Versatile Insulated Rapid Roller Doors THERMOspeed™ by EBS Entrance Solutions
The versatile insulated rapid roller doors THERMOspeed™ by EBS Entrance Solutions has just helped a Tasmanian meat producer.
A Tasmanian meat producer was looking to replace cumbersome panel doors on their blast freezers. The heavy sliding doors were regularly getting iced and jammed up, interrupting daily operations. The client turned to EBS for help.
The solution needed to be thermally efficient, compact, reliable, and easy to use, providing their operations with fast access and enabling quicker filling and unloading of the blast- freezer chambers.
Just over one weekend, the 3 old doors were removed and the new EBS THERMOspeed™ insulated doors were installed and commissioned, ready for use by operations on Monday morning.
The ultimate in versatile insulated rapid roller doors, the THERMOspeed™ was the perfect solution to suit the customers’ requirements.
For further information on their range of quality high speed doors and the versatile insulated rapid roller doors THERMOspeed™ by EBS Entrance Solutions, visit EBS’ website at https://www.ebssolutions.com.au/product-category/high-speed-doors/ or contact them toll free on 1800 877 88
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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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HERITAGE APPROVED SECURITY DOORS FOR COUNCILS, GOVERNMENT AND MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
The Australian Trellis Door Company (ATDC) recently completed a sizeable security door installation at the front entry to the Parks Victoria premises at Albert Park in Melbourne. These doors are heritage approved security doors suitable for Councils, Government and Municipal buildings.
The door was specified by Harrison & White Architects of Carlton, Victoria since it could operate as a retractable, top hung system (without any floor track) and it could also traverse a 90 degree curved aperture through a 600mm radius turn.
The heritage appeal of this unique security door with its scissor style retractable folding action was an added advantage together with its seamless lock up facility which is offered by way of its intermediate up/down locking mechanisms.
The door on this project measured 8500mm wide x 3200mm high.
Project managers for the job was Standrite Australia.
For further information on ATDC’s full range of commercial security doors contact them toll free from anywhere in Australia on 1800657435 or visit their website at https://www.trellisdoors.com.au/products/commercial-security
Master Security Licence No: 410452552
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SLS Thermal Break Insulation: An Elegant Solution for Thermal Break Compliance in Australia to meet NCC 2022 Section J
The benefits to thermal efficiency and sustainability of thermal break insulation within building assemblies are globally acknowledged and understood.
Conversely, the consequences of using combustible materials within building assemblies is also very well understood.
SLS Thermal Break is a Non-Combustible insulation utilising Teflon impregnated E Glass technology to provide a safe, fast and compliant Thermal Break solution for NCC2022 Section J.
Tested in Australia to AS/NZ4859.1-2018 and deemed Non-Combustible to AS1530.1.
Innovative and adaptable, contact us to see how SLS Thermal Break Insulation can work in your next build.
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Smart Curved Security Gates for Serveries, Reception Counters and Bars
ATDC has recently installed its S08 curved security gates to secure the bar area at the new Proclamation Park Pavilion in Ringwood near Melbourne. The Pavilion is owned by the Maroondah City Council.
The gate was specified by East Melbourne based CO-OP Studio and the project managers were Circon Commercial Constructions.
The satin black powdercoated gate which retracts sideways back to one side when unlocked and opened, was able to traverse a special radius curve of 1144mm and has no floor track so as not to obstruct the counter top of the bar.
For further information on this product visit ATDC’s website at https://www.trellisdoors.com.au/product/commercial-security/security-screens-and-screen-doors/stacking-doors-s08 or contact them toll free on 1800657435.
Master Security Licence No: 410452552
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Deakin University Operable Walls
A Bildspec Series 100 Rw52 Acoustic Operable Wall has recently been installed at Deakin University (Melbourne Burwood Campus). The university was looking for a replacement operable wall for its HD Building that was simple and easy to operate in order to quickly and easily be able to vary teaching spaces to suit different size requirements as they were required.
Operable Walls improve the effectiveness of learning spaces by ensuring that they are adaptable to accommodate small or large groups; include learning centres with flexible spaces that allow students to learn in a variety of settings, and provide opportunities to enhance skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.
The university’s HD Building is a three-story building within the campus which houses a food court, several restaurants, a function room and two multipurpose rooms. The level 3 function room needed an operable wall system which could be utilized to provide various sized classes or conference type events within the shared space.
The architect, Tall Architects, set strict design requirements for this project where the acoustic wall needed to:
Allow the layout for two large learning spaces to be easily changed by one person, at least 10 times per week, and
Provide very good acoustic insulation, and
Meet current design standards for educational facilities and demonstrate a commitment to delivering accessibility by adopting the principles of Universal Design, and
Support the university’s teaching and learning agenda by providing innovative premium located learning spaces
Be completed in a Laminex Classic Oak Natural finish.
Bildspec were chosen to due their excellent reputation for successfully meeting hundreds of operable wall projects with similar demanding requirements across Australia.
