Webforge Locker Perforated Metal

Case Study: Combining Symbolism with Architectural Excellence – Victorian Heart Hospital

 

To accomplish Victorian Heart Hospital’s vision of creating a cardiogram-ressemblent façade, this project married personalised manufacturing expertise, innovative architectural design capabilities and strong communication among all parties.

Here’s a look into how this vision became a reality.

PROJECT OVERVIEW: FROM IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION

Within the project’s two-year period, Locker was called upon in a product design and development capacity, tasked with manufacturing a façade that would embody the rhythmic and symbolic nature of a cardiogram — a testament to the Victorian Heart Hospital’s positioning as a pioneering cardiovascular care provider.

Locker’s unique capability to manufacture bespoke architectural products produced the following:

BESPOKE PERFORATED PANELS: Locker manufactured 10,655 square metres of flat perforated panels in their Dandenong factory using a specialised inline mass perforating press. This allowed them to provide the panels quickly and efficiently, with zero material waste. The panels were then folded to create 9,000 linear metres of the completed façade.

WEATHERING STEEL: The choice of weathering steel was necessary for achieving the desired aesthetic and functional attributes of the façade. The large scale of the project necessitated a standardised, cost-effective approach that could both adhere to the client brief while remaining manageable
from a manufacturing standpoint — as facilitated by the tailored manufacturing of weathering steel.

The manufacturing process was overseen by Locker’s Mert Tavsanli, who emphasised their role in ensuring that the project’s design elements adhered to the brief provided by Victorian Heart Hospital — with both cost and time considerations carefully accounted for.

 

Heart Hospital 4

LOCKER’S UNIQUE SOLUTIONS
Given the complexity and specificity of the project, a handful of challenges were encountered along the way — from tight deadlines and the complex folding of oversized screens to transportation logistics and the necessity for robust stakeholder unison.

Locker’s dedicated project manager worked to ensure that the project’s various parts ran optimally. Streamlined communication was key during the installation phase as stakeholders adjusted to an accelerated program, necessitating the timely manufacturing and delivery of screens before the site tower cranes were removed. Failing to adjust to this deadline may have resulted in significant delays, disruptions to the project and/or financial consequences. Granted, Locker and the other stakeholders involved collaboratively rose to the challenge.

A technical challenge encountered involved the folding of oversized screens — many exceeding several metres in length. This demanded a meticulous approach to production and assembly, ensuring that the folding process was executed accurately — and upheld quality standards — to achieve the
envisioned rhythmic cardiogram heartbeat design.

Furthermore, the logistics of moving and transporting approximately 1,800 complex-shaped screens posed a hurdle. The sheer volume and size of the screens required careful coordination and planning to ensure that the products reached their destination without damage and in alignment with the
project’s schedule. The project manager oversaw these logistics, working closely with suppliers and subcontractors to guarantee a smooth transition between production and site delivery.

COST-SAVING WITH NO MATERIAL WASTE
Given the extensive proportions of the entire façade, a standardised and cost-effective perforation and material solution emerged as a necessity to meet the demands of the project brief. The standardised approach not only effectively addressed the project’s need for operational efficiency but also resonated with Monash University Clayton’s thematic use of organic materials across other façades.

This approach further exhibited versatility by covering over 98% of the screens required and accommodating six distinct fold profiles and size screen heights. The strategic incorporation of an inline mass perforating press — optimised for weathered steel in coil form — ushered in a world-class
product that would be unachievable using smaller turret presses. This methodology, in turn, resulted in cost and time savings with no material waste.

 

Heart Hospital 3

LOCKER: LEADERS IN BESPOKE INFRASTRUCTURAL MANUFACTURING
The cardiogram-inspired façade is not just an attention-grabbing surface; it embodies the heart of the healthcare facility, exhibiting its dedication to providing cutting-edge cardiovascular care.

Through a meticulous and cost-effective approach to manufacturing, the project succeeded in creating the unique design envisioned by the Victorian Heart Hospital. The teamwork between — and competency of — the involved stakeholders ensured that any and all challenges were met with strategic, resource-efficient solutions.

Locker aims to surpass the expectations of all its clients by providing world-class infrastructure manufacturing solutions —
bespoke to the needs of those with which it partners. With 13 manufacturing and distribution plants located across Australia, New Zealand, India and Asia, Locker is well equipped to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for projects of all scales — saving clients valuable resources in the process.

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS LOCKER PROVIDES, ENQUIRE ABOUT HOW LOCKER CAN PROVIDE TAILORED MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS, GET IN TOUCH WITH A LOCKER PROFESSIONAL TODAY.

 

Locker Pic Perf

Case study: Cheltenham Station Car Park Façade

 

Cheltenham Station, located in Victoria is a train station that was first opened in 1881, serving the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham. As part of a Melbourne 2030 plan for renovations, the station has had consistent upgrades to its design and functionality since 2010.

This case study dives into the details of the Pic-Perf façade with Aurora rail and Ingal crash barrier and how Locker was able to create a stunning design that was not only within scope but more sustainable as well.

Between the design and the construction, Renrow and Locker worked closely to meet deadlines. On-time and within scope, Locker’s Aurora system helped pull together different teams into the same timeline.

Scope

The design to construction scope was estimated at 24 months. Because of its location, maintaining a comfortable living space for residential areas nearby was top of mind. The car park façade needed to be aesthetically pleasing and reduce light pollution flooding nearby homes from the car park, while also allowing for a 50% open area to meet ventilation requirements.

Progression

We were working with a new builder, S.J. Higgins, that was not integrated yet with our Aurora system which created initial setbacks. However, as soon as the builder was up to speed, the rest of the project flowed with ease.

