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AAF EverShield® anodising finishes seen in Australia’s first integrated stadium hotel

elegant web — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:20:26 +0000

The Oval Hotel sets a benchmark as the first integrated stadium hotel in Australia, redefining the experiences sporting venues can provide for fans and visitors. AAF EverShield® Ebony Matt anodising finish proudly features on the facades of this ambitious project.

At the forefront of hotel – sporting stadia concept

The first hotel in Australia completely integrated into the footprint of a stadium, Adelaide Oval hotel is expected to service over 1500 events held at the Oval annually, making this an all-year-round venue.

This boutique hotel features 138 rooms, divided into two wings, and integrated to the eastern pavilion of the Oval, with a reception pod located at level 3. Its materiality blends seamlessly into the existing building, looking out to and celebrating its parkland setting and context, according to COX Architect.

“This hotel is the jewel in the crown of our renowned Adelaide Oval – which is now without a doubt one of the most exciting sporting venues in the world.”, said South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.

Adelaide Oval hotel harmonises and bridges two distinct offerings of the precinct – the entertainment, dynamism of the stadium and the stillness, calming ambience of the surrounding parklands. Both are crucial to the entire experience.

The perfect anodising finish for such an iconic project

The key design requirement for this project is to recognize its unique connection to the Oval stadium and the park, but also highlighting the hotel’s point of difference. Nowhere does it illustrate stronger and clearer than the reception space. As one of the main thoroughfares for attendees to the stadium, this elevated pod become a beacon of the whole project.

“Achieving a high quality anodised aluminium finish for the Oval Hotel reception pod façade was vital to delivering the design intent of this prominent stadium entry. The Oval Hotel project was delivered under an expedited programme, which applied pressure to the material supply chain.”, said Mr. Luke Goldup, Project Manager from Built Environs.

Built Environs reached out to AAF for a façade solution and after thorough discussion, AAF EverShield® Ebony Matt was specified for the cladding of the pod over the eastern gate.

Utilising AAF EverShield® high-grade anodising, strict processing controls and specialised spectrophotometric equipment, the consistent shading and uniformity of finishes are guaranteed. The final result is a real metallic finish that is highly sustainable and durable with performance warranty of up to 30 years.

The look and feel contribute to framing the hotel’s reception and creating a moment of surprise and awe for visitors upon arriving – a visual signifier of the hotel – without the need for signage.

In addition, Built Environs were happy with AAF’s direct access to various sheet suppliers and mills available in Australia, which resulted in shorter lead time, economical pricing and free pre-purchase services. This is in full compliance with South Australian Industry Participation Policy, which includes use of locally sourced and produced materials.

“From the outset, AAF Anodising was highly collaborative in accommodating delivery milestones and their product was consistently delivered to a high quality and finish.

AAF Anodising went above and beyond to achieve what was best for the project, and helped deliver the project on time to a high standard of quality. AAF Anodising’s proven performance gives us confidence to partner with them on future projects.”

Project Specifications

Architect: COX Architecture in association with Carr

Builder: Built Environs

Photography: Richard Humphrys Photography

Product: AAF EverShield® Ebony Matt

Gunyama Park Aquatic & Recreation Centre to win prestigious design awards

elegant web — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 02:52:28 +0000

Sydney’s newest aquatic centre has taken out the prestigious City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize (joint winner) and the public architecture award at the NSW Architecture Awards.

Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre’s new pool, modelled on Sydney’s iconic beaches, is the biggest built since the 2000 Olympic Games. With lap pools, exercise areas and chillout zones, the complex is part of City of Sydney’s commitment to build sustainable facilities that meet the diverse needs of our communities.

According to Andrew Burges Architect: “the site was re-imagined as a continuous wetland landscape of the original Botany Swamp, with a series of pool and recreational landscapes embedded through topographic insertions into the wetland landscape, creating a continuous park footprint across the whole site.”

