"soil and waste systems"

Mirvac’s mission to provide a beautiful and sustainable village was recognised in 2008 when they were the winner of the HIA LandCorp GreenSmart Award for the first release of Beachside. Rondo is closely working with our customer, Architectural Ceiling Systems, to serve the contract winners, Systeck, who have been involved in some of the largest projects in WA. In order to provide the best service, Rondo will continue to ensure that the correct amounts of stock required are available for our customer.

The Watson apartment complex is the epitome of elegance with contemporary homes, jaw-dropping views, finishes and details. Built in the 1960s, there was an extensive use of asbestos which took a lot of hard work and health precautions by the developer to remove before reinstallation/remodelling commenced. Rondo has provided extensive technical support since the initiation of the project, providing Rondo Steel Stud and KEY-LOCK Concealed Suspended Ceiling Systems to the $120 million development.

Ireland’s second largest legal firm, Arthur Cox, has moved to its new headquarters, Ten Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin. Located a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Green, the LEED Platinum fit-out building is a marker of sustainable design. Architects, Scott Talon Walker, had a specific design requirement in mind so chose SAS International for their longstanding relationship and expertise. To accommodate the number of recurring apertures, Scott Talon Walker collaborated with SAS to create bespoke service panels within the SAS330 hinged mega panel tartan grid. The panel design features five unperforated squares which create a single unit capable of housing fire detectors, movement sensors and other electrical devices. These unique panels satisfy the client’s M&E stipulations, ensuring the building’s sustainable performance well into the future. Additional SAS systems installed include: SAS500 acoustic lighting baffles and SAS150. Both of these systems assure complete design flexibility and service maintenance in equal measure. Nominated for Fit Out Project of the Year – Large Office, SAS International has once again exceeded the mark to deliver premium metal ceiling solutions for its client.

Swinburne University of Technology located in Hawthorn, Victoria required a new flooring solution for its Department of Architectural and Industrial Design workshop space. To find a solution that was both durable and decorative, Flowcrete Australia was consulted.600 m2 of Flowfresh SR in a custom Ultramarine Blue was installed at the Swinburne University Hawthorn campus thanks to its robust nature and ability to be specified in a bespoke colour.The workshop, locker area and classrooms provide students with a creative space to formulate, plan and create their visions, and the custom colour was chosen to help inspire and keep the creative juices flowing!As well as being extremely hard-wearing, the polyurethane system Flowfresh SR is also chemical resistant, meaning that it could withstand spills of drinks, paints or other substances that could harm lesser floors.Although Flowfresh SR has a positively textured surface with non-slip aggregates, the flooring system is also very easy to clean, meaning that spills or dirt could easily be wiped away, maintaining a safe space for staff and students.Prior to the application of Flowfresh SR, substantial remediation works were required including the removal of timber parquetry and the filling of over 100 lineal metres of 50mm deep service trenches.

The new Royal Adelaide Hospital (newRAH) is a significant project for Rondo, with our Engineering team providing extensive design support and developing innovative system solutions for over two and a half years prior to the commencement of construction. Now with construction underway, Rondo has continued to play a major role, supporting site contractor, Brighton Australia, with the design and manufacture of products that meet the projects’ ‘Category 4’ design requirements, which includes specifications for Seismic designs.

Steve Domoney Architecture took on the challenge of designing a home for clients with children. This project came with a clear vision of a spacious family home, contemporary in line and warm in tone. The dining room has Capral AGS windows opening at exterior ground level to a fernery, while high-level Capral AGS 419 Flushline Framing System beyond the kitchen provides views to distant trees in the south-east. The formal lounge opens to a generous decking and garden behind.

Occupying a 2134m2 block of premium land, Leopold residential apartments is one of the newest commercial/residential developments in Melbourne’s residential and business district. The project involved the internal demolition of existing commercial fit out, the construction of an additional six levels and the fit-out of 174 residential apartments as well as four office tenancies. The works undertaken comprised of a new wall facade, the attachment of 97 new balconies to the existing structure, and installation of a structural steel transfer level with lightweight floor system (Powerscope).

