Facades

Lightweight structures are increasingly being applied to facades of buildings and may take the form of high-tech glazing, shade or heat controlling double surfaces.

Laser cut metal panels can be used to good artistic effects.

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APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Façade Shading Structure.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Atmosphere façade system, a lightweight sunshade screen facade; perforated aluminium panels mounted on tensioned cables attached to building façade structures.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF:

BVN architects had specified the Atmosphere system for use on the school building. BVN were familiar with the system from previous project work.

Ronstan, working for Webforge Locker, were responsible for the structural design of the façade cables and the bracket attachments to the primary building structures. There was a multitude of different bracket requirements to suit the complex and varied primary structure details.

Ronstan’s installation brief was installation of cable support brackets, tensioned cables with pre fitted panel clamps and the perforated aluminium panels which were fabricated and supplied finished by Webforge Locker.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The JCU Ideas Lab Facade is a PTFE mesh membrane façade which envelopes the building on all 4 sides.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

In a space designed “to encourage collisions of ideas”, the JCU Ideas Lab façade is a great example of modern building design incorporating an architectural membrane façade. Using a PTFE mesh fabric envelope, the James Cook University Ideas Lab façade plays with the idea a simple prosaic building can be transformed in something that is unique and beautiful.

The folded building form gives the JCU Ideas Lab façade a presence in the landscape, while at the same time moderating heat and glare and maximising natural light to the workplaces within. At night, the building is transformed by projecting moving images and colour onto the PTFE façade allowing the Ideas Lab to become a focal point for the University.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

Wilson Architects approached us to create a “fabric screen” as part of their design for the new Ideas Lab at James Cook University in Cairns. The mesh façade was to provide sun protection for the building, while still allowing plentiful natural light into the classrooms, labs and workspace.

The overall construction of the building was by BESIX Watpac, and we were responsible for the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of PTFE membrane façade, including the external steel façade support framework. The geometric design of the building with its undulating faceted façade creates unique forms and interesting planes and was an exciting project to be involved with.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Retail multi-story facade

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Scentre Group’s Westfield Newmarket in Auckland, New Zealand has undergone a NZ$790 million redevelopment, transforming the centre into a retail, dining and entertainment precinct that is the largest in the area.

Fabritecture was contracted for the design and construction of two custom architectural facades for the multi-storey car park along Gillies Avenue/Mortimer Pass, and Gillies Avenue/Morrow Street. The project involved 105 tonnes of steel supporting the façade elements comprising 9,320 diamond shaped aluminium panels. Fabritecture developed the prototype design for the diamonds, which typically sit about 12 diamonds per panel. There are 829 individual panels for the whole façade.

Award of Excellence LSAA 2018 Design Awards - Glazing and Facades (Cat 5, 5627)

Shade Facade

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A brutalist brick and concrete library is transformed with many careful interventions into a light filled, open structure at the heart of its university campus setting.

A video may be seen at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GVLIjeb_8Q

High Commendation LSAA 2018 Design Awards - Category 5 Glazing and Facades (5431)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Architectural façade for dual purpose structure that is used as a large animal pavilion during the Brisbane Exhibition and as a carpark at other times of the year.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project was a façade consisting of 1400m2 ST Gobain SGM50 open PTFE mesh and 650m2 solid Chukoh FGT800 PTFE. The façade provided an exciting architectural feature on the exterior of an otherwise bland carpark at the RNA Showgrounds. The facade included “porthole” features which assisted in creating the 50% open requirement for air flow for animal and patron comfort during the 2 weeks of the Brisbane Exhibition.

Commendation at LSAA 2018 Design Awards

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

In late 2017, the new Oran Park Library & Community Resource Centre underwent an AUD$13.8million development. Part of the works was a design & construction contract for a lightweight architectural ETFE façade at the front of the library. The façade faces the Western sun, providing an effective solar barrier from the heat, and adding a striking aesthetic to the building.

The façade features a series of triangular 2-layer ETFE cushions, alternating in colour and direction, in red, yellow, white and translucent foil with a standard frit pattern print.