UNSW – Materials & Science Engineering Building – Microline, Shooshline, Frontline

Location:Kensington, NSW, Australia
Architect:Grimshaw
Finishes:Interpon Monument Satin Powdercoat
Product:Sapphire Microline, Shooshline and Frontline
Completed:March 2015

The installed system required special design considerations for high ceiling heights to 3.4 metres for most of the fitout and live loads as it was built slab to slab and incorporates deflection channels to the head of the frame at the ceiling. Sapphire’s Microline framing was specified as the client was looking for a thin modern robust frame that met the guidlines of the BCA and AS1428-1 being a public building.

The Microline system whilst only 40mm thick also accomodates a electric strike adaptor which was mandatory for the deign and secuirity with the Labs. Frontline framing was used additonally as it can be combined with the Microline and our new Shooshline Door Suite with inbuilt seals and flush look not only look stunning but improve the acoustic performance of the partition.

Key design features

  • Laboratory spaces form the heart of the facility and are transparent, where possible, to reveal the work of the scientists inside
  • The labs are surrounded by a habitable “skin” of meeting rooms, offices and study spaces
  • The MS&EB will be nine stories high, totalling approximately 20,000 square metres including basement and ground floors. Three levels of the building are being delivered as cold shell laboratory space to allow for future growth of surrounding schools such as chemistry.