Curtin University: Innovate with elZinc
Crafted by John Wardle Architects, Curtin University's School of Design and the Built Environment (DBE) boasts a cutting-edge design in Bentley, Perth, reflecting the institution's commitment to creativity and innovation.
Nestled in the heart of Curtin University's Research and Development and Innovation hub, the new DBE facility epitomizes the university's ambition to set the standard for research and innovation in Western Australia. Spread across five floors, the facility is meticulously designed to enhance students' comprehension of building mechanics, encompassing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic services, along with visible structural elements.
A Sustainable Marvel
Curtin University's new headquarters stands as a beacon of sustainable design, earning the Australian Green Star Design & As Built sustainability certification. The facility incorporates a range of sustainable features, including a double-skin façade, photovoltaic panels, and water-efficient plumbing.
Honoring both Curtin's established and contemporary traditions, the materials used are adapted for sustainability. While the light grey concrete tones nod to the university's modern structures, the industrialized zinc screen redefines the traditional brise-soleil, ensuring essential solar protection in Perth's climate.
Perforated Zinc: A Contemporary Solution
Renowned architects John Wardle Architects, with extensive experience in using zinc, faced a unique challenge in this project. They required custom-developed perforated zinc for the envisioned screens.
elZinc, supplying 1.5mm thick elZinc Slate pre-patinated zinc coils, collaborated with CASA, their Australian representative and fabrication company, to craft over 1,250 individual zinc screens. These screens, folded into 11 different profiles, included the fabrication of special screen supports.
Given the unique perforation pattern, a bespoke die was manufactured for the project. The chosen screen profiles formed three families of patterns for each façade (east, north, and west), introducing variation in sequencing across each façade to avoid a repetitive effect.
Customized zinc fabrication processes, from perforation to cutting, folding, and specially designed packaging to prevent deformation during transport, were implemented. A unique labeling system for the 1,254 profiles simplified installation, ensuring accurate and swift placement.
A Design Triumph
John Wardle's design not only ensures solar protection, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency but also upholds aesthetic considerations. The result is a contemporary building with a distinctive personality, offering a long-lasting, maintenance-free, and natural finish to the public.