Mixed-use residential/commercial complexes take the saying ‘home away from home’ to a whole new level. Rondo has provided ongoing technical support with weekly site visits, as well as coordinating with long time Rondo users AN West Contractors. Supplying this unique project with Rondo Steel Stud and Track and KEY-LOCK Systems, Rondo have ensured that any onsite issues have been successfully addressed with the support of Rondo’s technical and design team.

The term ‘adagio’ is an instruction to slow down and function at a leisurely pace, which makes it an appropriate name for the recently completed apartment complex. Designed by Hanssen Pty Ltd, minimalist design principles are apparent in the building’s sleek lines, as evidenced in the strong use of high-performance window systems, doors and balustrades; low-maintenance aluminium framing; and a simple linear design promoting an outward-looking connection to the environment. The affordability, strength, adaptability and quality of manufacture of the Capral Apartment Collection made it our ‘material of choice’ for the Adagio high-rise.

Orchard Manufacturing is an Australian health company that has been producing fruit-based laxatives under the Nu-Lax brand, since 1937.The organisation’s new state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility - located in the Victorian suburb of Rowville - delivers both superior function and out-of-the-box design as well as providing a new home for the long-time Melbourne-based manufacturer.To ensure the new facility’s processing and packaging zones met the strict hygiene standards, 1, 300 m2 of Flowfresh SR was installed in Warm Buff, Grey and a custom Aqua Blue shade.The HACCP Internationally certified Flowfresh SR system was chosen thanks to its seamless, antimicrobial finish as well as its abrasion and chemical resistant profile.Flowfresh SR provides excellent chemical resistance against detergents, oil ingredients, caustic soda, sugar syrups, methanol and a variety of acids. The system delivers excellent abrasion resistance against impact as well as sustained foot and trolley traffic.Flowfresh SR is resistant to thaw and thermal fluctuations from -40°C to +120°C, making it suitable for cool rooms and cold storage areas as well as those areas subject to high-temperature cooking processes and hot-water wash-downs. Slip resistance can be tailored to suit the individual needs of a given processing area.

Minter Ellison's award-winning office specified SAS International ceilings as part of their overall workplace well-being strategy. Designed by BVN, the feature ceilings enhance the open floor design while minimising the use of materials. BVN challenged internal preconceptions of how major law firms present themselves to staff and clients alike. Deliberately shying away from a stiff, corporate feel, they specified SAS750 Tubeline in black. Their aim was to evoke a sleek and forward-thinking dynamism while maintaining a highly professional atmosphere. Elsewhere in the office areas SAS310 metal pan ceilings were specified with an unusually large perforation. This design feature creates a visually engaging ceiling which offers subtle system integration for sprinklers, down-lighters and other small services. Due to a tight project programme, micro-perforated SAS150 was specified knowing the tiles were readily available in the Sydney warehouse. The system satisfied acoustic absorption requirements too, achieving 0.95 NRC. Minter Ellison invested in not just a Grade A office redevelopment, but also their staff, improving motivation and retention. The reinvigorated space also communicates a clear sense of approach to visiting clients, underlining core brand values. Occupying the top 8 floors of the Governor Macquarie Tower, the project won the 'John Verge Award for Interior Architecture (NSW Architecture Awards) in 2016.

The ABC project in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct represents a bold union of the national broadcaster’s multiple aims and responsibilities. With its bold style, internal and external openness and highly innovative use of technology, the ABC’s Victorian headquarters embodies socially responsible design. The central design theme of transparency is perfectly suited to the Capral curtain wall, window and door systems throughout. The building, which designer Cox Architecture characterise as fostering a ‘dynamic, integrated and visually transparent environment which promotes interaction across program teams’, also invites ‘greater public interest and participation’.

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.