The design celebrates enduring Eora culture on Country and centre operators are constantly working with First Nations people in the local area to ensure the centre is welcoming and inclusive. Plans are underway to continue the Indigenous perspective in the next stage of works, which includes a children’s play area and green space.

Smoking ceremony for the opening of the centre. Credit: Renee Nowytarger/City of Sydney.

AAF EverShield® anodising finishes featured at this award-winning aquatic facility

Considering the facility’s humid environment and high projected daily visits, AAF EverShield® Ebony Matt (black) was applied on extrusion products, as seen between windows, to provide superior, durable and consistent shading anodising finishes for this ambitious project.

EverShield® high-grade anodising is an integral finish that cannot flake, peel or blister and come with extreme UV resistance. That explains how AAF guarantee long-lasting performance against Gunyama’s humid aquatic environment, outdoor pools with high average sunshine duration and high volume traffic. The final result is a real metallic finish that is highly sustainable and durable with performance warranty of up to 30 years.

Clients were also happy with AAF’s advantage of direct access to various sheet suppliers and mills available in Australia, which resulted in shorter lead time, economical pricing and free pre-purchase services.

Project Specifications

Architect: Andrew Burges Architects and Grimshaw Architects
Client: City of Sydney
Photography: Brett Boardman Photography
Completion: Feb 2021
Product: EverShield® Ebony Matt (black) and EverShield® AQ Sheet

The long overdue solution for combustible cladding in the ACT

elegant web — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 02:14:43 +0000

The cost of insuring properties in Canberra with combustible cladding materials has gone through the roof, with many premiums increasing by up to a stunning 100 per cent during the past 12 months, according to a recent article on RiotACT.

Non-conforming aluminium composite panels used for exterior cladding continue to be a pain point for apartment building owners in the ACT as they struggle to gain insurance with ever increasing premiums. Some are even forced to replace cladding in order to gain appropriate insurance.

Allinsure managing director Peter Chamberlain says “for strata owners in the unfortunate position of living in a building with ACP or other non-compliant building materials on them, gaining insurance is proving extremely difficult, and in some cases commercially unsustainable. It’s not uncommon for insurance premiums to have increased by 30 to 100 per cent during the past 12 months.”

It may be difficult for both apartment building owners and insurance companies to identify combustible cladding visually because it can look like rendered brick or concrete.

More and more experts and industry leaders are now calling the ACT government to follow the lead of other states and put in place supporting programs for building owners for approved works such as professional design, materials and rectification works.

The ACT in specific and Australia in general is in urgent need of conforming cladding solutions.

EverShield® AQ Sheet – a fire-safe solution for cladding

With over 40 years of experience, AAF understands that with appropriate pre-treatment and preparation, exterior cladding and finishing could be fire-safe, fit-for-purpose, compliant while staying aesthetic and economical. That’s why we have introduced the innovative EverShield® AQ Sheet – a smarter, full-service solution for anodised façades.

Utilising EverShield® high grade anodising, we ensure anodised aluminium finishes are non-combustible and have the appropriate fire testing. Not to mention the cladding is 100% recyclable. EverShield® high grade finishes achieve an exceptional hardness and durability that exceed both the AAMA 611 and AS1231-2000 performance standards. AAF are also proud to be accredited through The Australasian Institute of Surface Finishing (AISF). The “AnoAudit” accreditation reassures builders and fabricators that specified EverShield® finishes are fully compliant, non-flammable and of best practices for exterior cladding in the ACT as well as across the country.

AAF EverShield® Anodising Finishes Featured at Sydney’s Newest Pool Complex

elegant web — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:26:34 +0000

AAF EverShield® AQ Sheet solution and high-grade anodising finishes prove their innovation, sustainability and high durability at Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre – a world-class, socially-inclusive facility for local communities that was recently open on February 1st, 2021.