“Our Aurora system eliminates requirements for any secondary support usually provided by the builder,” says Mark Anderson, head of national projects at Valmont, a Locker company. “Therefore, we were able to provide a fully integrated system that required no additional support beyond the primary structure.”

A range of samples and trials were reviewed before arriving at the current design and structure that met the expectations of the project manager, stakeholders, and the architect, Cox Architects.

“The architect envisaged a ‘tree branch design’ across the façade that would vary throughout each elevation” continued Anderson. “The image needed to be replicated through the Pic-Perf software ensuring that the subject was clear, visually appealing and easily identified. The background colour contrasts needed to be considered to ensure a high-resolution image that would be developed and accepted by all parties concerned.”

In the end, all site drawings and materials were delivered in line with the builder’s program.

The Aurora system was a great option for the client because its sustainability allowed it to grow depending on the fluctuations of the project. There was a reduction of all of the steelwork originally detailed for the design that the Aurora system was able to turn into a cost-effective solution.

Where the existing car park was drab and needed to be upgraded, we took the foundations of the building and added texture, design and colour to make impactful changes.

A conscious collaboration caused this project to be both stylistic and sustainably made. The three-storey car park façade is a statement point for the district.

The result

By using Aurora, our integrated system made it possible to ensure that the installation was completed within the allocated period which would not have been possible through other methods.

“The fact that we could offer a turnkey solution for the façade that simplified the original concept whilst maintaining architectural intent appealed to the builder because they only had to award a single contract which covered design, certification, engineering, supply and installation,” Anderson said.

The grand opening of the Cheltenham Station car park occurred in July of 2020. The three-level car park provides a covered space for commuters and rail passengers to safely park their vehicles as they go about their day.

In the end, Anderson says the “result provided a stunning image that captured the architectural intent and is considered to be one of the construction highlights of any build throughout Melbourne and beyond.”

The new construction offers residents and commuters:

  • A less congested space.
  • More light and airflow.
  • Better driver safety.
  • Stunning design quality.
  • Car light block for nearby residents.

As a result of the collaboration, workmanship, professionalism and diligence for this project Cox Architects, S.J. Higgins, DACA Windows and Locker produced an eye-catching, Pic-Perf architectural product.

Locker can accommodate any project size and offer a variety of architectural and construction solutions with a scale of expanded and perforated metal, curtains and wire mesh. Our product range includes screening, interior applications, façades and balustrades.

If you want to know more about this project, others we have underway or if you want to get started on your own, please reach out to one of our professionals today.

Locker Laser Design

Case Study: High Society in Belconnen, Canberra

 

High Society in Belconnen, Canberra is a bustling business district home to the tallest tower in Canberra. It is a stunning building that features unique curves and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect the city with elegance. Inside are stone benchtops and top-end appliances to create a luxury living experience. Residents can enjoy exclusive, private amenities on-site or venture out to the surrounding shops and restaurants for a taste of local culture.

This case study outlines how Locker worked with our partners to meet builder deadlines despite challenges brought on by the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to create a striking car park façade.

Project background

High Society needed to upgrade the façade of their car park to blend in with the area’s growing business and residential mixed population. Our plans involved a roughly 2,200 square metre, four-level podium car park façade of folded aluminium laser-cut panels.

“We were first engaged in October 2019 at the initial design stage to massage an idea into an achievable laser-cut design,” says Mark Thompson, technical sales representative from Webforge, Locker’s sister company. “Over November, we manufactured and provided samples for our client Renrow, to provide to the builder and sign off, which was agreed to in December 2019. The order was placed late January 2019 with a schedule of custom rolled raw material and then COVID-19 hit the world!”

The project didn’t stop for the pandemic so Locker put in a substantial organisational effort to meet the expectations of our client and put together a stunning façade. It took not only precise coordination but clear communication.

“The time schedule became crazy [once the pandemic hit] and we had to meet stage scope KPI’s which were either met or within a very tight timeline just after,” says Thompson. “[Reaching project KPIs and tight deadlines] was achieved with a considerable team effort from myself, our Dandenong staff, our aluminium suppliers, powder coaters and transportation company.”

A softer car park provides residents and shoppers a breezy and safe space to park their vehicles. Teamwork, dedication and vision brought this façade to where it stands today.

Unique design solutions

Not only was the project set in a bustling businesses area in Belconnen, but the designers wanted the project to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Therefore, the façade needed to become something that inspired both innovation and sustainability for anyone who walked by.

“This building is the jewel in a fast-developing area of Belconnen and has set the standard for the area,” says Thompson. “The design of this building met all green standards within an operating district. Delivery, craning of goods and labour were carefully structured to meet government, residents and project restrictions.”

The satin bronze coating provides the car park with an elegant appearance that integrates well with the wood panels around the beams throughout. The rippling laser cuttings coupled with the folded panels to create a visual pulse design. To better reflect the curves along the High Society building, we added similar waves with more angular features to make it distinct yet welcoming to shoppers, commuters and residents.

Laser cut aluminium is a durable material that can do several things for a car park façade, including:

  • Bringing in natural light.
  • Cooling off a space with shade.
  • Preventing large pests from entering.
  • Creating small windows to the outside for weather checks.
  • Allowing for airflow.
  • Providing more visibility throughout the building.

The result of the project was a stunning façade that not only met client expectations but sets the tone for the surrounding area. Each laser cut panel was custom made to create a show-stopping product that was aesthetically pleasing while working for the patrons who used the car park. The new façade addressed the airflow of the car park to make it more comfortable and safe from carbon dioxide. It now provides a shaded space for vehicles that will stay cool throughout the summer months.