THE CHALLENGE: House 30+ new HVAC&R mechanical plant equipment and vents. Retrofitted to the roof of a large, multi-level shopping centre without interrupting regular retail operations.THE SOLUTION: We supplied over 30 EasyMech MR (purlin mount) and Span+ (rafter mount), HVACR platforms in Kit form.Our Span+ (rafter-mount) system, was designed to be 100% penetration-free and installed on the surface of the roof over the rafters.We also supplied walkways, up & overs, and ladders – all in Kit form! Providing savings in cost and time.

Expoconti and Rondo, along with the project architects, Lysons Architects and builder, Brookfield Multiplex, combined their expertise to ensure the design and construction of the RMIT Swanston Academic Building (SAB) offers a higher quality and innovative learning experience for students. To achieve this, the newly launched Rondo MAXIframe External Wall Framing System was specified, with Rondo MAXIjamb designed for installation around door jambs and internal window openings. This meant Expoconti could save time on site as MAXIjamb replaces the necessity for multiple stud configurations, as well as offering greater performance capacities than traditional wall stud framing.

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

COLLABORATIONArchitect: ThomsonAdsett in collaboration with nettletontribeBuilder: L.U.SimonDeveloper: Deakin UniversityBRIEFThe Waterfront campus for Deakin University at Geelong celebrates the “individual” student through the prominent white precast concrete. The client on this project wanted to ensure that over time the white concrete stayed pristine – looking as good as new – without expensive cleaning and maintenance costs.MATERIAL & APPLICATIONECOCLEAN Porosity SealerECOCLEAN Self-Cleaning CoatingOUTCOMEOur ECOCLEAN Self-Cleaning system has been applied to the concrete to preserve the appearance of this building’s prominent facade. This significantly reduces cleaning and maintenance costs making this a cost-effective and net positive environmental solution.

Rondo has delivered exceptional expertise and technical assistance during the design and construction of Melbourne’s Prima Pearl, residential skyscraper. This prestigious 667 apartment landmark boasts unparalleled amenities across 72 levels, some of which include a private cinema, virtual golf driving range and Level 67 Sky Lounge. By assisting Brookfield Multiplex Constructions’ architects at the design stage, Rondo has ensured our products are readily accessible on site, resulting in less design enquiries during construction. Rondo will be supplying the project with Stud and Track in 64mm, 76mm and 92mm sizes, KEY-LOCK Concealed Suspended Ceiling System and PANTHER Access Panels.

SAS International designed and manufactured a range of solutions for the new 75,000 square metres Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, Ireland. According to Dublin Airport the new second terminal will be capable of comfortably handling up to 15 million passengers per year. Specification demanded that durability, ease of maintenance and acoustics were considered. SAS International worked with architects Pascall + Watson to design the ceiling solution answering the architect’s brief to factor in ongoing maintenance conducted by Facilities Management teams in the future. The design of these large sized ceiling panels required careful consideration at design stage to ensure they would be manageable when working at a height. Designed and developed specifically for Dublin Airport was 35,000 square metres of ceiling systems, installed in the main departure area, walkways and baggage handling areas. This solution looks like any other suspended metal ceiling system as it provides an aesthetically pleasing flush finish. But where this product differs is its ingenious way of allowing access to the ceiling void and services for ongoing essential maintenance. This is of particular benefit in high traffic areas such as Dublin airport as it enables a corridor to remain in use rather than having to close off the entire route. SAS International manufactured the 20,000m2 of large aluminium frames for the fabric ceilings which creates a striking central feature. Working closely with SAS International were local installers Platt and Reilly who applied the stretched fabric to the frames on-site and hoisted them into position. Creating a comfortable environment for traveller and worker was helped with the use of acoustic floating rafts and perforated metal ceiling solutions (with integrated acoustic pads) to provide the necessary acoustic control for this project. Lighting was suspended neatly between the rafts to also provide a modern finish to the corridors. In addition Perimeter heating and air handling grilles also enhance the experience.

​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.

