Menlyn Maine Park Lane West Atrium Skylight
ASTPM TUBULAR CATEGORY WINNER
Park Lane West is a new premium grade commercial development in Menlyn . At the center of the 7-storey building there is 26m long by 17m wide atrium skylight which brings natural light into the building .
Architectural Brief The architectural brief was to create a modern skylight , with lightweight steel members and a very clean geometry , that would bring the right balance of heat and light into the atrium below . Due to the need for a lightweight structure which could support large glass lites , steel was the obviously material of choice .
Structural Framing Rectangular hollow sections were selected for the main beam so concealed connections . In addition , since the structure was designed as a braced three-pin pitched roof , the hollow sections efficiently carried the bending and compression forces . Small diameter round tubes were used for longitudinal apex bracing .
Due to the accuracy of the steelwork and efficiency of the glazing installation team , up to 16 glass panels could be installed in one day . Ie , this equates to the weight of the full steel structure in glass panels per day . The low pitch ridged roof consisting of neatly fabricated hollow steel sections and large glass panels created a simple but bespoke looking skylight .
Cladding To reduce the number of steel beams , large point supported glass panels were used . Each panel was 2.2m wide x 3.3m long and weighed approximately 350kg .
Challenges Since all the glass lites were fully tempered and prefabricated the steelwork needed to be installed to a very high degree of tolerance to ensure each glass lite would fit . Extensive QAQC checks were carried out both in Tass ’ s factory and onsite before the cladding was installed .
High yield strength of the S355 tubes enabled small beams to be used while the hollow sections enabled neat hidden connection details . In addition , due to the stringent deflection requirements of the glass , both during installation and long term , the high stiffness of structure enable the joints between each glass panel to be sealed with a neat strip of silicone only . No mullions were required .
LEAF Structures worked very closely with the professional team , as well as the general contractor , to come up with a solution that met the architectural intent , budget , and site constraints . During the design phase , several structural and cladding solutions were developed and priced so the client could pick their preferred option .
Client / Developer : Menlyn Maine Architect : Boogertman and Partners Structural Engineer : LEAF Structures Main Contractor : Barrow Construction Steelwork Contractor : Tass Engineering Cladding Manufacturer / Supplier : LEAF Structures Cladding Contractor : LEAF Structures
Steel Awards 59