HVG Delivers Cladding Solution for Geelong Civic Centre

Case study: Wurriki Nyal Civic Centre

In this article, HVG Facades goes inside the process behind this striking civic centre in Geelong and how its ZINTL product solved a design dilemma…

A result of an extensive dialogue between the City of Greater Geelong and the community, this new civic centre reflects the needs and aspirations of its population, as well as recognising the cultural context of the area—and the experience of the First Nations people.

This edifice boldly defining the water-side precinct was designed by Cox Architecture and brought to life by BESIX Watpac, and its striking facade fuses the contemporary angularity of glass and aluminium with the more organic feel of the mass timber structure within.

The design challenge

One of the key aspects that came out of the consultations with the community was the building’s impact on the environment.

As such, the environmental concerns played an important role both in the architectural outcomes of the project, as well as the selection of building materials.

It was paramount for the specified products to support the sustainable ambition of the project, to advance Wurriki Nyal towards becoming both a 6 Star Green Star and a 5 Star NABERS building.

As a benchmark building for the City of Greater Geelong—as well as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design—Wurriki Nyal was to set a high standard for any future developments in this urban centre. Incorporating only the highest quality products was essential to setting a new standard for Victoria’s design capital.

▲ The Wurriki Nyal Civic Centre, Geelong.

How ZINTL became the solution

Locally made as well as 100 per cent recyclable, ZINTL—a premium interlocking aluminium weatherboard from HVG Facades—fit the bill perfectly.

The installers on the project, Signal & Hobbs, wanted a locally produced, high-quality cladding product that would suit the application of the new civic centre and accommodate the building program.

ZINTL was an excellent choice, and—as a result—replaced another external cladding product originally specified by the architects.

“From our end, the change to ZINTL was very smooth as all the required paperwork was on hand from the supplier,” BESIX Watpac senior project engineer James Robertson said.

“This made things very easy for our architect, engineers and registered building surveyor to sign off the product.”

For the project, 900sq m of the product were specified on the rooftop terrace, soffit and the entryway to the precinct.

The versatile battens were specified in two colours—Dark Bronze and Black Ace—and the rich shades aptly match the overall palette of the project, accentuating the building’s geometries and striking design.

However, the aesthetic appeal, versatile profile and environmental credentials weren’t the only elements that made ZINTL the preferred choice.

▲ ZINTL brought a raft of advantages to the project.

“Being locally produced, ZINTL took away some of the challenges we would have experienced with the original product, which is manufactured in New Zealand,” Signal & Hobbs project manager Lloyd Jordan said.

“ZINTL cut down that timeframe from 10-12 weeks to a 2-3 weeks lead time, which was great. And the price point was comparable.

“On top of that, the weatherboard was quick and efficient to install, and the HVG Facades – very easy to work with.

“And they are a great supplier overall. They’re responsive, transparent and open. We have been working with them for a couple of years now—and they are fantastic partners.”

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