For more information on the product installed or our wider range of acoustic operable walls click here or for any further information please contact our office on 1300 967 672 or email us at sales@bildspec.com.au
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Sliding Applications in Residential Spaces
Be it bought or rented. Be it a house or an apartment. Individuality and lifestyle are experienced at home. For you and others. Home is a retreat, a meeting place and a safe haven.
We would all like to design our life in an individual and free way. Whether you have the privilege of building your own house or if you’re planning an apartment – the decision concerning the room design within your own four walls characterizes your satisfaction and well-being at home over decades.
We help with the design of façades, rooms and furnishings for private living areas with just as much commitment as we do for solutions in professional applications.
The usable space in a layout can be improved with sliding solutions. Additional areas are created which would not be available if normal hinged doors were used.
This doesn’t just apply to the fixed walls and surfaces, but also to the furniture – be it built-in or free-standing. Here too, sliding technology frequently provides better access, and is also an aesthetic solution which you can enjoy for years.
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More Space Thanks to New Spatial Designs
Conversion instead of demolition – the growing awareness of sustainability is leading to a more respectful approach to existing buildings. More and more often, old buildings are no longer simply torn down and replaced by new ones, but are carefully examined to determine whether a transformation is possible and makes sense.
There is a great chance that the quality of a new building can be developed from the existing building with a reduced use of resources, both in terms of function, technology and design. And this is usually much more cost-effective than would be possible with a demolition and new construction.
With the industry’s rethinking of sustainability, the conversion of old buildings is becoming more and more commonplace. In the future, architects and builders will already include a later conversion for other uses in the building design. Flexibility of use is thus becoming a program, which extends the service life of buildings.
In Dikemark, near to the Norwegian capital of Oslo, Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects have transformed a former nursing school dating from the 1960s into a residential complex. How do you reinvent buildings that are in danger of being demolished and give them a new lease on life by altering their spatial structure? This is a story of a project which tells the concept of space in a completely new way and looks into the future of sustainable architecture.
Anyone who wants to discover something about Dikemark and tries the standard search engines will find an entry about “Dikemark Sykehus”, the hospital of Dikemark, at the top of the list. The psychiatric hospital forms part of a hospital complex around 30 kilometers west of Oslo and takes its name from the farm on which it was built in 1905. It remains in operation to this day. In 1966, a dedicated nursing school was built on the hospital grounds. However, as the decades passed, needs changed. The dormitory and training building remained unused and were in a state of decay until the owner approached Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects.
A building with quality and potential
Håkon Vigsnæs, one of the lead architects, recalls his first impression of the ruin: “We quickly realized that the old building still had quality and that we could do a good job on this basis despite the fact that it had been vacant for a long time.” The aim was to preserve the significant structural features such as the floor slabs and walls made of concrete cast in-situ on the inside and facades made of red brick and steel structures on the outside, and to keep them visible. The original room layout was to be used in the
most sensible way possible, and intelligently transformed. What the architects found was in line with the pragmatism that could be expected from the time of the construction of the building and its intended use. The multi-story dormitory housed nursing students in modest single rooms arranged along the outside walls. The common areas were arranged in the center of each floor. The lower building housed large training and classroom spaces on two floors. “Each facility had the potential to be modified in its own right, without us having to make significant changes to the basic structure,” Vigsnæs says. The place where nursing students used to live, was to provide 43 attractive apartments for families, couples or individuals. With regard to the actual school building, the architects’ design envisaged several terraced houses. It was important not to increase the building volume except for a parking space, which was indispensable. For Vigsnæs, his partners and his team, these constraints were more of an incentive than an obstacle: “Working as an architect with these limitations has a merit of its own. It is different from building from scratch. You actually gain something from this transformation, which is very exciting.”
Before – original plan 1966
The nursing school, together with a dormitory for nurses, was in keeping with the spirit of the times. The students were accommodated in simple single rooms.
After – Spacious living units
The integration of sliding doors enables optimal use of space.
Modern openness thanks to new spatial designs
In order to turn the dormitory into an apartment complex, the builders opened up the vertical concrete slabs that were in future to form the walls of a room within a residential unit. The walls separating the individual residential units remained in place throughout. Adjustments were also made to the corridor, which was previously very long, to allow the nursing students to get to their rooms. By reducing the number of residential units, this space could be saved during the conversion and invested in making the apartments more spacious. The designers only put in new walls if they served to gain additional living space; in other places they dismantled the walls. “Wherever possible, we integrated sliding doors. After all, one of the main ideas behind our plans was to make the walls continue uninterrupted along the facade. With the doors open, this creates a very special spatial experience, which we believe is most effectively realized using sliding door solutions,” explains Vigsnæs. A significant improvement has been the enhancement of the walls, floors and doors in terms of their energy efficiency, fire resistance and acoustics.