The largest new pool complex since the 2000 Olympics

Deriving its name from the local Dharug language meaning “wind from the southwest”, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is inspired by Sydney’s popular beach pools and the freshwater creeks and wetlands that once coursed through the area. The complex features four pools, a pastel-hued water playgrounds, a full health and fitness centre among other state-of-the-art facilities.

The mastermind behind this ambitious pool design is the partnership between Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and builder CPB Contractors. More than just an aquatic centre, this architecturally impressive site acts as a hub of green, open space and recreation at the heart of the Green Square urban renewal precinct. “From children playing and friends taking a dip to serious swimmers improving lap times – Gunyama offers something for everyone.”, quoted the City of Sydney website.

Another unique significance of Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre lies in its connection with the First Nation culture. Artists Aunty Julie Freeman and Jonathan John have been commissioned to create two bronze sculptures depicting bangala – traditional bark water carriers used by local communities along Australia’s east coast.

AAF EverShield® high-grade anodising – the optimal durability for aquatic facilities

Considering the facility’s humid environment and high projected daily visits, the interior and exterior subcontractor Brighton Australia has reached out to AAF for superior, durable and consistent shading anodising finishes. After thorough discussion and sampling, AAF EverShield® Ebony Matt (black) finish was applied on extrusion products, as seen between windows.

Utilising EverShield® high-grade anodising, strict processing controls and specialised spectrophotometric equipment, the consistent shading and uniformity of finishes are guaranteed. Even edge pull, a real concern in perforated sheet, is overcome as the anodic film evenly grows the protective oxide layer around all surfaces, including edges. The final result is a real metallic finish that is highly sustainable and durable with performance warranty of up to 30 years.

How anodised aluminium helps with the complex’s sustainability goals

Sustainability has been one of the dominating building trends across Australia and Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is no exception. The expansive complex is the first recreation centre in Australia to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating thanks to its innovative energy co-generation system, climate-controlled zones, a large array of photovoltaic panels and other sustainable design features.

The use of anodised aluminium is also a noticeable addition to meet sustainability goals. Aluminium itself is dubbed as Earth’s third most abundant and sustainable element. EverShield® high-grade anodising finishes further enhance this environmental virtue as:

Anodised aluminium is 100% recyclable and zero fire rating.
Anodising preserves and extends the life of aluminium products.
Anodising is performed without generating any hazardous waste.

By specifying AAF EverShield® finishes, architects, builders and project developers can rest assured that all anodising finishes are of highest quality and fully compliant to Australia’s stringent sustainability standards. The solution is third-party audited and licensed for “AnoAudit” Anodising Accreditation as well as complying with the recommendations of Australian Standard AS1231-2000, appendix B & G.

Project Specifications

A Gem In Waterline Place, Williamstown

elegant web — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:25:11 +0000

Gem, Waterline Place is a nine story coastal residential tower in Williamstown, Melbourne and takes its name from the pier that once welcomed boats returning to shore. The project was a finalist in the Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior category at the 2020 Dulux Colour Awards.

Williamstown is inextricably linked to the maritime history of Melbourne. The architectural team at Elenberg Fraser has been inspired by this rich heritage to create Gem apartments within the Waterline Place precinct. The name is a reference to the Gem pier which once welcomed boats returning to the shore. For the design of Gem, the soft, billowing forms of yachts’ sails catching the wind led to the building’s flowing lines and curvilinear forms. This is a naturally elegant building, perfectly at home by the water and among the restrained neighbourhood character of the area.

Beyond its visual beauty, the architecture of Gem embraces the panoramic views towards the bay on one side and out over the rooftops towards the water on the other. The generous terraces of Gem allow residents to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Williamstown is famous for, with space for alfresco dining, built-in planters full of greenery and places to relax while enjoying gentle sea breezes.

