of offices and multiple fully appointed apartments among the two upper levels. The building is bordered on three sides by busy public roads which posed logistical challenges with its construction. However, the speed and ease of installing Click-on Battens alleviated this issue on the upper levels. The curved facade is wrapped in Sculptform aluminium Click-on Battens. They were installed upon standard and curved tracks which were delivered to site in a flexible state so that they’re able to be wrapped around the substrate and hug the exterior. Batten clips are factory fixed to the tracks at the spacing sequence that is specified. Helping to save time installing on-site. Battens are simply push-clicked onto mounting tracks that are positioned behind the battens in a concealed manner.

Regular onsite inspections in conjunction with the contractor Arc Plaster helped us to forecast any further products required for the project and ensure the project was delivered smoothly.

Rondo has been a major asset to the project providing reputable advice, technical design solutions and fortnightly inspections, ensuring the development is on track and our systems are installed correctly. Our Technical Services Team has supported Rondo Victoria in assisting project architects Bates Smart Architects and Silver Thomas Hanley and builder Lend Lease improve comprehensive designs for all internal walls and ceilings for the 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.  

This new building was constructed by Lend Lease with Foxville Projects Group (NSW) being appointed as the lead fit out contractor. Rondo supplied an extensive range of ceiling and partition systems, as well as technical support throughout the project, which included design for all the internal walls, shelf loads, balustrade design utilising stud and track as well as ongoing support throughout the project construction period in regards to Rondo products within the design criteria.

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.

Rondo has provided onsite design assistance for the $66m project, supporting the design and construct environment. The project required the application of seismic solutions and Rondo has worked closely with contractor, Laser Linings to deliver the desired result.

The project has called on our Technical Services Team for wall and ceiling designs, with significant quantities of Rondo systems used in the project including Rondo Stud and Track, KEY-LOCK Concealed Suspended Ceiling Systems and PANTHER Access Panels.

Designed by Group 4 Architects and built by De Luca Corporation the project includes: the Bunnings Warehouse building (17,719sqm), and three other separate buildings .Metroll is proud to have been involved in the supply of many Bunnings Warehouse projects including the Keperra store.

The project was developed thanks to the assistance of builders BGC Construction, ceilings and walls M2 Contracting and distributors Perth Plasterboard Centre. Local supply chain efforts have proven this project to be a success with on-time delivery, reliability, excellent customer service and the ease of installation.

Project ceiling contractor, Built Environs, has an almost two decade relationship with Rondo and this partnership, along with project architects Hassell & Cox, allowed all parties to work together efficiently in order to find solutions for any design obstacles that occurred during construction.

Britex are proud to be involved in another successful VSBA School Upgrade Project at Upper Yarra Secondary College in Yarra Junction, Victoria. The completion of Stage One of the College’s Upgrade and Modernisation Project saw the inclusion of almost 30 Grade 316 SS Acid Resistant Britex Laboratory Bowls for their state of the art science and technology facilities throughout. A floor mounted 3.5m Vandal Resistant Sanistep Urinal was also installed in the Male Bathrooms complete with Smart Saniflush Sensor Flushing System, a water efficient and hygienic choice ideal for education projects.

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The KEYLOCK Concealed Suspended Ceiling System, Steel Stud and Track Wall Framing System, and XPRESS Drywall Grid Ceiling System have been integrated throughout the project. Rondo’s long-term relationship with Ceiling & Wall Contractors enables the project to run smoothly and the onsite coordination is exemplary.

Designed by leading architects Hassell and Populous, the project is predicted to generate $200 million annual economic benefit for the NSW economy. Partnering with four of its major contractor customers Rondo provided design solutions based on criteria supplied by the architects and project builder Lend Lease for all four buildings.

The Rondo team were engaged in the project to design the ceiling framework for the lobby of the twenty-five-storey building. The Rondo KEY-LOCK suspended ceiling system with radius top cross rail was specified to create the proposed arch ceiling, along with Steel Stud and Track for the walls in other areas of the project.

This project proved to be quite a challenge for LCJ Engineers and Rondo to design, due to the very high wind loads together with wall heights up to 4.2m, which resulted in having back to back 150mm studs at 300mm centres. This project was nicknamed “Steel City” and from viewing the images, you can see why.

Northpoint Tower, centrally located in North Sydney CBD has been overhauled, with the redevelopment project including a newly-constructed hotel and a complete reclad of the façade using Vitracore G2.The use of Vitracore G2 in this reclad project has ensured a deemed non-combustible, durable and modern appearance to the development. Installer: ABS Facade.

Rondo’s unrivalled ability to provide Seismic designs and our strong working relationship with Sydney Projects made choosing our products a no-brainer. Importantly, this was the first major hotel project where seismic requirements needed to be addressed, and therefore Rondo supplied designs for internal wall partitions, ceilings, seismic walls and seismic bulkheads.

Expoconti pride themselves on using quality products from reputable suppliers and have been a Rondo customer for over 20 years. For this particular project, Rondo had been engaged to supply Steel Stud & Track and KEY-LOCK Concealed Ceiling System for the project which is exposed to high winds due to its location and height.