Metal ceilings from SAS International were specified by the architects for the lobby and workspace at the 4 National Circuit office located in the Barton office precinct in Canberra.

In specifying SAS International’s metal pan ceiling solutions, the architects, Fender Katsalidis Architects were not only able to address the right aesthetics, but were also able to satisfy both tenant acoustic and Green Star requirements.

The multi award-winning development located close to Parliament House in Canberra was designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects with the owner and developer ISPT seeking to create buildings to house key federal government agencies with flexible and engaging internal spaces. The builder was Lend Lease Project Management & Construction.

Fender Katsalidis Architects selected the metal ceiling solution over other options for the premium Grade A office building, with the decision supported by builder Lend Lease, which had previously installed an SAS International metal ceiling solution for their office spaces at the Barangaroo South Tower 2 development in Sydney.

Apart from its modern aesthetic, the SAS metal ceiling system is highly functional in design, allowing easy maintenance access over the long term. Joe Venuto, project architect at Fender Katsalidis Architects observes that the metal ceiling provides a more elegant, contemporary appearance while meeting their requirements for perforations for acoustics as well as access for service maintenance.

Acoustics are a major consideration in the open office space design at 4 National Circuit; SAS International’s System 320 metal pan ceiling system was supplied with 18mm acoustic backing pads to achieve the minimum 0.7NRC /30db to meet the project’s acoustic specification. The linear metal ceiling tiles measuring 1488 x 372mm are finished in RAL9003 – Signal White, and provide a gentle sheen to the ceiling finish.

Another challenge, according to the architects, was achieving a tile size, layout and concealed suspension details that would make the ceiling a standout feature in the lobby areas. The ground-floor lobby area and atrium connect to two wings of the building and have been designed to encourage opportunities for communal activity and spatial integration. A high acoustic treatment and aesthetically pleasing solution were important considerations in this area of the building.

A SAS metal pan ceiling solution, featuring rectangular metal ceiling tiles with an acoustic backing was installed in the lobby. Finished in RAL1035 – Pearl Beige, the ceiling provides a sleek modern look in keeping with this prominent space within the building.

The base building was a Green Star project - 5 Star Design and 5 Star As-built, as well as achieving a minimum energy efficiency in line with NABERS guidelines of 5 Star. Sustainability and maintenance considerations over the long-term therefore influenced the specification of materials in this project.

The SAS International metal ceiling system contributed to reducing internal noise levels and air-change effectiveness, both of which receive credits in the Green Star tool. One of the credits also targeted for Green Star was Mat-3, which requires a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled content; this was also easily achieved by the SAS metal ceiling.

SAS International’s metal ceiling solutions are designed for longevity with a minimum 25-year product lifecycle of the steel; after paint removal the solutions are 100% recyclable into new steel. In addition to being the first metal ceiling manufacturer to have its products accredited to Green Tag, SAS International has Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its entire range of suspended ceiling systems.