The perforated metal provides a safe and cool space for vehicles. With minimal direct sunlight, vehicles can stay cool in the summer.

Locker is your solution to creative sheet metal façades

At Locker, we can collaborate with many different teams, budgets and stakeholders. Our laser cut metals provide top-quality architectural products that fit in with a variety of applications for architectural , industrial, mining and quarry products. For more information on how your next building facelift can integrate woven wire, expanded metal and more for more stunning façades, reach out to a representative today to get started.

The Sylvia Car Park comes to life.

Sylvia Park SEM Car Park Comes Alive with Locker Aluminium

 

Sylvia Park is one of the premier shopping centres in New Zealand. With more than 200 retail stores along with a grocery store, cinema and other amenities, it offers something for every visitor. The area also serves as a business park, and there is plenty of open land available for additional development in the future.

The shopping centre sits in the Auckland suburb of Mount Wellington, easily accessible to the more than 1.6 million residents of the region. While connections to the area’s public transit network mean not every shopper arrives by car, Sylvia Park must provide parking for a substantial number of visitors each and every day it opens.

The perforated aluminium panels came together to provide a stunning facade for the Sylvia ParkSEM car park.The perforated aluminium panels came together to provide a stunning facade for the Sylvia ParkSEM car park.

Project background

Sylvia Park needed to comfortably provide access to shoppers in the run-up to the 2019 holiday shopping season. With large crowds expected during that period specifically, and a general need to provide safe and effective parking, the company had to increase the number of spots available for shoppers. The project that emerged to address this need was the Sylvia Park South Eastern Multideck (SEM) car park.

The plans for the new structure called for five levels with enough space to accommodate 900 vehicles. The design is state of the art, incorporating new technologies for traffic management that improve safety and the flow of shoppers into and out of the building to make the entire shopping experience from arrival to departure as enjoyable as possible. Locker played a key role in the successful completion of the project. We provided perforated aluminium panels that address core needs for car parks related to natural light, air flow and temperature control.

The blue and green colour scheme starts to come alive as night falls and the lighting systemactivates.The blue and green colour scheme starts to come alive as night falls and the lighting systemactivates.

Unique design and functional considerations

Our New Zealand branch office and facilities led the way in producing the perforated aluminium panels necessary to complete the Sylvia Park SEM. Despite the need to carefully fabricate the panels to create a clean and cohesive visual identity, using multiple variations in the perforation hole size, our team performed admirably under pressure.

One major consideration was precise engineering and planning to ensure the individual panels would reliably and closely fit together. This part of the process involved extensive collaboration with drafters through the very end of the project to ensure a uniform appearance. It also required the development of a range of samples and resultant trials to arrive at a design and structure that pleased all major stakeholders and met key project requirements.

The coating used on the perforated aluminium panels may be the single most identifiable factor for employees and shoppers at Sylvia Park who use the garage. The two-tone blue and green colour scheme stands out during the daytime without overpowering the surrounding area, creating a sense of harmony. At night, lights illuminate the panels to increase visibility and provide a new and engaging visual experience for those who visit, shop and work in the area.

The powder coating colours were made to order and proved to be a smashing success from the very beginning. The stakeholders all agreed to move forward with the first samples, making one of the last steps of producing the finished perforated aluminium panels one of the easiest.

While visual appearance plays a crucial role in the identity of any structure, the panels we created for Sylvia Park also needed to address some issues common to car parks. Air flow is vital for removing carbon dioxide while maintaining as comfortable and safe a temperature as possible throughout the year. Perforated aluminium allows for effective exchange of air while providing a useful degree of visibility.

Similarly, access to natural light makes a space more enjoyable, even a transitional one, such as a car park. It also provides a quick reference point to weather conditions and the general state of the outside world. Perforated aluminium provides this necessary element while also discouraging wildlife from entering the structure.

Cooperation: A vital tool for a successful final product

As is so often the case with major construction projects, Locker worked alongside a variety of partners that all played major roles in designing, constructing and completing the Sylvia Park SEM car park:

  • Leading New Zealand commercial construction company Naylor Love served as the general contractor.
  • International architecture and design firm Buchan Group filled the architect role.
  • New Zealand-based Design Production, a design fabrication specialist, installed the perforated aluminium panels. Our relationship with Design Production introduced us to this project.

Along with these major stakeholders, we subcontracted the design portion of the project out to a Perth-based group as a value-added service. We also subcontracted parts of the engineering design work to provide the best support possible for Design Production to fix the perforated aluminium panels to the substructure.

The final arrangement of the panels created an aesthetically pleasing and engaging exterior.The final arrangement of the panels created an aesthetically pleasing and engaging exterior.

A major undertaking

Despite a number of challenges, including an especially short turnaround time for creating and delivering the 1,600 square metres of panels required for the car park, we and all of the other stakeholders worked together to ensure a complete, safe, attractive and successful final product.

The Sylvia Park SEM car park received final sign-off just weeks before Christmas 2019, but was operational in time to help the shopping centre alleviate stress on current parking facilities. It provided an easily accessible and secure area for customers to park and continues to do so.

At Locker, we pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate effectively on major projects with a variety of stakeholders. We do so while consistently providing top-quality perforated metals, woven wire, expanded metals and a range of related products in a variety of configurations for architectural, industrial, mine and quarry use. To learn more about how our experienced team can support your next project with dependable, durable and visually impressive solutions, get in touch with us today.

This is the finished facade for the Monash Caulfield library

Case study: Monash University Caulfield Library

As Monash's second biggest campus, Caulfield offers students a diverse variety of learning opportunities in a welcoming and engaging backdrop.

