COLORBOND and ZINCALUME steel from BlueScope Steel have been used extensively in the new industrial design workshop built at the University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, New South Wales.  

Designed by Suters Architects and built by Kingston Building (Australia) Pty Ltd, the workshop project was preceded by a detailed client brief that specified key objectives for the efficient and safe use of the space.  

Key client requirements for the Industrial Design Workshop:  

  • An efficient space, which utilises current architectural design methods to provide natural light, thermal quality and acoustic performance to highlight the cutting edge equipment housed in the workshop
  • Design visually dynamic, efficient and safe educational spaces
  • Use environmentally sustainable design principles to showcase the university’s overall desire to gain a 4.5 star ‘Green University’ rating
  • Ensure a contemporary architectural quality while also complementing the landscape and surrounding environment
Highlights of the Industrial Design Workshop project:  
  • Translucent profile roof maximises natural lighting in the main space throughout the day
  • Fan extractors pull air into the building on the lower side via large roller shutters and louvres, extracting the air at a high level through extraction fans and integrated operable louvres to provide natural ventilation for the space
  • Precast walls used in conjunction with flexible and lightweight steel roofing made from ZINCALUME steel in the profile LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 Hi-Strength
  • Heat barrier shields the precast concrete panels, which serve as a thermal mass to the building interior and help retain a constant, ambient temperature year round
  • Steel wall cladding made from COLORBOND Metallic steel in the profile LYSAGHT SPANDEK (colours Citi and Façade)
  • Colours arranged in different orientations on the facade to create a striking exterior visual while complementing the surrounding environment
  • Efficient and economical building design while maintaining a contemporary profile  
  • Water retention tanks located beneath the ground floor slab and above ground storage tanks are used for water reuse and irrigation
Use of steel and colours:  
  • Roofing made from ZINCALUME steel in the profile LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 Hi-Strength
  • Walling made from COLORBOND Metallic steel in the profile LYSAGHT SPANDEK in colours Citi and Facade