Several products from Studco Building Systems were supplied for the Light House Tower apartments in Melbourne CBD to meet design requirements and delivery times. Studco products used in the project include Studco Vortex wall systems, Studco suspended ceilings, Resilmount sound isolation systems, EZConcept finishing solutions, and EZYJamb door jamb systems.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser Architects and built by Multiplex Constructions for developer Hengyi Australia, Light House Tower is a 69-storey residential development comprising of 607 units, and featuring an automated car parking stacker system, recreational facilities and resident lounge areas, while offering beautiful views right across Melbourne.

Interior design schemes include timber veneers, natural stone benchtops, full height doors, an integrated TV unit, and zoned mood lighting. To ensure the interior met the luxurious needs of this demanding design, it was imperative that the developers partnered with a provider that could offer a high level of service, including fast turnaround on technical enquiries, flexibility in design constraints, and reliable supply of products.

According to Express Interiors Project Foreman Chan Som, working with Studco provided Express Interiors with the confidence that they could meet specific project design requirements and deliver results on time. He added that Studco’s innovations were clearly revolutionising the future of apartment living.

At 218 metres in height, the Light House Tower was exposed to wind-related noise typically associated with tall structures. To overcome this annoyance, Studco engineers collaborated with partners Multiplex, PKA Acoustics and Deakin University’s Engineering Research Team to research and find a solution to the problem. This led to the creation of the new Studco Vortex wall system, which eliminates the stress and tension attributed to noise.

The Studco Vortex wall system went through various stages of design to adequately address all causes of noise annoyance, including tension and metal-to-metal friction. Additionally, the Studco Vortex wall system is so structurally sound it can support the weight of the 25mm thick stone panels that are fixed directly to the steel framing system.

Warwick McAlpin, Studco General Manager of Sales and Marketing explains that construction methodologies have changed but not the internal wall systems; therefore, in a high wind situation, modern buildings are susceptible to a phenomenon called ‘vortex shedding’. With Studco’s research showing that the resultant vibration could be dissipated through the steel stud wall, they needed to find a way to take the tension out of their product so that when this vibration came through the slab and hit the steel frame, the frame would not be the route through which the noise was dissipated.

When it came to the modern interiors designed by architect Elenberg Fraser, EZYJamb and EZConcept finishing sections were found perfect for creating concealed door frames and square set interiors, and achieving the contemporary look envisaged by the architect.

Manufactured by Studco Building Systems, EZYJamb and EZConcept finishing sections are made from BlueScope steel, are simple to install, and meet the finished surfaces standard AS/NZS 2311:2009 to ensure they can be painted immediately.

Multiplex also sought to eliminate vibration and noise throughout the building, especially from the automated car stacker operating behind the apartments on the lower eight floors of the building. In order to create high acoustic rated rooms, Studco worked closely with PKA Acoustics to develop a bespoke solution that would perform as the ideal noise barrier. Custom Resilmount sound isolation systems were implemented across these floors to achieve this objective.

Studco also collaborated with prefabricators SBS to design a custom suspended ceiling system for the indoor pool and lobby, complementing the clean lines and modern interiors of the building.

The Studco Engineering Team worked closely with Multiplex to complete the Light House Tower project without complications or delays despite the challenging deadlines.