Ritek® custom roof panels from Composite Roofing Structures - eco innovative

Ritek Building Solutions, in conjunction with their NSW distributor Composite Roofing Structures, recently supplied their award winning custom roof panels for the $1.3 million Berry Recreation Hall in New South Wales. The architects of the project Allen Jack+Cottier have now been shortlisted in the 2008 RAIA Awards for one of Australia's most prestigious awards - the Sulman Medal.

The RAIA Awards are the most prestigious in the design and construction industry, and have had a significant influence on future trends in architectural design. The Sulman medal is only given to the most outstanding project entered in the NSW Architecture Awards. First given in 1932, it is the oldest continuous architecture award in Australia and is considered to bestow the mark of excellence in architecture.

The shortlisted project is the $1.3 million Berry Recreation Hall in Berry, New South Wales and provides a visual and efficient addition to the Berry Sport and Recreation Centre. The building is structurally strong and visually exciting with large asymmetrical pieces of glass set into the concrete walls and a high modern 702m² curved roof with a 20 metre radius. The design brief to Ritek was to provide clean lines internally without any unnecessary bulky rafters and supports.

Ritek's eco-innovative roof panels were chosen for their unique ability to span up to 8 metres unsupported in both straight and curved panels as well as for their thermal insulation properties. The roof panel also reduces materials required to build using conventional roofing systems such supports and trusses. The Berry sporting centre was designed with the community in mind and makes the most of local climatic conditions incorporating passive design and reduced the need for artificial heating or cooling. The Ritek® Roof Panels are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods of roofing construction.

John Whittingham Associate at Allen Jack+Cottier said, "The Ritek® Custom Roof Panel's sleek lines are attractive and the installation process was smooth as the panels are prefabricated. We were afforded significant savings due the speed and ease of installation. The brilliant cantilever and spanning features of the roof panels are a designer's dream as they provide the ability to use both curved and straight configurations. We are very happy with the overall result the roof provides, which is a contemporary finish that complements the eco-efficiency and overall aesthetics of the building."

The winners of the 2008 RAIA Awards will be announced on 19 July 2008.