WINDOWS Magazine Autumn 2015 | Page 12

case study | aluminium industries Reflecting the Past, Researching the Future W hen the University of Tasmania sought to build a new home for the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), an organisation that aspires to be ‘a leading global institution for temperate marine, Southern Ocean and Antarctic research’, they wanted a structure that was reflective of the cutting-edge science being conducted inside. perfectly with its surroundings and yet it stands out as completely unique. The glass façade facing the harbour reflects the colour and energy of surrounding buildings, boats, docks and people, symbolically reflecting the history of the area and its maritime uses. A project by John Wardle Architects in association with Terrior Architects, IMAS officially opened in January 2014 on Hobart’s waterfront. The building is practical and inspirational. It invites public engagement. • External louvres providing solar control from the afternoon (west) sun. Referred to as ‘science in the shed’, due to the design of the building emulating the neighbouring wharf structures, IMAS blends 10 Australian Window Association Autumn 2015 The building earned a 5 Star Green Star classification. Some of the features contributing to this rating include: • Heating and cooling the building with water drawn from the Derwent River. • Insulated Glass Units with Low E reducing glare and thermal transfer, decreasing the demand on heating and cooling equipment. • Operable awning windows providing mixed mode natural ventilation. • Operable perforated aluminium panels for solar and visual control. • Louvres and breathable façades providing ventilation while the glass offers light and thermal management. Structural glazing, operable awning windows To achieve the dynamic reflective façade and thermal performance, the fabricator in Hobart chose a MAX™ structurally glazed system from EDGE Architectural, a division of Aluminium Industries.