Serdar Baycan, director of Tectura Architects, shares his top five favourite products to specify at the moment.
You can also read about why he chose architecture as his profession, and find out more about the acoustic elements of his NMIT project.
Words by Serdar:
1. Reckli Precast Panels
Reckli precast concrete form liners were specifically created to produce the bespoke concrete panels, which were hand painted for Wantirna Health’s street frontage, referencing the surrounding natural landscape.
Innovation in precast concrete form liner technology increasingly allows for greater creativity, flexibility and choice as a building element and product. Its relative ease of installation makes it a good material to use in the construction of commercial buildings.
Specifically designed and hand painted Reckli precast panels were used at Warntina Health
2. Symonite (GTAC and VBEC)
Symonite cladding used at the Gene Technology Access Centre
Symonite cladding is an effective product that Tectura Architects have specified for a number of projects, including the Gene Technology Access Centre in Parkville, Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE- New Building F, Preston Campus, and the Victorian Bioscience Centre in Geelong. Symonite provides a sleek and streamlined aesthetic, is lightweight, easy to install and maintain.
3. Polyflor Vinyl
Polyflor Vinyl used at Castlemaine Hospital Upgrade
While vinyl might not be the most exciting product an architect can work with, it is superior in providing a resilient surface suitable in healthcare applications. Features include supporting infection control, being robust enough to withstand high levels of use, and easy to maintain. It is also increasingly available in many different textures and colours. As specialists in healthcare and education, we have specified Polyflor vinyl in numerous health and education projects.
4. Fibre Optic Star Lighting
Williamstown Cricket Ground features a star lighting system
The appropriate choice of lighting is a crucial element in the design of internal spaces to communicate atmosphere and depth of spaces. The Williamstown Cricket Ground Pavilion and Function Centre Redevelopment utilised a Fibre Optic Star Lighting System by Lightmoves-Digilin. This system provided the platform to create a romantic atmosphere for the function centre, which is enhanced by the wonderful views across Port Phillip Bay.
5. InterfaceFLOR Carpet Tiles
InterfaceFLOR Carpet tiles at NMIT
InterfaceFLOR Carpet Tiles were also specified for NMIT. Carpet tiles present easier installation and maintenance as opposed to broadloom. This range has good low carbon footprint (ESD) qualities and is available in a wide selection of colours and textures, allowing for a playful approach to design and making it a suitable choice for high use commercial buildings.
