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DEC 13, 2011 |
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facade panels |
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Port Hedland Recreation Centre Project profile |
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Construction of the Port Hedland Multi-Purpose Recreation Centre is well and truly underway!In September, work began on the installation of the facade panels, which have been designed as a rain screen (double skin) system, chosen by ARM for its ability to deal with the extreme weather conditions of the Pilbara – cyclones, flying objects, thermal movement, salt, mine corrosion and heat. The secondary layer is the weather seal, a sealed galvanised steel sheet that keeps the structure air tight and waterproof. The primary layer is a vitrified enamel low carb steel panel. Our approach considered this building as a mirage – a shimmering, rippling effect on an otherwise flat landscape. Using a “halftone” pixelated technique, the buildings entry facade acts as a clear visual image from long distances, whilst being highly agitated on closer inspection. The panels were fabricated in Shanghai and a 6x6 metre prototype was used to test the structural integrity and the architectural detailing. The ARM project team travelled to Shanghai to review the design and observe the testing. “It took several testings to iron out non-compliance issues, refine the details and get the panels just right,” says Project Architect Sophie Cleland. “This removed the potential for problems once the panels were delivered onsite and installed.” The team also inspected the panel manufacturer’s factory, which included a review of quality control for the pattern and paint finish. The panels were then custom-folded to the required dimensions, painted and baked in an oven reaching over 700 degrees Celsius. Kelly Howlett, the Mayor of Port Hedland, and stakeholders from the Town of Port Hedland, the Pilbara Development Commission and BHP Billiton Iron Ore were taken on a tour of the site and signed their names behind the panels to mark the event.
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