In 2013, however, it was becoming apparent that the campus library was no longer coping with the sheer demand from learners. A lack of space, combined with a desire from the university to upgrade this important facility, meant it was time for a redevelopment.

John Wardle Architects took the lead on redesigning the structure, and called on Locker to provide products for the facade. Let's take a look at how this project unfolded, and the role our team played in bringing the new library to life.

The brief

As well as doubling the number of study seats and ensuring the library had the latest fixtures and equipment, Monash wanted to update the frontage. John Wardle took the brutalist facade, which consisted of brick panels set within a concrete frame, and designed something quite spectacular.

The architects had three primary objectives here:

  1. To create a transitional zone – The designers wanted the students to journey through different zones as they enter the building.
  2. To provide natural light to the interior – It's widely acknowledged that natural light is conducive to studying, and the university also wanted students to have views while they work
  3. To meet sustainability goals – Finally, the facade would play an important role in helping the building reach its sustainability objectives.

The products

Locker worked closely with John Wardle to source a product that would fulfill these requirements, eventually landing on Transit F281 stainless steel mesh. This wire mesh curtain provided the perfect balance between allowing students to see out from inside the library, while sheltering the building from the heat of the Australian sun.

Shading was particularly vital, as the entrance way has a west facing aspect, which means in the afternoon it bears the brunt of the afternoon sunlight. This comes with the risk of the library heating up , meaning the HVAC system would have to work over time to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. Of course, this would raise the structure's energy consumption. Wire mesh, however, allows light in while also permitting air to circulate, keeping the building cool.

Locker's mesh products can be easily customised to suit a variety of different settings and tasks.

Transit F281 is also perfect for creating the transitional zones that John Wardle was seeking. The product is ideal for delineating zones meaning that the students pass through a variety of settings as they enter the building.

Locker's mesh products can be easily customised to suit a variety of different settings and tasks. We can manufacture these products in steel, aluminium and brass, and tailor aspects including wire profiles, weave options and mesh thickness. While in this case mesh was used to add an extra element to the facade, it's equally well suited to adding a touch of class to interiors – separating spaces and sectioning off areas for functions.

Wire mesh can provide sunshading while also making the facade eyecatching.Locker's Transit F281 was chosen for the facade of Monash Caulfield Library.

The challenges

The sheer scale of the facade meant that the curtains Locker created for Monash Caulfield Library were to be the biggest ever made using Transit F281. This presented a unique challenge to our manufacturing team, who had to come up with a way of attaining this extended vertical drop. To achieve the desired result, our team stitched the standard size mesh together to create one longer weave, resulting in a flawless mesh curtain that met the architect's brief.

On top of this, mesh density was also a key consideration. The curtains needed to be dense enough to feed into John Wardle's sustainability modelling, while simultaneously allowing the students to see through them. Again, our ability to customise our products meant that adapting to this request wasn't a problem.

Locker has close ties with architectural firms and ensures all aspects of a project are exactly to brief.Locker worked closely with the project architects to meet a challenging brief.

The outcome

The transformation of Monash Caulfield Library has to be seen to be believed. The building has gone from a side note in the campus layout to becoming its beating heart.  

Not only can more students now take advantage of the quiet study area, but the structure itself is a testament to the ambition the university embodies for its students. For the Locker team, the project was a great test of our skills in meeting a challenging and first-of-its-kind brief. It was satisfying to see a product that we have great faith in being used in such an exciting and novel way, and achieving excellent results in the process.

For more information on how Locker can work with you on your next architectural project, get in touch with our team today. Alternatively, browse more case studies to explore our other past projects. 

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Locker was involved in creating the facade for the Australian Institute of Music.

Case study: Australian Institute of Music

The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is the country's leading independent provider of education in the music, entertainment and performing arts industries. As such, Locker was thrilled to be involved in the creation of a facade for the Sydney campus building – a challenging yet rewarding project that put our products and expertise to use in equal measures.

In this case study, we'll dive into the story behind the frontage, and how Locker worked with its partners to produce the exciting result.

The brief

The client wanted a facade that fulfilled two key criteria:

  • It needed to reflect the purpose of the AIM as an educator in music and entertainment.
  • Due to the location in Sydney's trendy Surry Hills district, it also had to stand out and have a unique identity among other buildings in the area. 

To meet these objectives, the facade was to feature two images – one of a violinist, and the other depicting two dancers mid-routine. Locker was brought in to bring these designs to life, and do the technical work to ensure the frontage element of the project went off without a hitch.

Locker's Pic Perf product allows  architects to create unique designs on perforated metal.The architect wanted the facade to stand out among other buildings in the area.

The products

There was only ever going to be one product up to the unique requirements of this brief – Locker's Pic Perf perforated panels. This product allows architects to create striking, one of a kind facades by working in close consultation with Locker's experts. The images themselves are based on drawings which are then mapped onto the panels, using the perforations themselves to help the composition. 

The very essence of the Pic Perf range is that architects are only limited by their imagination.

In this instance, our team participated in a lot of onsite meetings with the builders, Dynabuild, and Joshua Farkash of Joshua Farkash & Associates. This was to ensure that the image sizes were correct, and that each was properly detailed in order to show depth.  

The very essence of the Pic Perf range is that architects are only limited by their imagination, making customisation of these products bread and butter to Locker's specialist team. Panels can be manufactured to fit any size facade, and we can also take into account how lighting will impact the image. 

