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.