None of the structural changes affect the existing structure. The floor slabs in the former dormitory could even be used in their entirety. Only in the former training rooms where they opened up to create the necessary space in variously sized terraced houses for interior staircases and light wells. These are illuminated by a skylight and allow rooms to be twice the height.
Unobstructed view and common areas
A full-length glass facade creates esthetic harmony between the exterior and interior spaces and provides a view of the unspoiled surroundings immersed in a forest. Even its installation is indebted to the qualities of the original design because, after all, it was the depth of the building that allowed windows from floor to ceiling. It also created the conditions for achieving the desired energy efficiency, as in Norway the number of square meters used for windows and doors in the external walls is limited to approximately 25 percent of the floor area.
The new facade of the high-rise building is also a reflection of the pattern of the original brick facade, whose window bands vary in height. The balconies are a new addition. However, the concrete slabs between the floors proved not to be strong enough to support them using the traditional approach. For this reason they were constructed out of wood and supported in the apartment house by the steel structure extending from the roof, which is a valuable feature from times past. The arrangement of the buildings left room for a forecourt. Once no more than just that, it is now a meeting place with communal spaces and children’s playgrounds.
Economy and sustainability
In addition to the obvious sustainability benefits that come with the new construction and redesign of existing buildings, the question of cost-effectiveness always plays a role. “Transformation,” says Vigsnæs, “must always be worthwhile.” Contrary to what is often assumed, renovating and transforming old buildings through new spatial designs is not fundamentally cheaper than building a new one. “It depends a lot on how calculations are made at the outset and how communication takes place during the course of the project,” he explains. Close cooperation between the clients, architects, builders and suppliers helps to maintain a balance between cost-effectiveness, quality, and sustainability.
Rethink and rebuild
Nevertheless, Vigsnæs recognizes a change in thinking in his industry when it comes to the preservation of old buildings: “The number of transformation projects is increasing sharply. Just three years ago, schools were being torn down here that we would today convert to other uses with the help of new spatial designs,” says the architect. The younger generation of architects and builders in particular is growing up with an awareness of sustainability that includes the use of old building fabric and the recycling of materials as well as a building design that generally enables it to be converted for other uses at a later date.
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Modern, cutting edge design for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield
City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council in partnership with the South Australian State Government wished to create a modern, sustainably managed and fit-for-purpose indoor recreation facility.
The goal was to build a premier recreational venue where people from a diverse community can lead an active and healthy lifestyle and participate in a range of sport.
The new facility includes three multi-purpose courts, two basketball courts, a cafe, office and commercial space. Studio 9 Architects were awarded the contract to design the facility.
City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council in partnership with the South Australian State Government wished to create a modern, sustainably managed and fit-for-purpose indoor recreation facility.
The goal was to build a premier recreational venue where people from a diverse community can lead an active and healthy lifestyle and participate in a range of sport.
The new facility includes three multi-purpose courts, two basketball courts, a cafe, office and commercial space. Studio 9 Architects were awarded the contract to design the facility.
ASKIN Performance Panel supplied Volcore Vivid panel in 12 shades of blues, greens, and violets with a silkline profile. Volcore panel system is a lightweight, insulated panel product with a non-combustible core, addressing all the requirements for this project. This one component wall solution doubles as the external cladding and the robust internal wall lining, exceeding client expectations.
Becoming involved in the project in the early stages of design meant ASKIN could address any concerns around the fire safety of Volcore with documented testing, certifications and approvals so all those involved felt confident they were using a safe and conforming Australian building product.
Kirsty describes working with ASKIN as being very collaborative.
“We had conversations with the ASKIN team in the early stages of design regarding fire properties. We worked through the details and requirements and this flowed through to the construction phase,” she says.
Together ASKIN and Studio 9 Architects selected 12 shades of blues, greens and violets, all custom colours manufactured by COLORBOND® – BlueScope Steel.
Selection of the 12 colours to meet the client’s expectations, maintaining ASKIN’s panel quality and ensuring warranty from Blue Scope Steel required collaboration between all parties.
Consideration of darker and lighter colour placement, as well as the panel lengths for each elevation was required to maintain the thermal deflection of an insulated panel wall system.
Darker colours in a COLORBOND® steel finish can reach up to a maximum of 100 degrees in certain regions of Australia, whereas lighter shades will only reach a maximum of 60 degrees on the hottest day.
Volcore is a non-combustible insulated panel system with the added benefits of acoustic properties and is thermal efficiency with R Values that far exceed the NCC minimum requirements. Its continuous insulation properties will ensue the centre stays cool during summer and warmer in the winter months.
Kirtsy explains with the recent issues here and abroad in regards to fire and non-combustibility, they were really conscious of going with something that had the right certifications.
“We began investigating products in the early stages of the project and ASKIN’s Volcore with a mineral wool core, ticked all the boxes,” she says.
The result is a modern, cutting edge design for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, focusing on flexibility and functionality, providing a multi-use space for the local community. The main priority was to build a facility that is inclusive and accessible to all has been achieved.
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