Using window security screening for both design and practical reasons has proven a winning combination for this recent student accommodation project in Perth. Wilson Architects won a competition to design the facility and have since delivered an attractive, safe and welcoming living environment for the students of St Catherine’s College at the University of Western Australia.

The new on-campus Indigenous Housing Accommodation has been integrated into the expanded existing college facilities to provide collaborative learning spaces and promote active learning while maintaining a strong visual connection to the environment. The living campus provides a safe, culturally supportive environment for those who travel to Perth to study. The project included construction of a 53-bed accommodation building with communal living facilities, and the expansion of an existing building to include an Indigenous Learning Centre and Art Gallery. Connecting the buildings are new gardens, courtyards and meeting places, including a tower complete with a ceremonial fire pit.

A key component of the accommodation building was the inclusion of Invisi-Gard stainless steel security screens to enclose the balcony areas. The screens were attached to the side of the building using battens, creating an attractive design feature while also providing the practical benefits of insect screening and fall prevention. The high-clarity screening preserves light and views, allowing the students to still feel connected to the broader campus landscape.

Invisi-Gard screens utilise extremely corrosion resistant 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, woven into a strong, flat surface. These materials and processes ensure the screens provide maximum light and ventilation, along with safety and security features. The screens meet or exceed the relevant Australian Standards to guard against impact and cutting with sharp objects, and are Bushfire Attack Level rated. The low maintenance screens come with a 15-year warranty and are proving an increasingly popular way to enclose balconies in the student accommodation environment.

Project details

Project: Indigenous Housing Accommodation, St Catherine’s College, Perth

Architect: Wilson Architects

Builder: EMCO

Fabricator: Windows West

Product: Invisi-Gard stainless steel security screens

Architecture & Design Team

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Invisi-Gard

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