The project

A few challenges presented themselves over the course of the AIM facade project. They were:

Producing the drawings: Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings are needed as a basis for producing Pic Perf panels. However, Dynabuild didn't have this capability, so Locker reached out to its network of contacts and engaged a third-party draftsmen to create these drawings. Getting this correct from the outset was crucial to ensuring that the panel layout and widths worked well with the images.

Wrapping the image around the building: The architect's brief required the image of the dancers to wrap around the corner of the facade. Achieving this effect demanded careful considerations from Locker's team to ensure the image appeared seamless across the edges of each panel.

Locker had to wrap the dancer image around the facade's edge without interrupting the flow.

Incorporating other building elements: The facade had a few windows & doors that the aluminium Pic Perf needed to form around. Again, this needed to be done without interrupting the flow of the image. This was made more complex by the fact that some panels had folds, others had return folds, some were at 45° to the frontage, and some didn't have any folds at all.

Installation: The AIM's location on one of the busiest streets in Sydney's CBD also meant that delivery and installation of the products required careful planning and collaboration between Locker and its project partners. 

The results

The combined Sydney and Melbourne campuses of the Australian Institute of Music cater for a total of 1,800 students. While those who enter the building on a daily basis may not know the story of how the facade came to be, there's no doubt that it stamps the building with a unique identity that allows it to stand out from the structures around it.

 For over 60 years, Locker has helped architects bring their visions to life through a range of innovative products and our technical expertise. We believe that close working relationships are key to successful project results, and that customisation should be part and parcel of a suppliers role. To find out more about our capabilities, get in touch with our team today. Alternatively explore some other examples of our past work. 

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Locker played an important part in the development of Mascot's King Street Carpark.

Case study: King Street Carpark

The success of the King St. Carpark project was down to clear communication, clever product choice and innovative solutions.

Located in Mascot, in Sydney's Inner South, this carpark services a busy commercial area and, of course, Kingsford Smith airport. Locker was delighted to assist Vanovac Tuon Architects and Taylor Construction in bringing it to life. 

In this case study, we'll examine how the project unfolded, and how Locker worked with its partners to produce a stylish and functional end result.

Locker Group's Clarity 800 perforated panels were used in the King Street Carpark.Over 230 of Locker's Clarity 800 panels were used on the facade of Mascot's King St. Carpark.

The brief

From the get-go, Vanovac Tuon had a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve, and Locker was brought on board to provide perforated panels for two elevations of the carpark's facade.

The architects desired the facade to have an articulated effect, with a mixture of flat and angled panels.

Two aspects of the brief were of particular importance:

  1. The open area – The design called for perforated panels with an open area greater than 50 per cent. While not an exact science, when this threshold is reached with perforated metal, a Carpark often won't require mechanical ventilation to be included in its scope. This makes the final structure significantly more economical to run.
  2. An articulated facade – The architects desired an arcticulated effect for the facade, with metal panels angling away from the structure. This meant a central, flat panel with other panels to the left and right protruding outwards by a length of 350 mm.

As we'll see in the next section, the second part of this brief threw up some unique challenges for our team. However, the project benefited from close collaboration between all parties at each stage. Sketches and pre-prepared models from our designers ensured that everyone was on the same page from briefing through to installation.

The products

With such clear objectives in the brief, the product choice was simple – Clarity 800 perforated panels. With 7.94 mm perforations staggered at 9.53 mm centres, this product more than satisfied the ventilation requirements of the project, providing an open area of 62 per cent. In total, over 230 Clarity 800 panels were used to create the facade of King St. Carpark, with some coloured green and yellow to lend the building vibrancy and help create its individual identity. 

In total, over 230 of Locker's Clarity 800 panels were used in the facade of King St. Carpark.

In addition to improved ventilation, the benefits of perforated metal include: 

  • Light filtration – Perforations don't just allow air to circulate, they also allow natural light to penetrate a structure's interior.
  • Weather shielding – Despite allowing some of the elements in, perforated metal is still effective for sun and wind shielding applications.
  • Sustainability – Our manufacturing process for creating perforated metal is environmentally sound. All the punched out metal fragments are collected, melted down and used again.
  • Choice – At Locker, we're able to produce perforated sheets with any perforation size or pattern. As the King St. project shows, this choice can make it easy to select an established product that's perfectly suited to your needs. Alternatively, you can work with our designers to create a custom sheet that's never been used before.
Locker Group can tailor our perforated panels to meet your architectural requirements.Perforated metal allows air to circulate, a key consideration in carpark architecture.

The challenges

Custom U-brackets were chemically anchored to the slab and some of the upstands of the carpark facade in order to form a base connection. The challenge, however, came in how to articulate the perforated panels while maintaining a degree of uniformity for manufacture and drafting.

Ultimately, the solution to this problem involved connecting the closest point of the panels to a single rectangular hollow section (RHS) that spanned the space between the slabs. This was used in conjunction with ladder frames placed between every other vertical. In other words, if you look across the facade there's a repeating pattern of single RHS, double RHS (welded together), single RHS, double RHS, and so on. This approach made the project a lot easier at all stages of development, from drafting to installation, while still achieving the intent both aesthetically and structurally. 

At Locker, we typically prefer to use aluminium over steel for support framing.

At Locker, we typically prefer to use aluminium over steel for support framing, something that sets us apart from many other product suppliers in this space. The reasons for this are twofold: Primarily, aluminium is between two and three times lighter, making it less labour intensive to install. Secondly, thanks to a protective oxide layer that naturally forms when aluminium is exposed to air, it's more corrosion resistant than steel.

The outcome

As Sydney's largest off-airport carpark, King Street is an exciting addition to Mascot's list of amenities. The first stage of development made space for 750 parking spaces, while the finished build will have room for a staggering 1,622 vehicles. 

