Architecture firm Baumgart Clark drew inspiration from the heritage character of the SMB Campus (formerly known as School of Mines Ballarat) during the renovation of the Federation University’s Flecknoe Building.
Located in the heart of Ballarat, the Flecknoe Building provides modern teaching facilities within an attractive historic environment dating back to 1870. Established during the Victorian gold rush, the campus is the oldest site of technical education in Australia and has significantly evolved over the decades in terms of its design and education offerings.
The Flecknoe Building houses a new dedicated digital innovation hub, providing a collaborative space for entrepreneurs, start-ups, technology specialists and researchers.
Designed by Baumgart Clark Architects in 2015, the building’s facelift demonstrates the adaptive use of Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows in a heritage listed building.
Drawing on the past life of the buildings as metal working shops and machine sheds, the design team developed a constructivist-inspired high steel canopy and a new copper wall intervention that celebrated the history of the site, while adapting it for new uses.
The beautifully renovated building is filled with natural light and incorporates high level motorised louvres to naturally ventilate the learning spaces. Safetyline Jalousie’s unique sealing capabilities would additionally minimise heat loss during the cooler months.
Measuring 960mm H x 1400mm W, the 18 motorised louvre windows were supplied in Safetyline Jalousie’s extra wide louvre spans to fit into the openings of the steel frames while the solid profile of the louvres make a bold statement in this modern fitout. The louvre windows featured an Interpon Custom Matt Black finish with 6mm Clear Toughened Glass louvres.
