Custom seismic powdercoated aluminium joinery from Fairview Systems

Innovative architecture can transform the way we live and work, but it can pose challenges for contractors required to bring a plan to fruition.

Carlaw Park Student Village, built for the University of Auckland, is an award-winning project that features black powdercoated aluminium door and window joinery from Fairview System's Architectural and Commercial suites.

The glazed circulation areas and pop-out windows help to animate the pixellated facade of the building, which was designed by Warren and Mahoney. Architect Joe Shannon says although the internal planning of the apartments is regular and efficient, the pop-out windows are manipulated to provide variation and movement.

"This gives each building a high degree of articulation, with depth and shadow, and a sense of human scale and proportion."

Scott Lewis of Fairview North Shore says the most challenging aspect of the project was meeting the seismic code requirements.

"The curtain walls are mounted within seismic channels, which was relatively straightforward, but the windows were more complex. Each side and the top and bottom of each window adjoin separate concrete panels that could move independently in an earthquake, so we had to allow for seismic movement on all four sides.

"Our solution was to mount the windows on custom steel brackets that provide extra tolerances to accommodate potential movement."

Fairview System's Architectural suite features on the individual windows, while the Commercial suite was used for the curtain wall areas.

Fairview has an extensive range of aluminium joinery for commercial and residential applications, including thermal windows and doors that can withstand the harshest weather conditions.

For more details, contact Fairview North Shore, PO Box 302089, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, phone (09) 444 4286. Web: www.fvaluminium.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas