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Scope

The QE11 Medical Centre car park, located opposite Kings Park in Perth had strict design considerations given its prominent location. The aesthetics were a major design consideration, the intent was to provide inhabitants with privacy, while ensuring car headlights didn’t disturb local residents or effect the ambiance of Kings Park.

The facade cladding had to meet the BCA requirements of >50% open area, however the designers wanted to achieve a unique design that would meet both the aesthetic and functional considerations.

Progression

The architect envisaged a ‘scale’ concept where each individual scale would face up, re-directing internal light into the night sky, while the panels would also be open enough to provide high air flow; reducing the requirement for mechanical extraction equipment.

Locker Group’s engineering department worked closely with the architect, in order to understand the design vision and create the tooling that would allow Locker Group to work within the confines of the material and manufacturing equipment, in order to produce the panels locally.

In a first for Locker Group, the DragonscaleTM pattern is a true 3 dimensional profile, where the scales are formed individually out of the aluminium sheet. The hardness of the Aluminium presented a number of challenges, with profiles and samples travelling back and forth, across the country, before the team was able to achieve the anticipated profile shape & depth, without any cracking or tearing.

Outcome

Dragonscale panels are installed on the car park ‘slab to slab’ therefore requiring no intermediate supports. The simple folded panels were just lifted onto the brackets and fixed to each slab; saving the installation team time and money.

The panel design, the spacing from the building face and internal guttering catches rainwater, and prevents it from entering the car park.

The bright Duratec colour scheme reflects the transition from dusk to nightfall and was designed to emulate an occupied building.

Scope

The design and construction of the Perth Arena is a striking architectural statement, and is likely to inspire redevelopment in the surrounding section of the CBD. Perth Arena now offers a premier venue to accommodate up to 15,500 patrons.

A joint venture between ARM Architecture and Cameron Chisolm Nicol, Locker Group worked closely with the design team in order to understand their vision for a striking, dramatic interior. The interior of the facility includes four freestanding bars, five function areas and seven concessions. The different areas of the interior express individual colours and textures. Locker Group produced the internal feature wall, which provides the first impression to patrons as they come in the main entrance. The feature wall was intended to have a textural appearance that represented a quilted finish.

In addition, Locker Group was involved in specification of the anti-climb security fence, which was to envelope the goods area. The security fence covers approx 1000 m2 of both perforated and plain, unperforated panels.

Progression

The internal feature wall incorporated Pic Perf™, not as a traditional photo image or logo, but as a textural element. The perforations were designed to replicate the voluptuous image of warm quilt, and the black anodised aluminium contrasts beautifully with the warm timber panelling.

Locker Group kept in close contact with the installation team, Denmac, as each perforated panel, was a discreet shape, not a rectangle among them. Each panel was either raked or angled, and Locker group supplied every one fully finished and ready for installation.

Outcome

The new Perth Arena is a spectacular and daring architectural achievement; recognised as one of 7 shortlisted projects in the 2013 World Architecture Festival awards. The West Australian Premier, Colin Barnett noted “This is an iconic venue for Perth… the Arena is a work of art.”

Locker Group is immensely proud to be associated with such a significant moment in Perth’s evolving architectural landscape.

The feature wall in the main concourse provides a visual drawcard and provides its desired texture and contrast. The external security fence surrounding the goods despatch area is further insight in to the design brief and architectural language of this imposing new structure.

Scope

The architectural team at Billard Leece had a vision for a clean and sophisticated metal finish product that would provide opposing textural elements to the Dining Hall of the Latrobe University Bendigo campus. The intent was to utilize one finish across a number of different planes to provide a seamless and sharp finish across the project.

Perforated metal was chosen as the ideal substrate to provide shade and allow natural light to flow through.

Progression

The angle and shape of the façade that surrounds two faces of the dining hall, provided a challenge for both Locker Group and the fabricator. As opposed to a traditional face fixing method, the team developed a system where cleats were used to mount the perforated panels to the supporting RHS structure.

Despite the sharp folds and angles, the finish aimed to appear smooth and clean, so each perforated panel was individually folded to fit cleanly with the supports behind it. Given the geometric nature of the design, hardly any panels incorporated a 90 degree angle. Each façade had to be matched and measured specifically, so the connecting point of folded boarder met seamlessly with the cleats.

Perforated metal panels were also utilized to cover the external walkway enveloping the dining hall, these were face fixed at a distance to the right angled sheet structure, providing an industrial feel.

Outcome

The sleek appearance of the perforated balustrade, façade and external ceiling panels provides a chic industrial appeal to the regional campus.

