October 2021

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.