19
Were discussions held with Viridian about how and
where glass might be used?
They were really involved in understanding the structural
glass makeup – especially where we used toughened and
laminate on that front elevation. There was involvement
as to how we did the spandrel zones. Where colour-
backed glass is used we’ve done so behind double-
glazed units for as much transparency even where there
are spandrels. There was input for sure even to the glass
that’s above us here, we had to use a particular tough
laminate glass given it’s a roof skylight.
What are the main technical issues and achievements?
Finding glass that achieved both thermal requirements
and the acoustic requirements is always a balance. The
team got that right from the input that’s been received,
so that was an important aspect. The main curtain wall
is on a 10 degree incline and part of the glazing make-up,
but one of the key issues is the challenges of
transparency and acoustics.
If it’s not the door handle, or hand- rail, it’s the slot
window that can make a difference. Those details are
what form the big picture.
That’s true and for instance glazing in the main meeting
rooms has no joins. It was important to keep that glass
as one large piece. It was done to keep the integrity of
the outlook towards the Adelaide control tower, main
runway and the ambulance space. This meant the glass
had a particular focus and prominence in this respect
and outlay.
What if your client had been an IT company for instance.
How would that design have differed?
The RFDS had a lot to do with the design by giving the
architect that sense of flexibility. And they had trust in
us to do something that achieves their outcomes. You
definitely don’t see atrium spaces with big volumes in
the center of most buildings, but that’s been done to
connect ground and upper floor with an interconnecting
stair. It’s part of that visual awareness of everyone around
you within the organisation.