The balustrade provides protection for alfresco dining, students can eat and study while protected from harsh glare.. The façade protects internal diners from the heat during summer, but allows a warm winter sun to infuse the space during the cold winter months.

Perforated panels installed horizontally around the building provide shading protection for students and staff.

Scope

SKM Architects were commissioned by Agilent Technologies to design a purpose built research and development facility, as an extension to their Head Office in Melbourne’s South East.

The vision for the facade was to create a light veil that would encapsulate the building perimeter, and provide sun shading characteristics.

Progression

Locker Group worked closely with both the Architectural team, and two engineering teams; Bonacci & Tensys, in order to develop the concept to completion. The first challenge was a feasibility study for the cable placement to balance the requirements of aesthetics and engineering.

The mesh profile was specifically developed for the project; modelled on an existing profile; the resulting Sun 125A profile met the Architect’s intent. Locker Group designed a new fixing method, in order to attach the expanded metal to the Stainless Steel cables.

Mechanical testing for all of the components and connections was conducted, along with detailed engineering analysis, to ensure the facade would meet the design criteria and intent,and withstand any wind loads; especially as the facade returns on several elevations.

Outcome

Locker Group installed the Stainless Steel cables and then provided assistance in the installation of the mesh. Detailed preparation and planning ensured the installation was fast and efficient, even though installing the mesh required a detailed touch. The intricate nature of the facade meant that the stag ends on each piece of expanded mesh needed to align to the next sheet.

This required higher than usual manufacturing tolerances, which Locker Group was able to provide Both client and architect are happy with the end result; which looks spectacular day or night. At night the facade is backlit by LED’s at each level, providing a bright hi-tech vision for passing traffic.

Scope

A high profile building in Wellington’s parliamentary precinct, Vogel House was part of a multi million dollar redevelopment project. It was de-signed to provide a ‘campus’ environment for the Ministry of Justice, among other occupants.

The developer, AMP Capital, was focused on refurbishing the 1960’s Vogel building, constructing a new seven-level, 17,300 square meter podium building on a car park next door, and connecting the two buildings via a six storey atrium.

Locker Group had the opportunity to assist in the design, and provide a screen for the stairwell which would be both decorative and functional.

Progression

The main focus of the Vogel House project was on the new development (which provided more than 33,000 square meters of office space) to enable the Ministry of Justice to move from multiple locations to a single site. While the ‘campus’ format was designed to enable related teams to work closely and effectively together.

Locker Group provided the stairwell solution in the form of three continuous drops of Transit F360 stainless steel woven wire. The Transit mesh was woven using a flat wire ribbon, custom manufactured to meet the exact measurements for the width and internal drop of the stairwell.

Delivered in three rolls, the mesh was fastened at the top and bottom. In addition Locker Group provided technical assistance, designing the installation and fixing systems, ensuring the fast and easy installation was completed in days, not weeks.

Outcome

Locker Group successfully designed and installed a decorative screen that not only formed a central component to a multi-level commercial space, but also provided a safety barrier, allowing light to pass into the void, remaining aesthetically pleasing to visitors and occupants.

After consideration and installation of a cheaper mesh alternative, the Vogel House project was finalised using Locker Group’s Transit mesh which offered superior quality and incorpo-rated the reliability and service that Locker Group offers.

Scope

The main scope for this project was to create a façade / sunscreen to match other Porsche centres around Australia. Porsche are very protective of their brand identity and hence the final finish and design were closely monitored.

The facade was designed to provide protection from the harsh Australian climate for the vehicles situated in the external showroom. The screens still allow the natural daylight to flow through, ensuring an ideal environment for highlighting the vehicles’ assets.

Progression

Locker Group perforated metal was the ideal solution. The panels were able to be provided quickly, as the designers chose one of Locker Groups large range of standard patterns. The large panels, each manufactured with an inbuilt framing border, provide a modern look to the dealership. Locker Group worked closely with Exel – Links throughout construction; providing samples and installation advice to make sure the client was happy with the final concept.

Outcome

The perforated metal was used to emphasise the façade of Porsche Brighton’s new showroom, while also acting as a sunscreen to protect the inhabitants from the sun’s glare. The result is a clean and crisp finish, in line with premium branding position of this prestige vehicle manufacturer.

Locker Group perforated patterns allow air to flow through, while still ensuring a suitable sunshade is provided. Locker Group’s perforated metal can also be used for balustrades, feature facades or anywhere airflow is required.

Scope

The designer saw this project as a platform to establish a critical dialogue within the built environment; to raise as many questions as it found solutions.

