Architects Specify Acrylic Splashbacks

Case Study - Why Innovative Splashbacks® acrylic splashbacks
were chosen for this $100m apartment complex

Acrylic splashbacks are fast becoming a popular glass alternative for large developments.

The Element Apartments in Canberra are a perfect example.

This $100 million project sits at the edge of the Kingston harbour. It's part of the rejuvenation of the former industrial park.

As you'd expect - the developers insisted on the highest quality finish.

And Innovative Splashbacks® were chosen to supply the shower panels.

That's because Innovative Splashbacks® met all their criteria.

orange acrylic shower splashback

Criteria #1 - Extremely high quality and consistent with luxurious high-end apartments

The Element Apartments set a new standard in luxury living. And naturally, the developers insisted on the highest quality finish.

Innovative Splashbacks use the highest quality acrylic in the world, a renowned and trusted brand that's been utilised in both commercial and residential projects world-wide for over 80 years.

The acrylic splashback panels are 6mm thick and spray painted by hand in a clean, dust-free environment.

Importantly, the clarity of the splashbacks is equivalent to eye-glasses (optical transparency). This lets through the maximum amount of light to reflect from the rear painted finish.

Because Innovative Splashbacks® are made using the highest quality acrylic in the world and spray painted - just like glass - is the reason why Innovative Splashbacks® look exactly like glass splashbacks.

The two colours chosen were blue and orange colours which were metallised to meet the architect's specific colour and finish criteria.

The metallic blue and orange splashback panels give each bathroom a vibrant and lively finish, whilst at the same time provide a feature point in the bathrooms against the tiled surrounding walls surfaces.

Criteria #2 - Lower the cost of their project

Anyone can create a luxurious finish with an open cheque book. However this would make most developments unaffordable and uneconomical.

That's why there are so many amazing new products which meet the same standards but are far more affordable.

Innovative Splashbacks® proudly follow this tradition. Typically they cost around 30% less than glass.

However, that's only the beginning. The real savings begin on-site.

Glass is much harder to install because it weighs twice as much as acrylic. Because acrylic is half the weight, and can be cut on-site using standard woodworking tools without any preparation, the panels were installed in an average of 17 minutes each. This included preparing the walls, measuring the size required, cutting the panels to size and installation.

When you factor in labour costs Innovative Splashbacks® came out the clear winner.

Criteria #3 - Speed of installation

The saying 'time is money' probably came from a developer. With vast sums of money tied up in developments, meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality is critical.

Innovative Splashbacks® have two major advantages over glass and other alternative splashback counterparts:

First, they're light and far more rigid than other alterative acrylic/polymer splashbacks and can be cut on-site with standard woodworking tools. This means the installation team can be in and out far quicker. Because shower and kitchen finishes are installed towards the end of a project, they can help get projects back on track if they've slipped behind.

And second, it follows the philosophy of 'measure, cut and install'. Simply grab the next panel, measure the space, cut it to size and drill tap-holes and install it.

You can't do this with glass where measurements have to be made and be perfect before installation. This can be time consuming and a logistical nightmare - even worse if the measurements are not 100% spot on.

Precise measurements aren't needed before manufacturing. And Innovative Splashbacks® panels were on-site before installation - on time at the exact required staggered delivery intervals. Plus the added benefit of any panel could go into any apartment, so there was no need to figure out which panels went where.

There's something to be said for simplicity, right?

Penalties of tens of thousands of dollars for late completion are common. If a glass splashback were broken during installation or the measurements were incorrect, it could be a fortnight for a replacement to arrive. And it could be the one item stopping the project being completed.

Innovative Splashbacks® proudly have industry-leading turnaround times. The days of getting a splashback order completed in a "week or two" times are over.

If you are wanting a high quality and stylish finish in your next build, use what the architects specify and get in touch with Innovative Splashbacks® on 0418 548 743.

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