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

TenneT's former head office at the Arnhems Buiten business park has been renovated and converted into one of the most sustainable office buildings in the Netherlands. It is now the head office of DNV GL's energy branch, which employs 2,500 energy experts worldwide. It is DNV GL's largest office building in the Netherlands. The site accommodates about 400 DNV GL employees and covers about 10,000 m2 of office and lab space. The building has achieved an A energy label thanks to innovations such as the use of seasonal thermal energy storage, solar panels, HR +++ glass and a highly efficient heating and cooling system. Boon Edam installed a sliding door at the main entrance, and three Speedlane Slide access gates and two Winglock 900 swing barrier gates in the central hall behind the main entrance to prevent unauthorised entry.

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 word Folia in Greek means nest, and this is precisely what Folia apartments by Mirvac have delivered. Foliage adorns the many balconies, rooftop conservatory and kitchen garden, contributing greatly to the tranquil ambience which feels wholeheartedly organic. The residences are an inviting place to call home for their new occupants. Able to be seen from below are the prominent soffits on floors 5 and 6, lined with our aluminium Click-on Cladding in a strikingly realistic Blackbutt wood finish. The wood finish on the cladding appears abundantly realistic, cleverly achieving the look of real timber in both tone and texture. Our wood finish wrapping is produced in Japan using a state of the art system to ensure that there is no repetitive wood grain pattern present, helping it to achieve the aesthetic variation of real timber. It also features an embossed texture further replicating that of real timber along with the shadow lines which imitate traditional timber cladding.

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.

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.

COLLABORATIONArchitect: Neeson Murcutt ArchitectsDeveloper: Surf Life Saving NSWBRIEFNeeson Murcutt Architects needed a solution that would protect the glazed ceramic tile roof on the $2.2 million rebuild of the Old Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club. They wanted to avoid grime and salt accumulation on the roof system with minimal maintenance from the volunteers and to reduce maintenance costs.The architect designed the outside surfaces so they would be durable in the marine environment and easy to maintain. With difficult access to the roof, the builders decided on ECOCLEAN to help with maintenance and cleaning of glazed ceramic roofingMATERIAL & APPLICATIONECOCLEAN Porosity SealerECOCLEAN Self-Cleaning CoatingOUTCOMEUsing the power of daylight, rainwater and dew, ECOCLEAN created a self-cleaning roof that continually breaks down algae, mould and organic matter, which can cause unsightly stains. The Crescent Head Surf Club went on to win three awards including the NSW Sulman Medal for Public Architecture.

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 Gateway building In Sydney’s Circular Quay is Australia’s first office tower to use fully integrated touchless 3D fingerprint scanning to allow authorised office workers and guests into the building. The building’s new entrance involves a complex integration of security and technology experts, including Boon Edam, Schindler Lifts, Honeywell and IDEMIA (the manufacturers of MorphoWave fingerprint scanning technology). The solution had to work seamlessly to enhance the user experience and building security for tenants and visitors at the 46-storey landmark building in Sydney’s CBD, owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund. Boon Edam delivered the entrance security solution, with Lifeline Speedlane Swing speed gates that are the slimmest in the market, which added to the aesthetics, and helped with design considerations within the width of the lift lobbies. Rising Demand by Tenants for Increased Protection The upgrade project required an entrance security system that incorporated sophisticated security yet kept an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive lobby. The ideal solution was found by integrating Boon Edam speed gates, MorphoWave fingerprint scanners mounted on a coordinating pedestal (the Lifeline Boost), Schindler Lift destination control and Honeywell access control technology. This was a response to increasing demands by building occupants to improve the entry security measures to better cater for the protection of employees, visitors and valuable data. A Complex, yet Perfect Orchestration Gateway’s access solution includes a bank of sleek and stylish security speed gates (Boon Edam’s Lifeline Speedlane Swing), which are seamlessly integrated with touchless and intelligent elevator destination control (Schindler Port’s PORT 4 mini) and security access via a biometric fingerprint scanning (IDEMIA’s MorphoWave) – all at one point, enabling quick, accurate and seamless entry to secured areas. These technologies are all controlled by Honeywell’s access control system. Mr Stephen Hodge, Senior Project Manager, Dexus added that “with so many stakeholders, and a strong need for reliability and quality, it was important that everyone knew the goals of the project and worked well together. I’m pleased to say that it was like a perfect jigsaw and everything came together smoothly.” “What was important to Dexus is that we were pushing the boundaries to create better experiences, but we’re only doing so with proven products. Boon Edam’s speed gates have been installed globally and locally, and this gave us added confidence that they were the right product for this forward-looking project,” he said.

Jewel on the Gold Coast (Jewel), a luxury development of three crystalline towers constructed on the internationally renowned Surfers Paradise beachfront, Gold Coast. Jewel consists of 513 apartments and a 169-room luxury hotel – a first of its kind on the Gold Coast. The towers with their distinctive glass curtain walling system, are the result of a collaboration between Oppenheim Architects and DBI Design. The fundamental design concept drew inspiration from three smoky quartz crystals that we discovered in the region. Jewel is inspired by the crystalline volcanic hook that forms the underlying structure at the coastline and, in particular, the Gold Coast’s iconic hinterland. Multiplex was awarded this prestigious project and commenced construction of this billion-dollar development in 2016. The Jewel is Australia’s largest beachfront mixed-use development and the first absolute beachfront development on the Gold Coast in more than thirty years. Tilecorp Pty Ltd. was awarded the tiling contract on the project that included the installation of 600 x 300 mm porcelain tiles in the public areas, travertine in the apartments, penny round mosaics on the walls in the public amenities, and cobblestone in the outdoor areas.

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.

7000m² of SAS310 helped Qantas Airways overcome acoustic challenges, controling reverberation time and meeting a very high acoustic performance target. Qantas Airways Limited, nicknamed ‘The Flying Kangaroo’, is Australia’s largest airline. The new headquarters is the largest property project undertaken by Qantas Airways in the last 10 years. The project aims to rejuvenate the existing campus, consolidating and upgrading four existing office buildings and joining them together with an interconnecting hub. Selected areas of the existing building floorplate have been extended into the new atrium space creating balconies and office pods. These improved physical and visual connections aim to encourage interaction and engagement between workers. With a brief for high acoustic performance, SAS International were an obvious choice for Hassell architects, due to our vast portfolio of high acoustic rated metal ceiling tiles. SAS provided 7000m² of SAS310. The acoustic challenge was to control the reverberation time in a large volume space accommodating a PA system and a very high acoustic performance target. The reverberation time was significantly reduced with the addition of absorptive material and purposed designed acoustic ceiling panels. Qantas Headquarters was constructed with longevity in mind so the durability of the tiles was key, an advantage of using metal. The finish completely meets the performance demands, is extremely functional and cost effective, an A Grade corporate campus that incorporates the latest developments in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, PA, is quite satisfied with the functioning and cost savings of their Boon Edam Tournex revolving door. The Tournex is an example of a classic automatic revolving door and is designed to handle high capacity applications. The historic building housing the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square originally had a manual revolving door flush with the building’s facade. Somewhere along the way, it was decided to remove the relatively smaller gauge revolving door and replace the entrance with a double set of sliding doors. “Our HVAC system was designed for a revolving door entrance,” said Ray Hewitt, the hotel’s Director of Engineering, “we wanted to put a revolving door back in to address the negative pressure we were experiencing in the lobby.” That negative pressure was pulling in cold air during the winter months, and cooled, conditioned air was escaping out the double doors in the summer. During a complete lobby renovation project a few years back, designers worked to return to a revolving door lobby entrance. Because the Warwick is in a historic building, they could not change the facade of the building, so they pushed the entire entrance into the lobby itself. The architects and the designer chose a 12’ diameter Boon Edam Tournex automatic revolving door, with three door wings and a highly polished (mirror) stainless steel finish. The Boon Edam door is enclosed in a stylish glass cube, accented with purple neon lighting. Now, those entering the hotel first pass through a double set of sliding doors at the building envelope, leading to the revolving door. Swing doors are also available on either side of the revolving door to enter the lobby itself. The effect of the sliding doors and the revolving door in a cube is to virtually eliminate air flow from outside in, and vice versa. The Warwick has 301 hotel rooms and 106 permanent residents. On any given day, between guests, residents, staff, and visitors, up to 1000 people are passing through the entrance. Since the installation of the new entrance, the effect has been night and day—guest and visitors utilise the lobby space longer and in greater numbers. A big community table is usually filled all day long and the lobby is accented with attractive fireplaces. The hotel lobby also offers two full service food and beverage outlets (Bluestone Lane & Prime Rib Steakhouse), with a third to be announced sometime this year. In addition to a now grand sense of arrival and more useable, comfortable space, the new entrance is also paying dividends on energy savings. “With the old entrance, our HVAC was running constantly, it could not keep up. Now, the unit can shut down periodically; that’s good for the health of the system, and we’re seeing substantial savings on energy bills,” said Hewitt. The Boon Edam revolving door has an important feature for installations like a hotel or large office building—in the event of an emergency, the doors stop and the wings can be “book folded” to create wide open ingress and egress. The hotel has a maintenance contract with Advanced Door, but since installation the Boon Edam revolving door has been virtually trouble free.

