Panoramic view of Sydney
At the exact spot where the colonial settlement of Australia began, the Harrington Collection—a series of brand-new harbourside apartments—has been built. The curved sliding elements on the facade attract immediate attention. They are the brainchild of the architects at fjmtstudio, who worked in close cooperation with Hawa Sliding Solutions, ICON and Windtech to turn them into reality.
Sometimes all it takes to change one’s view of the world is the push of a button. In the penthouse apartments of the Harrington Collection, the sliding shutters open to reveal a breathtaking panorama: the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay—Sydney monuments which are among the world’s treasures.
The Harrington Collection project comprises 58 distinctive residences in the historic Rocks district. With its sliding shutters in a terracotta and sandstone hues, the new building blends harmoniously into the cityscape. “The neighborhood embodies the heart of Sydney. This is the historic location where colonial settlement began. For that reason, we have to respect the conditions imposed by the regulators for the protection of historical monuments,” says the project team at fjmtstudio, the award-winning architectural firm that is in charge of the development: “Our building combines cultural heritage with the beauty of the harbor landscape and modernity.”
And what a challenge!
Take a closer look at the decorative sliding shutters that characterize the building’s facade. “Our objective was to camouflage the two top floors with sliding shutters as a single unit,” explain the architects: “They need to function as a continuation of the roof shape and blend in with the surrounding terraces.”
To do this, we were looking for individual, automated panels with curved corners. At that point, the construction contractors ICON, who were already working with consultants Windtech, brought in Hawa Sliding Solutions. Early on, experts from Windtech, ICON and Hawa Sliding Solutions were sitting around a table: “My first reaction was: Wow, what a fabulous building! And my second: Wow, what a challenge!” recalls Mark Micallef, National Brand Manager for Hawa Sliding Solutions in the Australia Pacific region. Because in fact there was no off-the-shelf system that would meet these specifications. It quickly became apparent that a customized solution was needed—and that this would pose a real challenge to the experts at Hawa Sliding Solutions.
Interdisciplinary meetings once a week
It took Hawa Sliding Solutions a few weeks to come up with a proposal that almost entirely met the exact design requirements. Technically, it is based on the Hawa Frontslide 60 Matic and Hawa Aperto 60 H sliding hardware. “At that stage, we found that it was not possible to bend some of the sliding shutters as tightly as we had intended, without compromising their operation,” says Micallef.
So ICON and Windtech called the first of a series of weekly meetings and analyses with the architectural team from fjmtstudio, Stephen Hubbard and Daniel Boesen Nolan. “We worked together to get to the desired shape—with meticulous attention to detail until all parties were convinced by the design. This intense type of collaboration is quite unique in the fast-paced Australian construction industry,” says Micallef.
Two prototypes under test
But design is not the whole story. It was essential to ensure the full functionality of the sliding shutters over the life-cycle of this prestigious building. So the interdisciplinary team built two complete prototypes and subjected them to exacting tests at a certified testing facility in Melbourne. “In the end, thanks to the drawings and the scrupulous planning of the design, the installation of the sliding shutters went very smoothly.” Nolan emphasizes: “Hawa Sliding Solutions helped us realize our vision.”
The construction of the Harrington Collection was completed in October 2021. The lucky residents can look forward to a visual journey, taking them from the city precinct to Sydney’s skyline and the sea—or to relaxing in total peace and quiet—all at the touch of a button.
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The cost of not using a Thermal Break
We know that we must comply with the current NCC 2022 regarding the performance of Thermal Breaks (R0.20) AS4859.1-2018.
It would be foolish to ignore the possibility of future concerns being raised regarding:
- Fire (Combustibility)
- Structural integrity (Moisture)
- Acoustics (Structure borne noise)
when designing, supplying and installing systems containing repeating point thermal bridges with combustible materials.
Considering the high costs involved with the assessment and remediation of not using a thermal break, or worse one that is combustible, is it really worth the risk?
Innovative and adaptable, contact us to see how SLS Thermal Break Insulation can work in your next build.
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Bolton Clarke Willowdale at Denham Court Residential Aged Care Community
Operable walls are widely utilised in aged care facilities for one of two primary reasons – firstly to facilitate space adaptability for administrators (meeting and leisure activities). Administrators are able to use operable walls to turn larger, shared spaces into multiple meeting rooms, training rooms, leisure and break-out spaces. And secondly to adjust treatment room sizes depending on the number of treatment staff available and the space required by the type of treatment being administered.