For our team, the real satisfaction came in designing a solution that allowed our perforated panels to be installed with no hassle, and in line with the architect's brief. This involved input at all levels, from designers to installers, and careful coordination from project management. The close working relationships with both Vanovac Tuon and Taylor Construction was also crucial in ensuring this build ran smoothly and achieved its goals.

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Here's how Locker Group helped to bring the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning to life.

Case study: Taronga Institute of Science and Learning

 

Opened by none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning is a world-class facility intended to inspire the next generation of eco-scientists.

Situated within Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, this living laboratory contains scientific spaces, classrooms and active animal habitats. As well as providing an integrated research space for conservationists, this setup helps students connect the dots between the theory and practice of modern day conservation.

Locker Group was proud to be involved in the process of bringing this fantastic structure to life, contributing to the creation of a building that personified both the innovation and values that lie at the heart of this centre.

In this case study we’ll describe what it was like to work on this project, and detail the successes of the finished build.

Locker Group produced perforated panels for use in the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.The Taronga Institute of Science and Learning will be a centre of researching and study for years to come.

The requirements

Locker Group worked in close consultation with the architects on this project, NBRS Architecture. From the outset, there were two key goals for the Taronga Institute:

  1. A natural aesthetic – The facility needed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the zoo.
  2. Solid green credentials – The project was targeting a five star Green Star Design and As-Built Rating to fit with the conservation and eco-friendly stance of the institute.

The challenge

Locker Group was tasked with providing a variety of perforated panels for use both on the facade and the atrium of the main building.

The approved design took the form of a honeycomb, which presented our team with a unique challenge. Honeycombs involve a lot of folds, however it’s impossible to fold metal back on a pre-existing fold. Therefore, following a bit of research and development, we made the call to split the original panels into two. This provided a practical solution which met the architects’ briefs, and gave the exterior of the building the nature-inspired aesthetic that the zoo was looking for.

This effect wasn’t only used on the exterior. In places, the panels flow smoothly from the exterior to the interior, providing continuity, and giving the main entry space the same grand and exciting impression.

Locker Group can custsomise perforated metal panels to suit a project's specific requirements. Locker Group provided a variety of perforated panels for use in both the facade and interior of the structure.

The products

The perforated panels used in this project were perfect for meeting the two objectives highlighted above:

1. The aesthetic 

Perforations are ideally suited for matching the appearance of a natural honeycomb. At Locker Group, we can customise the holes to produce different patterns as well as spacings. In the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning project this variety was put to great use, producing a visually interesting structure that’s bound to capture the imagination of anyone approaching the facility.

2. The eco-friendly design

Perforated aluminium was an excellent choice in working towards the dual goals of five star Green Star ratings in both the Design and As-Built categories.

Aluminium is itself among the most eco-friendly metals used in construction. It’s infinitely recyclable, with nearly 75 per cent of all the aluminium ever produced still in use today, according to the Aluminium Association. The metal also has a fantastic strength: weight ratio, meaning that it often requires less manpower and equipment to install than many of its peers.

However, the benefits don’t just come during the design and construction phases. When a building is complete, perforated metal has two major green advantages:

  • Reducing strain on HVAC systems – Perforations allow for an efficient air flow, which aids in keeping a building cool. This is particularly important in large buildings during the height of the Australian summer, where HVAC systems require a lot of energy to impact the space as a whole. In addition, perforated metal makes for a great sun screening material – this helps reduce the amount of heat penetrating the building and also contributes to maintaining a good ambient temperature.
  • Permitting light filtration – Perforations also enable natural light to penetrate a space more efficiently. Not only does this create a more pleasant environment for working and studying, but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, another major drain on electricity.
Perforated metal is a great option to help boost the eco credentials of architectural projects.Perforated metal is an eco-friendly material that takes the strain of HVAC systems through providing sun shading, and allowing air filtration.

The results

The Taronga Insitute of Science and Learning was completed in June 2018, and was officially opened in October of the same year.

It more than achieved its Green Star objectives, becoming certified as a Six Star Green Star Design & As-Built building. Generally speaking, such structures:

  • Recycle a minimum of 96 per cent of their construction and demolition waste.
  • Emit 62 per cent fewer greenhouses gases than a standard Australian building.
  • Consume 51 per cent less drinkable water than the minimum industry standards.

As for the building itself, the facade is a fitting representation of the grand plans that Taronga Zoo has for its new Institute of Science and Learning. Blending beautifully into its natural surroundings, the facility offers a centre for national research and learning, and a platform for leadership in conservation science on the global stage.

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Locker Group produced perforated zinc sheets for Monash University's new Learning and Education building at the Clayton campus.

Case study: Monash University Clayton

The new Learning and Teaching building at the Clayton campus of Monash University was recently completed. John Wardle Architects designed the building and utilised perforated metal products from Locker Group to create the facade. The folded perforated metal facade covers all sides of this four-storey building and acts as a sunshade without hindering visibility from the inside out. It was no small project, and there were a number of hurdles on the way to completing this truly stunning project.

What were the requirements of this project?

Monash University made a commitment to sustainability, and implemented goals to reduce its carbon footprint. Since their buildings make up an approximate 80 per cent of their emissions, sustainability was a priority for Monash University in constructing the Clayton campus. The zinc sheets that make up the facade played into this. Zinc is easy to recycle, as it retains its integrity and performance properties so it can be reused. The International Zinc Association states that 95 per cent of zinc products used in buildings are recycled.