Dulux Duratec Eternity Linen Pearl and other Dulux products were selected for their durability in the corrosive environment of Port Phillip Bay and the adjacent industrial sites of Williamstown. This resilience of the range was crucial to the sustainability of the building and maintaining the architectural vision of a brilliant, shimmering ocean liner.

Video Credit: AVJennings Limited

Project Specifications:

Architect: Elenberg Fraser

Fabricator: Acculine

Builder: Build Corp

Finisher: AAF

Colour: Duratec Eternity Linen Pearl – Duratec Zeus Black Matt

Quattro Apartments And The Reminder Of Australia’s Non-Conforming Cladding Crisis

Vu Nguyen — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:52:48 +0000

Hundreds of buildings in inner Sydney and nearby areas have been told to replace flammable cladding with estimated cost of up to tens of thousands of dollars. Quattro Apartments owners in particular fear the materials they plan to use might not comply with the upcoming regulations.

A reminder of Australia’s non-conforming cladding crisis

18 months ago, testing showed aluminium composite panels on Quattro Apartments were a fire hazard and owners were ordered to replace cladding with fire-safe products. However, it is unlikely that NSW Building Commission agency can advise on suitable cladding materials until early 2021. As a result, apartments’ owners fear that they are installing cladding that can be non-conforming and non-compliant in the future.

The lack of clarity reminds us of an even larger non-conforming cladding crisis that will cost the industry approximately $6.2 billion to fix. Generally speaking, composite cladding panels consist of two thin aluminium skins and an insulating core . In case of extreme heat, the glues in-between the aluminium skins lose adhesion and deform, thus exposing the insulating core. The exposure of the core creates an inherent fire.

In response to the non-conforming combustible cladding crisis the Australian building industry is in urgent need of conforming cladding solutions.

Evershield® AQ Sheet – a fire-safe solution for cladding

With over 40 years of experience, AAF understands that with appropriate pre-treatment and preparation, exterior cladding and finishing could be fire-safe, fit-for-purpose, compliant while staying aesthetic and economical. That’s why we have introduced the innovative Evershield^®AQ Sheet – a smarter, full-service solution for anodised façades.

Utilising Evershield® High Grade anodising, we ensure anodised aluminium finishes are non-combustible and have the appropriate fire testing. Not to mention the cladding is 100% recyclable. Evershield^®high grade finishes achieve an exceptional hardness and durability that exceed both the AAMA 611 and AS1231-2000 performance standards. AAF also has Third Party Accreditation through The Australasian Institute of Surface Finishing (AISF). The “AnoAudit” helps reassure builders and fabricators that specified Evershield^®finishes are fully compliant, non-flammable and of best practices for exterior cladding.

For more information on this innovative solution and how to specify, simply contact us for consultation or check it out here.

First Look At NorthConnex Tunnel – One of the longest road tunnels in Australia

Vu Nguyen — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:21:03 +0000

Opened on 31st October 2020, NorthConnex is a nine-kilometre twin tunnel linking the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the Hills M2 Motorway at West Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north. The project is delivered by Transurban in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments.

One of the most anticipated road infrastructure projects in Australia

Costing nearly $3 billion, NorthConnex is one of the longest and deepest road tunnels in Australia with the deepest point reaching to 90 metres beneath Sydney Metro Northwest. This mega project is aimed to deliver faster, safer, more reliable and more efficient journeys for road users (motorists in particular).

It is estimated that up to 5,000 trucks will be taken off Pennant Hills Road each day, saving nearly 15 minutes off travel time during rush hours. Drivers can also avoid 40 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway or 21 sets of traffic lights between the M1 and M2.

“It’s the missing link in the National Highway route motorists have been wanting for decades, allowing motorists to drive from Newcastle to Melbourne without passing a single set of traffic lights,” said Ms. Michele Huey – Transurban NSW Group Executive.

