Architect and Builder August/September 2019 | Page 51

the auditorium, received an off-shutter concrete
finish while the top floors are clad in a lightweight
aluminium finish.
Externally the auditorium forms a concrete box
cantilevering from a much smaller base while being
tied back to the main building. This feature required
careful design considerations to make it appear as
though it was a floating section: all walls contain
beam structures designed to carry lateral loads,
with the underside of the box enclosing the racking
steps of the atrium floor.
The large span walkways crossing the atrium at
two different levels required special consideration
in hiding the true section depth and the intricate
Water & Sanitation
shape in the bulkhead structure. Reinforcement
and longer propping of the walkways limit the long-
term deflection and possible vibrations due to the
span to depth ratio.
Façade
Each façade has a unique appearance to
address sun exposure and traffic noise. The
building’s massing has been shaped to achieve
its highest level at the corner of the busy roads,
as well as being more open towards the remainder
of the site from where visitors to the building will
arrive. Concrete was used to give the building
a solid two-storey base with lightweight glazed
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