Operable walls are movable acoustic walls which offer varying acoustic properties, which are not only fit for purpose but also highly attractive and user friendly. These acoustic walls allow a limited transfer of sound between the relevant individual spaces.
Bolton Clarke Willowdale at Denham Court is the region’s newest residential aged care community, situated on land adjoining the Stockland Willowdale Retirement Village. The facility delivers a contemporary residential aged care community for wellbeing and independence, with the latest enabling technology, a dementia care environment incorporating internationally recognised principles to promote choice and independence and retail spaces including a cafe to encourage active and social lifestyles. It features 144 rooms and care apartments designed around accessible communal indoor-outdoor areas including landscaped courtyards and gardens, forecourts, balconies and terraces.
Bolton Clarke Willowdale, through builder Lipman, has installed Bildspec operable acoustic walls in meeting rooms and leisure spaces to give them greater flexibility with space requirements as needed. Rooms can easily be made larger or smaller through the use of operable walls whilst retaining acoustic and privacy requirements of the various spaces. The movable acoustic wall panels have fixed top sweep seals and bottom mechanical retracting seals and are finished in Woven Image Mura for their pleasant aesthetic and strong acoustic control qualities.
Canobolis Clinic at Bloomfield Hospital in Orange NSW is a long stay mental health rehabilitation unit for the elderly. It includes a community care unit with a patient treatment room. The clinic installed a Bildspec Series100 movable acoustic wall panels in the treatment room enabling the room to be divided into two smaller treatment rooms depending on the number of nursing staff available at the time to deliver treatment to patients, and the amount of space required depending on the nature of the treatment itself.
Over our 50+ years in business, Bildspec have supplied operable walls into many high-quality aged care centres. Bildspec is 100% Australian-owned and all our components and products are locally sourced and made. Bildspec is the oldest and the first operable wall manufacturer in Australia. We have the most operable wall-experienced staff compliment in Australia. Bildspec is the only NSW-based operable wall manufacturer.
For more information on the moveable acoustic wall panels installed please click here or contact our office on 1300 967 672 or email us at sales@bildspec.com.au
- Published in NEWS
XFLAM Fire Resistant Insulated Panel System
Recently, there has been changes to fire compliance on an international level. In certain areas of a residential care facility, evacuation in the event of a fire is almost impossible, therefore, fire prevention should be top of mind at the concept stage. In the event of a fire, occupant safety and the protection of adjoining properties are fundamental requirements of building regulations. AM PANEL RANGE IS A FIRE RESISTANT INSULATED PANEL MADE WITH SYNTACTIC FOAM.c
This high performance fire resistant panel has excellent mechanical properties, superior insulation values, and low toxicity making this panel the best multipurpose panel available.
XFLAM Panel is available for interiors, exteriors, facades, roofing and ceiling applications. It is ideal for almost any application that requires a fire safe, mechanically strong building product.
In addition, it’s high thermal performance makes it an ideal insulated panel product for food processing facilities, distribution centres, cool rooms and freezers.
XFLAM Panel is also 100% recyclable, easy and fast to install, saving you time and money during construction.
XFLAM Performance Panel has undergone multiple testing and approvals making it easy for you to insure while also giving peace of mind that you have an approved and conforming building product.
FM Testing includes:
- FM Approved – 4471 Roofing Systems
- FM Approved – 4880 Internal Walls and Ceilings
- FM Approved – 4881 Exterior Wall Systems
- FM Approved – 4882 Smoke Sensitive Occupancies
- Published in NEWS
Season’s Living – Mango Hill
Location – Maroochydore, QLD
Year – 2020
Architect – E design Architecture
Builder Developer – Phillip Usher
Client – Seasons
Featured Products –GEZE EC Drive and Architectural Door Hardware, Appliances,
Season’s Living – Mango Hill Stage 2 is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of communities developed, designed and delivered by Philip Usher Constructions. Distinguished for developing seniors living communities with a difference, Season’s Living Mango Hill Stage 2 comprises of 94 apartments designed for resort style living.