Significant benefits to local communities

NorthConnex will deliver various benefits to local communities by easing congestion and removing up to 5000 trucks daily from Pennant Hills Road. This will help improve safety, local air quality and reduce traffic noise. In addition, the mega project provided an economic boost for Sydney, supporting and maintaining approximately 8,700 direct and indirect jobs prior and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the long run, NorthConnex will boost productivity for the freight network, supporting businesses to be more competitive and contributing to a stronger economy.

In a nod to the region, its northbound route includes blue and white forest silhouettes to reflect Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, while the southbound route features starscapes and speed lines, reflecting the journey from the north-west to the CBD.

NorthConnex was also the first road project in Australia to receive a ‘Leading’ design rating from ISCA, which looks at ways in which the project was designed to minimise environmental impact.

Source:

NorthConnex Official Page – www.northconnex.com.au

Transport for NSW – www.rms.nsw.gov.au

WestConnex Motorway Control Centre – A Case Study

Vu Nguyen — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:22:49 +0000

We are proud to announce AAF’s recent involvement in the iconic WestConnex Motorway Control Centre. The WestConnex master plan – Australia’s biggest road project to date and the Control Centre is based at St Peters interchange. It will be the heart of the recently opened M8, and in future the M4-M5 link and M6. The new M8 development features twin 9km motorway, from Kingsgrove to St Peters and was opened to traffic in July 2020.

Video credit: WestConnex / Transurban

WestConnex M8 provides major travel time savings of up to 30 minutes between Liverpool and Sydney’s southern CBD, while minimising the long-term impact on community and the environment. The project improves access to the Inner West, Central Sydney and to key transport hubs at Sydney Airport and Port Botany.

AAF Evershield® Sovereign Gold featuring Anodised Quality (AQ) Sheet Solution

WestConnex M8 motor control centre is the nerve system for the whole WestConnex operations and acts as the base for maintenance crews and incident response teams. The centre is wrapped in AAF Evershield® Sovereign Gold. The anodised finish is environmentally outstanding, totally recyclable, non-combustible, coastal graded and comes with 25-year performance warranty.

AAF takes responsibility and simplifies the process through Evershield® AQ Sheet – a smarter, full-service solution to purchase the right sheet for anodised facades. The solution is best used where sheets are specified, and uniformity of finish is of great significance.

Anodised Facades in AAF Evershield® utilise the latest technology to transform the microscopic texture of the surface of the aluminium, as opposed to a surface coating such as paint or powders. When combined with the correct AQ substrate, the result is outstanding durability of the metallic appearance and environmental benefits.

Benefits of specifying Evershield® AQ Sheet

Superior depth of
appearance of metallic finish

Economical pricing plus
free pre-purchase service

Consistent shading for
facade sheet finishes

More readily available in
Australia for shorter lead time

WestConnex network will change the way Sydney gets around for ever and AAF continues to be specified in progressing parts of this ambitious project. We will update shortly as more development avails to the public. In the meantime, please feel free to contact AAF team, should you need unbiased technical advice for your next finishing projects.

Project Overview

Builder: Transurban

Architect: Hassell

Fabricator: Louvre Clad

Product: AAF Evershield® Sovereign Gold 25-year warranty

How anodised finishes help make Perth Stadium an architectural icon in Australia

Vu Nguyen — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 09:29:58 +0000

Located on the Burswood Peninsula, Perth “Optus” Stadium is transforming the way Australian fans experience sporting and entertainment events and bringing refreshing breath of life to the west coast. AAF is proud to join hands with top architects in this ambitious project and turn it into an architectural icon in Australia.

Perth Stadium is a multi-purpose venue for various sporting and entertainment events (Image: Peter Bennetts)

Perth Stadium – a testament of architectural and aesthetic excellence

Since opening its gates to the public in January 2018, Perth Stadium (aka Optus Stadium) has been the third largest sporting venue in Australia. The stadium could seat 60,000 people in AFL mode with capacity to put another 10,000 additional seats for special occasions like international concerts or community events. Currently the home ground for two AFL local teams, Perth Stadium is known among Fremantle supporters as The Craypot whereas the Eagles fans are invincible in their new The Eagles Nest.

