Vitrabond aluminium composite wall cladding panels from Fairview are being used to visually connect old and new elements in projects located on heritage sites.
Many projects are using the design concept of merging old and new on building facades to produce some really striking and innovative outcomes. Vitrabond is a product of choice for several architects in achieving the desired results when showcasing the impressive visual contrast of contemporary and historic design.
The Harbour Mill Apartments designed by Grimshaw Architects consists of new apartments constructed on the historically significant site of the Edwin Davey & Sons Flour Mill, one of Sydney’s longest serving flour mills. The Pyrmont based mixed-use development features over 3,000m² of Vitrabond cladding panels on the apartment facades with the project retaining the remaining walls of the mill in tribute to an industry once prevalent in the area.
Richmond Icon is another recently completed ‘old-meets-new’ project, located at the site of the historic Dimmey’s building built in 1878. The landmark restoration and development project included the construction of one- and two-bedroom apartments above a new Coles supermarket. Featuring Vitrabond Woodlands Grey composite cladding panels, the 10-level oval-shaped residential spire has been incorporated seamlessly into the historic building fabric.
The Fender Katsalidis-designed ‘Jaques Richmond’ rises from the original site of the Jaques Factory, an integral part of Melbourne’s history. Founded in 1885, Jacques specialised in the development of rock crushers for quarries. Stage 1 saw the application of Vitrabond Natural Copper and Grey Metallic cladding panels to complement the red brick remnant of the factory facades while Stage 2 will also utilise Vitrabond for the contemporary elements of the design.
Using Vitrabond aluminium composite cladding panels on the facades of new mixed-use developments located on heritage properties preserves the architectural significance and historical importance of these sites.
Image: Jaques Richmond
