Ray Hudson, practice principal at Budden Nangle Michael & Hudson Architects, tells A&D about his top five favourite products, and why he specifies them.

You can find out more about his thoughts on what buildings should be like, as well as how the Australian architecture and design industry can be improved, and read about the innovative acoustic solution featured at the Rae Building in Newington College.

Words by Ray:

1. Composite aluminium faced resin cored panels

We have used Symonite panels in Smart fix concealed systems and Alucobond panels in the Alucofix system. These panel based solutions are lightweight and flexible, and combine speed of installation with high visual quality. They are easily combined with insulation products to meet thermal objectives in a cost efficient manner.

2. Good quality safety glass

Much of our work involves visual interactivity both internally and externally, and we regularly use a range of Viridian products including V-lam, V-lam hush acoustic laminates and a variety of Viridian thermal performance glasses such as Low E coated V-lam, EnergyTech Grey Toughened, Super Grey Toughened and sealed IGU double glazed units.

3. Slotted and perforated internal timber panels

We like to use slotted and perforated internal timber veneer faced panels, generally from the Decorwood range by Décor, using Décor Clear FR and Decorkote coatings – this is for visual interest, with the warmth of natural timber combining with high aesthetic values, and good acoustic performance with adjustable levels of absorption offered with good finish durability.

4. Autex products

Autex’s specialised polyester-based acoustic materials are able to meet both thermal and particularly acoustic insulation criteria. Their Quiet Space melded fabric faced products provide terrific visual colour impact over large areas, and can accommodate pins or Velcro fixings. They are durable and have very good acoustic criteria in addition to the ability to computer cut in a variety of patterned shapes.

5. Modular carpet tiles

Modular carpet tiles are used in many of our projects for flexibility, durability and high aesthetic quality. We frequently specify the Interface Modular range which offers a variety of colours, patterns and pile finishes, and allows the option of integral cushion backing for areas requiring higher underfoot comfort levels. This product range is incredibly flexible, and with careful selection, can be used in anything from very basic high wear installations to the highest quality office and corporate environments.