SAS International Australia

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.

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.

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.

Acoustic SAS International metal ceiling systems were installed in the eight-storey Eqwater office building in Paris. SAS International’s SAS330 was installed throughout the office areas in the building. SAS330 is a lay-in metal ceiling tile system that provides functionality and outstanding acoustic performance for a range of cost-effective design options. The practical nature of its structure allows ease of construction and maintenance. The corridors of the building were fitted with SAS International’s SAS205. In some areas it is not possible to use a standard hanging bracket due to the number of services in the ceiling void, SAS205 is supported at the perimeters, up to a maximum width of 3000mm, making it a perfect solution for corridors. Metal offers an inert and inherently hard-wearing surface, making metal ceiling systems both hygienic and a low-maintenance option over the course of their lifespan. Only a simple cleaning routine is required. The lifespan of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance.

The Farr Institute in Edinburgh is a collaboration between six Scottish Universities and the NHS National Services Scotland. They aim to place the country as a global leader in health informatics research whilst improving the health of the Scottish population. 30,000 sq. ft. has been fitted out to accommodate Bio Incubator laboratories and offices together with meeting, conference and dining facilities. The remainder of the building will accommodate laboratories and offices for life science research. SAS International’s acoustic baffles were specified to meet acoustic demand and make the most of the high ceilings and breathable space. The colours, baffle layout and service integration were carefully co-ordinated to the brief. SAS130 and SAS330 were specified and installed in the central core. Both systems offer quick and easy access to otherwise hidden mechanical and electrical systems. With SAS130, tiles can be lifted out to gain access to the ceiling void. SAS330’s hinge notch allows tiles to be hung vertically from C-Profiles, providing unobstructed access to the ceiling void. Ray Kwiecinski at Michael Laird Architects gave the below quote on working with SAS International; “MLA has specified a variety of SAS International’s lay-in grid ceiling systems over the years and we have always been extremely satisfied with the finished product. At the Farr Institute however, we decided to create a feature of the structural soffits and the M&E services and, by careful coordination of these services, the steel beams… [With] the SAS Baffle System and SAS Raft System 600, we were able to create an open, collaborative and exciting office environment whilst maintaining a high degree of sound absorbency. Our Client is delighted with the results as are we.” The Institute’s independent research will support innovation in the public sector, leading to advances in preventative medicine, improvements in NHS care and better development of commercial drugs and diagnostics.

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.

Now, and after years of meticulous renovation and restoration, the Miesian Plaza is set to welcome its new tenants, including the likes of Ireland’s Department of Health. Aiming to achieve the highest LEED platinum accreditation, architects Scott Tallon Walker have said their goal is: “To provide Grade A accommodation of the highest modern standard to equal or surpass the finest developments in the market.” Combining sustainable high-grade services all encased in a bronze-tinted double-glazed window motif, the building achieves the architect’s bold aim to create a building like no other. SAS International designed and manufactured products for three of the Miesian Plaza’s blocks. As the building module size is imperial, SAS was able to provide bespoke C profile width to maintain the buildings original 64 1/2” planning module.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A Tricell system was designed by SAS International to fit the "Y" shaped departure lounge at Santiago Airport. SAS International has designed, manufactured and installed metal ceiling solutions for both interior and exterior areas of the new 74,000m² terminal of the Aeropuerto de Santiago, Spain. SAS810 tricell has been installed to create a triangular aesthetic in the departure lounges. This open cell system provides a geometric form that can easily be repeated for a striking finish. The flexible approach in SAS International’s design process enabled this unique solution to fit within the ‘Y’ shaped designed departure lounge. Installed in the main terminal and baggage hall, as well as exterior ceiling areas, is the linear profile system SAS710. The linear slat ceiling, designed so that each slat lines up neatly with the next, forms a perfect row resulting in clean and simple architectural lines. SAS710 was also chosen for the exterior of the building to provide continuity of design. Using specially designed slat retaining angles, the system has been adapted for strength and durability to prevent slats from being dislodged in high wind.

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.

This unique offset ellipse design tower had to allow the ceiling to flow around the building. A bespoke SAS330 metal ceiling system was specified incorporating trapezoidal panels. Trust Tower forms one of three new tower blocks; part of the Central Market development. The first tower to be completed is tower three a 59-storey commercial office development. The tower is a unique offset ellipse design, to allow the ceiling to flow around the building a bespoke. SAS330 metal ceiling system was specified incorporating trapezoidal panels. Enabling a monolithic finish to the ceiling plane, black service troughs house recessed lighting and other MEP services; this enables maximum acoustic performance to be achieved from the ceiling tiles. Over 900 different sized ceiling tiles were manufactured and installed throughout the project. Metal ceilings provide durability, accessibility to the ceiling void and low maintenance. The life-span of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance. The entrance mezzanine area features a four-storey high ceiling finished in midnight blue, providing a dramatic entrance to this iconic building.

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

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is located in the heart of Sydney. In February 2015 the Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Health Building opened its door to its first cohort of students. Built as a 5 Star Green Star building, it provides a range of spaces for collaborative learning and research. SAS150 was specified across the new state of the art research labs and SAS205 for the corridors of the University.