EDGE Architectural Glazing Systems supplied their window systems for a refurbished student accommodation facility at Mannix College in Clayton, Victoria.

Mannix College provides living services for Monash University students. A 16-million-dollar refurbishment carried out at the institution was completed earlier this year after 18 months of construction. Works included a new academic centre, chapel, seminar and conference facilities, new student common rooms and tutorial spaces, refurbishment of existing dormitories, administration areas and dining facilities, and major services upgrades across the College. Following the refurbishment, Mannix College now provides students with modern facilities for a better, more social university experience.

Designed by Melbourne based Law Architects, the redevelopment incorporated U-MAX 100 centre double glazed systems, U-MAX 100 front double glazed systems and U-MAX thermally broken sashes by EDGE Architectural. EDGE thermally broken frames have also been used to accommodate motorised louvre systems on some facades, offering additional ventilation. U-MAX systems are proven to provide increased interior comfort to residents, due to their superior thermal performance. Additionally, U-MAX provides a durable, locally made and aesthetically pleasing window solution, complementing the College’s contemporary refurbishment.

One of the major challenges of the project was to design and manage construction works within a College that remained operational 24 hours a day. This led to innovative design solutions for building within and between existing residential dwellings, and considerable care and consultation in programming the construction work and managing project costs.

The architects were able to guide multiple stakeholders through the design and construction process and assist with establishing the priorities for redevelopment in a College that had been untouched since the 1970s. The refurbishment has revitalised Mannix College’s offering in the student accommodation market.

Image: The redevelopment incorporated U-MAX 100 centre double glazed, U-MAX 100 front double glazed and U-MAX thermally broken sashes by EDGE