No matter which name gets cheered, sporting fans in Western Australia could take pride in their home ground’s state-of-the-art design and magnificent landscaping. A joint masterpiece of Hassell, Cox Architecture and HKS, this five-tiered, aluminium-clad structure features a fabric floating roof that covers 85% of the seats and encloses the pitch into a steep, bowl-shaped arrangement for better views and engagement with the games. Internally, seating tiers are geometrically layered and sectioned to intensify the spectators’ experience. That is not to mention a wide range of hospitality facilities along the north and south sides of the stadium which offer optimal view towards the field and upscale interior design. All are combined to enforce the unrivalled fans-first ambience at Perth Stadium.

Surrounding the main venue is Stadium Park which features three recreational precincts of aesthetic and cultural significances. It is an ambitious move by the government to leverage Western Australia’s culture, history and Aboriginal heritage and hence, local tourism and entertainment scene. The initial success was quite considerable as Perth Stadium has won multiple awards (e.g. 5 accolades at the 2018 WA Architecture Awards, the Project of the Year in London’s The Stadium Business Awards…) and welcomed 122,395 regional, interstate and international visitors after just a year in operation1.

AAF Evershield® Coastal high grade finishes for the durability warranty

As Perth Stadium was planned out to be a spearheaded, city-defining architectural symbol in the long run, Hassell and their partners confidently chose anodised aluminium, including AAF Evershield® high grade finishes, for the stadium’s signature facades and exterior design.

Resulting from controlling treatment to explicit conditions, AAF Evershield® high grade anodising finishes achieve exceptional durability and hardness that exceed both the AAMA 611 and AS1231 standards. Our leading 30-year performance warranty is another reassurance that Perth Stadium will continue to be the icon of the west coast for decades to come.

More specifically, Perth Stadium precincts employed AAF Evershield® Maroochy Sand finishes. With specific process parameters, the Evershield® Coastal line of product gives exterior applications the ultimate durability against humid environments, judging that Perth Stadium stands right on the banks of the Swan River with sea breezes in the summer. Our True Metal colouring also delivers extreme UV resistance for the precincts’ structures against abundant sunlight in the region.

The Community Arbour – a tribute to the Aboriginal heritage

One of the most eye-catching precincts is the Community Arbour – a 400-meter-long pedestrian walkway made of 43 individual arches and 3,500 folded aluminium panels. Besides functioning as a pedestrian flow control during crowded game days, the Community Arbour also represents “The Dreaming” stories of the Whadjuk and Noongar tribes, and offers exciting fans broad vistas of the stadium, the Swan River as well as the CBD skyline.

AAF Evershield® Maroochy Sand finish highlighted in the Community Arbour walkway (Image: Peter Bennetts)

In order to meet with colouring and durability requirements, anodising had been chosen over powder coating. However, anodising 3,500 folded panels, each with distinct Aboriginal inspired artworks, was a real challenge. Our teams at AAF Dandenong plant monitored the whole anodising process using the specified Aluminium Facade Management (afm) to ensure the AAF Evershield® Maroochy Sand finish was consistently applied for all surfaces. The anodised panels were then shipped from Victoria to Western Australia for on-site installation without the risk of damage.

Anodised aluminium finishes synchronised with the LED light show (Video: Optus Stadium Light Show)

After application, it is evident that AAF Evershield® Maroochy Sand finishes compliment the stadium’s LED light system, which happens to be one of the world’s biggest sports lighting systems. The anodised finish’s matt lustre and bronze shade range reflect the State’s unique geology of striated rock formations. When combined with 15,000 LED lights at night, the whole stadium’s anodised facades and precincts turn into a breathtaking light show unparalleled elsewhere.

