Galvanized Steel Facade from Galvanizers Association of Australia

Façade showcases top fabricator

Manuele Engineers office and factory, Adelaide

Manuele Engineers successfully used hot dip galvanizing on the steel façade of their former main office at Clovelly Park but wanted their new main facility comprising around 2,500m2 of office and amenities space over two levels alongside a 16,000m2 factory to make a similar, but stronger statement about their business.

This was achieved by highlighting the intricate steel fabrication of the new building's façade, enhanced by contrasting hot dip galvanized in-fill panels against dark gloss painted RHS support frame using the same architects.

Senior Architect of project architects Giordano & Associates, Anthony Giordano said that as an architectural feature, it was vital the finish was consistent, requiring selection of domestic equivalent steel chemistry from the same steel supplier which also helped to reduce office mass.

"The excellent performance and durability of the previous offices using a similar combination of painted and galvanized steel screen in front of extensive glazing led to it being employed again for the company's new offices," he said.

"For this project for the premier steel fabricator in South Australia sited within three kilometres of the coast in an industrial area close by an airport, we were naturally guided by their 40 years of experience in the supply and erection of steel structures.

"They were responsible for the specification, supply, delivery and erection of all the steel elements and naturally had a major hand in the decision to use galvanized steel.

"The durability and maintenance-free nature of hot dip galvanizing on very complex and intricate fabrications will continue to enhance the surrounding environment long into the future by preventing unsightly rust staining.

"Galvanized, the screen infill elements allowed the items to be pre-made, stored onsite, erected and completed without the need for scaffolding."

The project has since won the Steel Clad Structures category of the Australian Steel Design Awards for its State and was highly commended at the prestigious Intergalva Awards 2012.

Architect: Giordano & Associates
Structural Engineer: Wallbridge & Gilbert
Building Contractor: Pike Constructions
Steel Fabricator: Manuele Engineers