Architect and Builder Offices Retrospective | Page 64

• Vertical shading : 800mm wide elliptical sectioned support posts ( steel frame clad in shaped aluminium plate ) to deal with low incident solar angles experienced in early mornings and late afternoons in summer . These posts also formed the supports for the horizontal shading . Both elements reinforce a subtle nautical language visible , in the curved and tilted five storey high atrium glass curtain wall which forms a flowing connection between east and west office wings . The street entrance to the building is within the fold of the façade and is aesthetically reinforced by the cantilevered sail like tensile structure skirt wrapping around the atrium to shelter the doors .
A sandstone-clad , 3m-high podium stair leads up to and celebrates the main entrance , underscoring the building ’ s civic nature and forms a relationship with the urban streetscape . The entire building is clad with a low maintenance , composite formed aluminium panels to complement the horizontal fenestration language of the office wings while aluminium-clad shade support columns provide a mast-like vertical contrast .
64 Coega