The curved screen had three purposes: to obscure the HVAC&R plant machinery from view, reduce outbound noise generated by the HVAC&R equipment, and aesthetically complement the overall creative theme of the building.
Con-form Group is renowned for its innovation having re-invented HVAC&R platform systems over the past two decades and continuing to release new products.
Not only was the screen an unusual shape, it had to be 2400mm high, which brought certain factors into play such as the need for a specific frame to brace the screen against increased wind turbulence.
Functionally, the project required two different types of screens: an acoustic barrier on one side and a visual barrier on the other. The frame had to be attached directly to the concrete roof.
Due to Con-form Group being a seamless design-to-manufacturing facility, we were able to involve all of our departments in the solution process. Discussions included designers, structural and mechanical engineers, the production team and CAD modellers. They collaborated on 3D plans, which led to a physical prototype being constructed in the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. A detailed shop drawing based on the actual site conditions played a major role in the approval process as well as fabrication.
Acoustic+ panels – an exclusive soundproofing product designed by Con-form Group in conjunction with acoustic engineers – were applied to the inner wall. Acoustic+ is Australia’s only tuneable acoustic panel and features recycled sound absorbing material. Because HVAC&R machinery often emits different noise levels in various directions, the panels can be ‘tuned’ to absorb and reflect at each section.
HVAC&R screens are typically mounted horizontally; however, in this case, due to the curved corners, they were attached vertically to the frame. An attractive colour, Copper Metallic Kinetic by Dulux, was selected for the exterior surface and powdercoated onto the Classic Screen aluminium panels. The installation of the entire screen, which measured 17.5 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, was simplified by the fact that Con-form Group products are lightweight and incredibly easy to assembly with a few basic tools, and they were supplied in pre-assembled panellised form.
Image: The architect called for a curved screen on the seventh floor, which is how the Ruah Centre in Perth provided us with another opportunity to express our creativity.
