Tensile has played a part in the construction of the new Monash University Learning and Teaching Building in Clayton Victoria.
Partnering with John Wardle Architects, our brief for the project was to install two vertical wire balustrades for an internal atrium, providing an essential safety feature, and contributing to the overall style of the building.
Forming part of the Monash Uni’s reinvigorated southern precinct, the new four-storey building is due to be completed in 2018.
A flexible and innovative design
The building has been designed to reflect the university’s ‘Better Teaching, Better Learning’ framework – which focuses on diverse, flexible and innovative approaches to learning, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach.
The new multi-storey construction is geared towards providing students with the best possible environment in which to succeed.
The building comprises more than 60 spaces that cater to a wide range of learning approaches. These include formal lecture and tutorial rooms, as well as informal study settings and hubs.
The ‘open’ aspect of the design aims to provide greater visibility and accessibility of learning spaces in comparison to a more traditional-style teaching building.
The structure has also been awarded 5-Star Green Certification. ‘Green’ elements have been embedded into the design, and include shading and a 200-panel solar array.
Tensile’s role: installing vertical wire balustrades
The challenge for Tensile was in creating vertical balustrades that appear simple, despite the complexity involved in the actual construction. The project also required considerable attention to detail for a very discerning architect and client.
The balustrades were made using more than 2,000 individual cables made up of about six kilometres of wire. The resulting appearance of the vertical wire balustrades is sleek and minimalist, blending well with the light and airy feel of the building.
At Tensile, we work across a range of industries and projects, specialising in designing and installing tension structures and green infrastructure. If you have a project in mind, give us a call to discuss how we can help.
Sources:
http://www.monash.edu/about/our-locations/clayton-campus/learning-and-teaching-building
