The fabricator travelled to Melbourne to
train on the system with experts from 3M in
the Aluminium Industries factory.
The 3M VHB tape has been used in
the cladding industry for years, but has
not enjoyed wide-spread adoption in
the Australian glazing industry. EDGE
Architectural offers Australia’s first system
purposed designed for the tape.
Ninety per cent of the building was able
to be fabricated in the factory, making the
whole job very flexible.
Operable awning windows are controlled
by an automated system and deliver natural
ventilation. The frames were powder coated
to match the zinc façade.
The inclusion of IMAS on the Hobart
Harbour is impactful with interesting
structural elements, shapes and textures.
The architect had a clear vision of how he
wanted the building to look. Rod Beel, R&D
Systems Manager, Aluminium Industries,
worked with the architect to incorporate sun
shade fins within the EDGE Architectural
frames.
IMAS is a 7,130m2 facility hosting scientific
leaders from IMAS and researchers from the
Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS)
and Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems. The
building includes five purpose-built, state-ofthe-art laboratories, a large public exhibition
area, boardroom and 92 seat lecture theatre.
It has the capacity for approximately 250
research staff and students.
With all these features complemented
by the Hobart waterside setting, IMAS is
expected to rival international research
institutes.
Architect: John Wardle Architects
Framing System: EDGE Architectural
Glazing Systems
Autumn 2015 www.awa.org.au 11