Leading Australian community bank, IMB Bank, has installed a series of Boon Edam entrances, including all glass revolving doors, slimline speedgates and a swing access gate at its new building in Wollongong, NSW.IMB moved into the new building in early 2021, and immediately sought to make the entrance open and welcoming to visitors, with entrance security inside to protect valuable data, intellectual property and people.The Boon Edam technology selected is among the most stylish and efficient of the Boon Edam range used by major banks locally, Fortune 500 companies globally, and corporate HQs in 27 countries.The exterior of the building has two Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket all-glass revolving doors, which create a striking first impression. Inside, there are three Speedlane Lifeline Swing speedgates, including one wide lane suitable for disabled access. In one section, there is also a Winglock Swing access gate that separates off a designated meeting space.“After reviewing a range of product proposals, we found that Boon Edam’s range had the ideal combination of aesthetics and security that IMB was seeking,” said IMB Head of Facilities, Greg Dowd.“The security speedgates give us greater control over access to the building, and they alert us to any tailgating or access breaches. Limiting access to only authorised personnel not only protects our staff, but it also protects the data of our customers, which we always store securely,” he said.“As a further advantage, the Boon Edam team integrated the access control system with our RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) system. This was a big help, because it meant the speedgates were sending data directly to our existing system.”Boon Edam Managing Director, Michael Fisher, says this impressive project will serve as a new benchmark for local financial institutions. “IMB has set the bar high with it’s new Wollongong facility. Every design element has been carefully thought out to be welcoming to visitors and intuitive to employees. We are delighted to have been selected to contribute to the success of this project.”“Boon Edam is a family-owned organisation with a history extending back nearly 150 years, so it is particularly satisfying to work with a community-minded company like IMB, with a similarly long and successful history,” said Mr Fisher.Responsive serviceIn addition to elegant aesthetics and intelligent security, IMB sought an entrance security partner with attentive service throughout the entire project, and then into after-sales service too.“The Boon Edam team was highly professional to work with, and responded adaptively to our needs. Early mornings were the best time for installation work, and their service team accommodated this need right from the start, without a hassle,” said Mr Dowd.“It was clear that Boon Edam takes great care in its products, and that its values as a company were aligned with IMB’s, which are strongly focused on community, family and quality.”Elegant aestheticsBoon Edam’s Speedlane Lifeline series is one of the slimmest on the market, with the cabinet housing measuring as little as 106mm. The slim nature of the speedgate makes it ideal for narrow entrances, lobbies and foyers, where sometimes an extra lane can be added due to its compact size.“The slim design and finishes of the speedgates was what attracted us to the Boon Edam product in the first place. Their overall designs are sleek, modern and in keeping with our foyer design. We could also customise the materials and colours to suit our foyer, and that really sealed the deal,” said Mr Dowd.“For the front entrance, we couldn’t look past an all-glass revolving door. It lets in an abundance of natural light, making the entire foyer a welcoming space for visitors and employees,” he said.Boon Edam’s Crystal Tourniket doors – available in single and multiple entrance options up to 3.5m diameter and height – are being introduced to Australasia after being proven internationally.The Crystal Tourniket is fully compliant with Australian Standard AS1288 (Glass in Buildings), which specifies safe glazing and installation practices when using glass in buildings.“The other Boon Edam product, the Winglock Swing, provides the ideal separation for our meeting space, without needing a full length Speedlane. It’s finishes and design also perfectly match the rest of our foyer,” said Mr Dowd.Boon Edam’s Winglock Swing is constructed from stainless steel and a single glass panel, creating an access gate that is elegant and unobtrusive in nature and design. Winglock is designed to manage bi-directional traffic with effortless ease, using smart, intuitive technology to guide each visitor through to their destination without delay or inconvenience.