Continuing our relationship with Philip Usher Constructions, Häfele was entrusted to collaborate with the design team to specify and implement innovative and functional hardware solutions which fulfil the specific needs of the residents.
Safety and security are synonymous with Season’s Living developments and progressive hardware solutions are essential. Häfele’s dedicated project support division designed and supplied a restricted multi-profile master key system, to ensure optimal security for the residents that also accommodates both current and future project stages.
The comprehensive Häfele Architectural Door Hardware schedule includes a diverse range of hardware selected to ensure compliance with current Australian building codes, paying particular attention to DDA suitability across the development.
Apartment entry doors feature robust Startec commercial key-in-lever sets (KNL) for the simplicity of use and for their efficient installation and quality. Accompanying the KNL is the GEZE TS2000 door closer for their ease of adjustment, the variable opening and closing force allows customisation to each apartment and the unique conditions of each resident.
GEZE EC Drive automatic operators are implemented across a variety of single and bi-parting access points. Located in communal areas and activity spaces to ensure the residents move effortlessly throughout their community. Built with multiple input & output parameters allowing the openings to seamlessly integrate with Season’s building management system.
Further collaboration with the design team ensured appliance specifications were also appropriate for the needs of the residents. The complete package included all cooking, cleaning and refrigeration appliances to each apartment. Some key features include touch control cooktops for ease of use and compact dishwashers designed specifically for small spaces.
Häfele are excited to strengthen our relationship with Philip Usher Constructions at Season’s Living Mango Hill and continue to build confidence as a trusted project partner to specify, document and deliver multiple product packages.
Startec Commercial key-in-lever sets, GEZE TS2000, GEZE EC Drive, Hafele 60cm 4-function oven, 60cm ceramic cooktop with touch control, 60cm slide out rangehood, 60cm compact dishwasher, 323L fridge/freezer. 25L microwave, 8.5KG tumbler dryer and 7KG front load washing machine and complete
- Published in NEWS
An Accessible Path
When thinking about safety, residential care facilities should be designed to support a range of conditions. These include specialised dementia care, psychogeriatric disorders as well as high dependence care.
The building should be designed to facilitate the easy and safe access and flow of residents, staff and visitors.
Residents in residential care facilities experience three times the rate of falls than older people living in the community (Rubenstein et al., 1996 as cited in Shanley). The risk factors for falls are considered to be a combination of intrinsic (related to the person) and extrinsic (related to the environment).
Big Doors with a light touch
At first glance, one brand of sliding doors may appear very similar to the next, but looks can be deceiving. When you open and close a Reynaers sliding door using the effortless lift and slide mechanism, the difference is immediately evident.
The Right Track
The accessibility of windows and doors plays an essential role for aged care settings. Reynaers offers several different systems with a low or a flush threshold. This means that the transition between the in -and outside is completely flat, allowing less mobile persons to have an effortless access to the building. On top of that, Reynaers sliding systems can be equipped with a handy electrical operation, either remote controlled or driven by sensors. Reynaers Aluminium sliding doors are available in double or triple-track systems depending on the desired configuration. The best panel and track options to best fit the needs of the aged care setting can be discussed with your dealer. A level, step free transition and threshold for ease of access and mobility is key. With Reynaers, the client and subsequent user is afforded a durable product that allows for a seamless transition between internal and external spaces.
- Published in NEWS
Barrier Security Systems for Multiple Applications
ATDC supplies a range of barrier security systems which have multiple applications in aged care and retirement community centres.
ATDC’s folding closures, roller shutters and trackless barriers are ideal for use as an access control device and also for security by screening off a multitude of areas such as halls, libraries, eating areas, reception desks and counter tops, canteens and food service areas.
ATDC’s barrier security systems are light, functional and easy to operate. The trackless barriers are OH+S tested for safe operation. Systems such as roller shutters on oversized apertures are often secured by way of electric operation so they can be open and closed at the touch of a button.
For further information on ATDC’s full range of barrier security systems visit their website at https://www.trellisdoors.com.au/products/commercial-security
Master security licence number 410452552
- Published in NEWS
Mitigating the Risk for Seniors
X260 Medi-Vet is Oxtek’s No1 solution for anti-bacterial properties and is the only product available in Australia, New Zealand & Asia to offer silver ion technology. X260 Medi-Vet is 100% environmentally friendly and is LOW VOC. NOTE: Be aware of similar products that claim to be anti-bacterial, always request testing.