The facility is truly state of the art. With collaborative and unconventional learning spaces throughout, the campus reflects new ways of approaching education. As a cutting-edge education facility, it was important that the facade of the building was as unique as the spaces inside. This is why Monash University partnered with the award-winning John Wardle Architects, who in turn utilised products from Locker Group's extensive portfolio to give the building its flair.

How does the building's facade reflect that which is inside?The building needed to be as unique on the outside as it is inside.

Which Locker Group products were used?

While Locker Group supplied perforated sheets for the entire facade, it's not actually a single uniform product the entire way around. The large sheets covering the north, east and west sides of the building had three different perforation patterns per sheet. For the parts of the facade that cover windows, a profile with 50 per cent open area was used. Often, smaller profiles can play with your eyes, and so the chosen profile was to allow occupants of the building to see clearly out the windows. The other profiles used on these sheets had a much lower open area, in order to act as weather shielding. The south facing side of the building has one uniform perforation pattern.

The sheets are made of 99.9% pure zinc. As a natural material, zinc requires minimal maintenance over time due to the self-protective patina that forms over the metal to maintain surface integrity. Zinc has a tendency to age gracefully, which combined with its strength, is why it has been a popular roofing material in Europe for over 150 years.

What challenges were faced in producing these perforated metal sheets?Manufacturing the perforated metal sheets for the facade was something of a challenge.

What were the challenges in producing these sheets?

Locker Group's manufacturing team had to get creative in producing the zinc sheets. The facade is approximately 11 metres tall, and the architects wanted as little joinery and steelwork as possible. We were able to produce sheets large enough that only two would be required to span the height of the facade.

In order to keep the steelwork down, these were fixed to three beams running perpendicular to the sheets, and each sheet was fixed only at the top and bottom. Since zinc is fairly lightweight, this was more than sufficient support to hold the panels in place. Since they were being folded in a unique way, they became more rigid, meaning we could make them longer and minimise the steelwork as per the designers preference.

To give you an idea of the scale of this facade, which envelops the building, approximately 1,552 panels were used, which is equal to about 95 tonnes of metal. The perforated zinc panels were folded in such a way that they spanned approximately 8.5 thousand square metres on a surface only 4.5 thousand square metres in size.

The zinc used in this perforated metal facade is 90 per cent recycled.The finished product is simply stunning to behold.

The finished result

The completed project is a facade that really catches the eye. You might be impressed by our photos, but they in no way compare to how grand this building looks when you stand in front of it. The zinc is simply beautiful, and it will look better and better over time, offering something special and unique to every new generation of students and educators that use it. Locker Group is proud to have supplied the materials that give the building's exterior its character. Although manufacturing the sheets wasn't easy, we can find the solutions necessary to deliver our clients metal products that stand up on the world stage.

Whatever it is you need to give your next project a unique visual character without sacrificing functionality, Locker Group has the expertise to make it happen. For more information, contact us now, or check out more of our work via the link below.

Click here to see more of our recent work.

Gold on the ceiling: A case study of PwC Sydney, by Futurespace & Civardi Furniture

Global accounting and consultancy firm PwC recognised that business is changing. Their clients were implementing new technologies and processes that eclipsed those that came before, and PwC realised that in order to meet the demands of this changing landscape, they needed to change too. Looking to make a fresh start, PwC worked to establish new premises that would integrate technology and modern, sustainable design to create a space that is less business, and more destination. The goal was to provide an environment that lent itself to creativity and collaboration, one that could boost efficient workflow while retaining the flexibility to support the working processes of a multitude of different clients.

PWC SydneyPwC's client experience centre in their new Barangaroo offices. A design that welcomes from the get-go.

Project background

While PwC developed new premises in many of their locations, it's the Sydney office that utilised Locker Group's woven wire. Situated west of the CBD in the multi-award winning Barangaroo development, PwC is situated at One International Towers, Watermans Quay. Their clients will find the new customer experience centre over four levels, beginning at the welcoming centre on level 17.

PwC brought in Futurespace for the interior design. As a forward thinking architecture and interior design agency, Futurespace had the passion and approach to create a truly unique design. Inspired by the emergence of companies introducing disruptive business models, PwC hoped to to change the way their business operated, and this needed to begin with where the business was operating. Dedicated to many of the same principles that PwC hoped to integrate into the design, Futurespace was the best agency for the job.

Futurespace Design Director, Gavin Harris, explained that moving away from a more traditional consultancy layout was essential. It was important to design a space that had multiple settings, that would foster collaboration and greater results for PwC's client base. Harris described how the Futurespace team looked at hospitality, branded airport lounges, and other types of co-creation spaces to inform the way that the PwC customer experience would need to function.

Of course, it was more than simply function that PwC required. The customer experience centre also needed to look and feel unique – the multiple interactive elements had to come together as a cohesive whole. This is where the gold ceiling comes in. Locker Groups Planar 441 woven wire was used as a ribbon that winds its way through the space and connects everything together. The wire is visually striking, particularly where it dips and becomes a shield for the window of the foyer. This feature, coupled with the unique viewing portal, makes an immediate impression as soon as clients step out of the lift.

PWC Sydney foyerThe foyer of PwC's client experience level.

Why Locker Group's Planar 441?

In bringing Planar 441 to PwC, Futurespace teamed up with Civardi Furniture, a specialist joinery manufacturer dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials and design. Civardi have their own extensive portfolio of innovative and visually pleasing solutions, and this is what drew the team at Futurespace to collaborate with them.

Gavin and his team had an idea early in the design process about using a material that would render the ceiling a transparent gold. The downward curve of the wire against the foyer window was something the team had hoped to implement early on, believing it to be a strong welcoming statement that was both interesting and inviting. While trialing possible materials, tone, colour and profile were taken into consideration as the designers weighed up the strengths of different types of metal to see if their vision was possible.