Challenge750m2 roof with a large quantity of vents, air conditioning units and other equipment on the roof. Add to this problem damaged aging torch membrane, combined with Governments regulations regarding solar absorption and reflectivity of the building posed a real challenge for the applicator when determining a solution for the job.A second challenge for this job is the location of the building was located in the built up CBD of Parramatta with neighbours in close proximity, which meant the solution needed to be neighbourhood friendly.SolutionGiven the complexity of solution required for such a job AlphaGuard BIO is the only product which ticks all the boxes. AlphaGuard BIO is an extremely high performing composite waterproofing system, designed with a focus on roofing restoration. Due to AlphaGuard BIO being a liquid, it makes it ideal for jobs where there are machinery on the roof which needs to be worked around.AlphaGuard BIO has the ability to be installed over various existing roofing membranes in order to minimise tenant disruption and extend the life of the roof for an additional 20 years.It cures to form a durable rubber membrane surface that provides a lasting and easy-to clean waterproof coating. AlphaGuard BIO may be used to apply a seamless, monolithic waterproof membrane to concrete, primed metal, or existing roofing membrane surfaces.AlphaGuard BIO’s low VOC will minimise offensive odours to current tenants and applicators. The white top coat provides high solar reflectance, reducing the building’s operation costs and complying with Section J1.3(b) of the 2019 NCC.

SAS International bespoke metalwork comprising of a striking waveform shaped ceiling was designed by architects Arup Associates to feature in the construction of Ropemaker Place, London EC2 for British Land. Simon Anson, architect at Arup Associates comments; “The purpose of the ceiling was to provide the 10.5m tall entrance foyer with an acoustic performance, and create a lighting source providing both uplight and downlight. The illuminated ceiling provides the entrance foyer with visual impact from views of City Point Plaza, Ropemaker Street and The City.” Simon Anson continues, “The appearance of the ceiling is that of a series of illuminated vaulted waves flowing into the interior, the volume of the space perceptually expanded by the uplit waveform surfaces. The vaulted ceiling with its flowing contours provides a visually stunning focal point as well as a practical solution to the acoustic requirements of the interior of the building.” Specialist bespoke wave ceilings were installed in the atrium, main reception area, lift lobbies and main external canopy. The waveform panel, although elegant in appearance, had to have the required strength to support the light fitting. The extra weight posed a significant design challenge of how to integrate and support the light fitting into the waveform panel. The complex design required all fixings to be concealed, as a large proportion of the face and rear of the waveform tiles are visible. In the design development and installation of the system, Arup Associates worked closely with SAS International and the specified lighting manufacturer, Zumtobel, to ensure the panels integrated seamlessly with the luminaires to produce the optimum installation.