AGED CARE FACILITIES
For most aged care facilities, when a resident’s room is vacated the flooring system needs to be removed and the concrete needs to be repeatedly treated for protection against bacteria. If a topical toxic anti-bacterial membrane is applied, they are time consuming and generally the rooms cannot be occupied for a period of time. Those who are waiting for a room to be available are at risk of missing out on essential care because of these time delays.
Just one easy application of X260 Medi-Vet is all that is required for 15 years of permanent protection from bacteria and moisture GUARANTEED!!!A new topical flooring system can be installed the day after application of X260 Medi-Vet on existing concrete. The room can be occupied within 2 days. There is always a high demand for accommodation, so this fast turnaround is imperative.
Greenwich Manor Aged Care, Greenwich NSW 2065 X260 MEDI-VET applied for the following reasons:
- Protection from bacteria – Proven control of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureu – MRSA
- Makes concrete impermeable, increasing longevity.
- Cures, Densifies, Hardens and Waterproofs concrete up to 200mm
- Ideally applied as a cure at time of pour by spray but can be applied to existing clean porous concrete
- Environmentally Friendly & HACCP Certified – Low Odour – LOW VOC
- A 15 year warranty against moisture transmission is provided with a project specification
- Increases tensile & compressive strength.
- Retards efflorescence & Shrinkage cracking
The X260 Medi-Vet treated concrete remains compatible with future application of epoxies, line marking paints, levelling compounds, adhesives, and topical flooring systems. Leading manufacturer’s compatibility tests available on request.
- Published in NEWS
Senior Living—a global megatrend
We are living longer and staying healthier too. People therefore want to live self-determined lives for as long as possible, and the demand for senior-friendly adaptations and new dwellings is on the increase worldwide. In order to flexibly adapt the use of living space to demographic change, it makes sense to build accessible housing.
It is strenuous to get up the stairs and to push open heavy doors, and many elderly people, even if they are still mobile, would certainly like to have non-slip flooring. At some point, it makes perfect sense to look for an alternative to a third-floor apartment without an elevator. Senior organizations recommend moving into a senior-friendly environment while you are still fit. There are many options—from converting your own home or moving into a generational housing development or a senior residence. Worldwide, demand exceeds supply. It is high time for a change.
Globally, the trend is also towards the integration of assisted and independent senior living in communities. However, misconceptions about retirement living in large parts of the world are leading to resistance from seniors to these types of housing.
Common to all senior citizens’ housing estates are the specific demands on barrier-free accessibility. But senior living also requires appropriate service offerings and management. Because communal living is no less of a challenge for the elderly than it is for young people. It has been shown that pressure on residents to engage in joint activities has a counterproductive effect on living together. For a co-housing project to be successful in the longer term, much thought and care need to go into the organization.
- Published in NEWS
Grab Rails With Germ Shield
Essentially, these grab rails allow seniors to grab hold of something to steady themselves as they stand, walk, or transition between standing and walking. Especially in slippery or precarious situations, such as bathrooms.
All ASI JD MacDonald grab rails are fabricated of grade 304 stainless steel with a satin, polished or matte black finish. A vast range of configurations are available to accommodate a variety of toilet settings, including accessible compliant spaces.
ASI JD MacDonald offer a range of grab rails that include Germ Shield; a specially engineered design that includes both an internal and external rubber seal for added hygienic protection. Germ Shield is designed to provide an additional barrier to help prevent build-up under the flange of soap scum, body fluids and other unwanted bacteria creating fluids.
WHAT MAKES GRAB RAILS WITH GERM SHIELD UNIQUE?
STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION Made of high quality 304 stainless steel which is tough, durable, stain resistant and easy to clean. HYGENIC Protective rubber seals prevent the build-up of unwanted and unhygienic bacteria behind the flange. EASY INSTALLATION Simply unscrew the Flange Cover and use the Flange as a guide to mark the wall surface and sit the External Rubber Seal on the Flange and fit to the wall using the guide marks. COMPLIANT Suitable for use in Accessible Compliant washrooms in accordance with AS1428.1-2009.
- Published in NEWS