Gavin explained that finding the right woven wire product is what brought the idea to fruition. Locker Group's Planar 441 offered the right amount of reflectivity and transparency without sacrificing lighting, sound, or aesthetics. It was ideally suited as the consistent texture between the shielding in the foyer and the ceiling panels, lighting the way for PwC clients.

PwC client loungeFuturespace and Civardi make the most of Planar 441.

Implementing the woven wire

While Gavin and the Futurespace team had hoped to implement a feature like the woven wire ceiling, it was not without it's challenges. Initially there was some concern around how it would be mounted, and whether this would negatively impact the lighting, sprinklers and fire alarms, and that optimal acoustics would remain intact. In turn, it was also important that these essential fixtures didn't detract from the metal's beauty. With proof of concept coming from Civardi, the panels were able to be installed via a supporting spring line.

The final product

Ultimately, Gavin, the Futurespace design team and the specialists from Civardi created a wonderfully vibrant and engaging environment. Locker Group's Planar 441 woven mesh panels create a strong impression from the very moment a client enters the building. This new space will change the way PwC interact with their clients, and it was all achieved by a winning combination of creative minds, skilled hands, and top quality materials. For more information about Locker Group products, or to find out what materials we have that will suit your next project, get in touch today.

Here's some information on one of our most recent projects - Cathedral Square, Brisbane.

Case Study: Cathedral Square, Brisbane

 

In February 2016, Brisbane City Council completed the first stage of their modernising project at Cathedral Square, located in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The council’s aim was to upgrade and beautify the square in order to create a more inviting public space for use by people working in and passing through the CBD. The council brought this brief to us and from there we worked closely with them in order to bring this project to life. The result: an attractive and modern space that’s more fully utilised.

What was the project?

Cathedral Square incorporates a number of integrated areas including hardscapes, softscapes, paving, lawn, gardens and trees. The council wanted to modernise this whole area while still maintaining a relationship with St. John’s Cathedral, a gothic revival structure on the other side of Ann Street.

A number of large metal square structures adorn the park, made from a variety of Locker Group products. The screens, made from perforated metal or wire mesh, provide sun shading, aesthetic features and privacy leading to the underground car park. Locker Group worked closely with Brisbane City Council’s design team to select products and concepts that would achieve the intent.

Locker Group worked closely with the council to come up with an innovative design for the square.Locker Group worked closely with the council to come up with an innovative design for the square.

What Locker Group products were used?

After developing a thorough understanding of the design requirements, we reviewed our existing product range in order to select profiles that would suit the design brief. When choosing products we considered the open area, shading required and the aspects from which inhabitants would view the panels.

We try to make our projects both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and nothing embodies this better than the pergola. 

Pic-Perf

We used Pic-Perf as one of the main design elements of the project. Pic Perf allows the designer to depict an image permanently in metal. In this project the Pic Perf panels reflected aspects of the cathedral. We anodised it in sovereign gold, and had images of the columns and arches of the cathedral perforated onto it, which provided the connection between the square and the cathedral that was such an integral feature of Brisbane Council’s brief.

When designing Pic Perf Locker always considers the viewing aspect. At what distance will the majority of people view the panels, will light usually be in front or behind the panels? In this project the panels had to be visually appealing when front lit during the day or when backlit at night.

The Pic-Perf is mainly used at the entrance to Ann Street. It can be seen as the focal point which draws people in and means more people come into the park, which is exactly what Brisbane Council wanted from the project.

We had to think of a way to make the image work even when it's being backlit. We had to think of a way to make the image work even when it’s being backlit.

Aero perforated metal

Aero perforated metal is a standard Locker profile, however in this project we tailored in a staggered pattern design. This was used as a roof for the square’s pergola, which was designed in such a way that vines and various other plants would ultimately grow over and gain a foothold on it.

We try to ensure our projects are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and nothing embodies this better than the pergola in this project. We wanted to create a shade structure while still maintaining a sculptural element. While most pergolas tend to simply have slats on and are very one-dimensional, this structure brings it to life by adding another dimension.

Ikon 511 woven wire mesh

This galvanised woven wire mesh is normally used in industrial projects, but here was chosen to disguise the entrance to the stairwell that leads to the carpark. In addition it provides a structural background for the Brisbane City Council and Cathedral Square logos to be displayed on.

The project was highly successful and fulfilled the brief of tying the space to the square and encouraging people to use it.The project was highly successful and fulfilled the brief of tying the space to the square and encouraging people to use it.

What was the outcome of the Cathedral Square project?

Wayne Lawrence, Architectural Account Manager for Locker Group’s Brisbane office, said:

“The feedback from the council was brilliant, and they are currently planning the second stage of the project. We took on a very detailed brief and utilised our existing product range, coupled with our extensive knowledge to come up with a bespoke solution. The council was so impressed that they intend to work with us again because of the support and processes that we worked through with them.

We believe we’ve created a fantastic project that both ties the space to the cathedral and fulfills the aim of bringing more people into the square.”

At Locker Group, we’re proud of our experience and expertise, and use this at every stage of the projects we work on. We have a strong reputation in the industry as a deliverer of high quality, innovative and successful designs on time and to budget. For more information, please get in touch with the team today.

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Facade – QE11 Medical Centre Car Park

Project Name:

QE11 Car Park

Location:

Perth, W.A

Architect:

Designinc (Perth)

Application:

Facade

Specification:

Dragon Scale

Photography:

Rob Burnett

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.