KUD architects challenged the idea that smaller inner city blocks cannot respond to complex contextual constraints such as orientation, sustainability and heritage restrictions. They utilised these constraints as areas of possibility and exploration for their design processes and discourse.

The strategy was to break down the elements of the Terrace house; to critique and respond.

Progression

The main areas of investigation during the design stage were symbolism and ornamentation, the public and private realm and redefining the boundaries between them, Solar Orientation, environmental sustainability and the programming of the plan. KUD Architects were interested in retaining the ‘idea’ and the symbolism’ of the terrace but re-evaluating the gesture to an ironic or even satirical level to engage in a public debate.

To achieve this, Locker Group worked closely with KUD architects, providing proofs and samples of Pic-Perf® panels representing a terrace façade.

The panels had to be more than just fixed panels, they had to be operable. Locker Group worked closely with KUD to ensure their vision was fulfilled.

Outcome

The built form is an urban infill within a very small 5.5 x 14.4M envelope. The perforated house was the response to establish an alternative language to the accepted notion of the culture in the area. This Pic-Perf® house has an anodised aluminum finish. Locker Group manufactured large sheets exceeding 3.00M in height and 1.2M in width to create the desired effect. This included 2 sheets installed as bi fold doors for the second level, which in itself provided some challenges, as the doors had to work independently, and in tandem with the bi-fold windows that are hidden within. The house incorporates passive sustainable interventions by orienting glass bi-fold doors to the north and louvers for cross ventilation as the primary means of cooling.

Scope

This bold sculpture was officially lit on the corner of Stanhope Park-way and Conrad Road, Ponds in Sydney in 2008.

Public art was a key part of the development, and the designer wanted to comment on Sydney’s changing climate in an unforgettable way. Public art can help to shape a community’s identity; to accomplish this mission Landcom commissioned artists Milne & Stonehouse, who created ‘Float’; an iconic artwork within the Ponds community, providing a focal point for the area.

Locker Group worked closely with the artists to come up with the best possible solution to create the soft billowing umbrellas, using two Transit mesh profiles .

Progression

Clouston and Associates designed the surrounding landscape. The artwork for Float featured twelve large sculptured umbrellas, aiming for a timeless piece, designed to blend with the suburban landscape and to become part of its footprint forever.

In order to bring the artists’ imagination to life, Locker Group chose two transit meshes, F160 and F281, each with specifically manufactured stainless steel mesh pieces, shaped to fit the upside down umbrella skin. The umbrella structures are mounted on metal poles, the tallest standing 12 metres high. The art installation has inset LED lighting, which is programmed to respond to the seasons and rainfall.

Outcome

Located in a busy intersection, ‘Float’ is one of the unique major artwork and design installations, that explores the presence and absence of water in the landscape. The umbrellas hung upside down are brilliantly lit to create a sense of drama.

At night the umbrellas glow with soft colours and change with the seasons. When it rains, the umbrella lights respond with a dance to celebrate the return of water to the landscape to add further effect to the bold sculpture.

Umbrellas have gained a whole new meaning since ‘Float’ was unveiled. Not confined to structure elements, Locker Group understood the importance of the “Float” project and provided a solution to create an eye catching statement of design.

Scope

Cara & Co, a unique high end retail concept, were looking to replicate their Moscow store in the newly refurbished Westfield Sydney City. The Cara & Co concept store offers intellectual fashion, art, food and music, incorporating a fine dining restaurant at the rear of the retail presence.

The brief detailed curtaining, the function of which was to provide low level security for the retail goods, while still allowing access to the restaurant beyond standard retail trading hours.

Progression

Locker Group worked with consultants, Projectwize, the architect, Foster & Associates, and the contractor, Abode Bathrooms, recommending minor modifications to the original design layouts in order to achieve the functional and aesthetic design intent.

One particular focus was the strength and durability of the tracking system, which was chosen to satisfy both the geometric and load constraints, while remaining fully operational.

Outcome

The Stainless Steel curtains remain almost undetectable during the day, as shoppers are able to move throughout the store exploring the possibilities. In the evening, as the retail trading draws to a close, the curtains are drawn and secured.

Patrons are able to pass through the central avenue of the store, and still be tantalised by the high end fashion and gifts they can see through the Transit curtains, however the goods remain secure.

The installation of tracks and delivery of the curtains were staggered during the fit out to balance the constructability of the system, while minimising the need to store the curtains on site, with a risk of damage prior to installation. Locker Group worked closely with all parties to ensure delivery requirements were met.