Project Overview

Client: Government of Western Australia
Architect: Cox Architecture in association with Hassell and HKS Architects
Builder: Brookfield Multiplex
Fabricator: Unique Metal Works
Product: AAF Evershield® Maroochy Sand (Matt)
Plant: AAF Dandenong Victoria
Status: Completed in January 2018

A Melbourne sustainable icon: The Power Street Habitat Filter

Vu Nguyen — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 09:29:13 +0000

Melbourne’s Domain and Burnley exits were given a breath of fresh air with the sleepy little patch of land, yet now houses a new urban landmark.

A $20,000 public design competition by Citylink precipitated the multi-functional sculpture, aptly titled Habitat Filter. Centred on the Power Street loop, the winning art piece showcases several key features which also include the reintroduction of native flora and fauna as well as sustainable practices during and post construction.

Regenerating the landscape, the protruding pillars have solar panels that feed power back into the grid and water storage tanks to collect rainwater. The green energy and water harvesting components enable it to be self-reliant, and along with its artificial wildlife habitat, will contribute as a part of the city’s lungs – providing clean oxygen and filtering out the metropolitan air.

The architects – Matt Drysdale, Matt Myers and Tim Dow, kept a small wildlife habitat in mind when they developed the design. Native animals can either nest or treat the habitat as a resting point as they traverse across the urban jungle. With time passing by, Habitat Filter will continuously evolve and grow, becoming more complex, and essentially an important environment to local critters, birds, even bees and other insects.

The Right Ingredients for the Job

For the Habitat Filter to grow into its full potential, it needed materials that can meet its more demanding requirements. The Power Street loop was identified as a C3 environment (city, industrial or coastal with moderate sulphur dioxide & salt exposure), which means a degree of acidity is present in its environment. Along with contact to wildlife, the Habitat Filter must be made sturdy and reliable.

For this endeavour, AAF applied our patented powder coating to support the structure and enhance its aesthetics. The processes used is critical to ensure durability, to withstand corrosion against the elements and avoid flaking, peeling and blistering through contact with plants and animals.

Major Manufacturing

At an average of 600 x 300mm per panel, roughly 8,000 aluminium panels were powder coated at the AAF Dandenong site in Victoria. The Pure Powder Flow application system purifies the entire powder application zone so that the end product is smooth, even and flawless.

Custom Colours

The Habit Filter was to join Melbourne’s line up of iconic artful landmarks and is undoubtedly a unique piece of architecture. It carries a beautiful range of colours, with shades between green, yellow, blue, and orange. To meet the super durable finishing and dynamic colour standards, we prepared D2015 Made to Order colours from Akzo Nobel Interpon, with a focus on greens, purples, yellow, orange and blues specifically for this project.

Sustainably Savvy

Besides wanting the coating colours to be attractive, it was important to both the project and AAF as a company that we did away with any ecological damage and minimised our carbon footprint. The processes, applications and materials were all selected to ensure that they produce minimal product waste, low emissions and contain no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) or toxic heavy metals.

Our powder coatings are solvent free, recycling friendly, and have been recognised as an environmentally sustainable option.

A Meaningful Engineering Endeavour

The project was officially completed at the end of 2016 and has since performed beyond expectations. The sleepy little patch of land has been fully revegetated with the indigenous species and has been populated with various manner of insects and critters. Flocks of migratory birds have also been reported throughout the year.

Local communities have used the projects as case studies to promote the importance of biodiversity within cities. It’s an example of what can be done to help offset carbon footprints and positively impact animal life.

The Power Street Habitat Filter project was an excellent pursuit for AAF. It gave us the opportunity to continue spotlighting the quality of our powder coating and on our commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices.

Project Overview

Architects: Matt Drysdale, Matt Myers & Tim Dow
Fabricator: Steel Vision
Builders: 2Construct
Product: Akzo Nobel Interpon D2015 MTO
Plant: AAF Dandenong Victoria
Status: Completed in December 2016