The Lavarack Army Barracks in Townsville, Queensland, sets a high standard for Australian military architecture.
It has a distinct design that has been achieved through the use of a range of materials made from ZINCALUME steel. The site also posed unique challenges requiring military-like precision to ensure the correct installation of the roofing to achieve the required aesthetic.
Steel sheeting installers, SPD Contracting, worked with 43.9 metre lengths of LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 high strength steel roofing made from ZINCALUME steel. SPD Contracting was initially going to produce these long lengths on site using specialist roll-forming equipment; however, this was not possible due to site movement restrictions for heavy equipment.
Trevor Smedley, Director of SPD Contracting explained, "We had the answer for delivering these long roof-sheet lengths when we learned that BlueScope LYSAGHT also had a rear-steer bogey extendable trailer," "Up to 25 men per sheet were needed to lift these long spans into position on the roof, but it went down very quickly and was installed in just one day."
Progressive architects, BVN Architecture designed the building, believing that the material possessed a military-like aesthetic making it an ideal fit for the redevelopment.
Scott Hardcastle, Brisbane Senior Associate at BVN Architecture explained, "ZINCALUME steel references qualities such as strength, durability, toughness and directness – all of which are intrinsic to the Australian Army,"
"ZINCALUME has provided a range of benefits on various stages of the project redevelopment. The profiled cladding and roofing has widely been adopted as a cost-effective and low-maintenance external armour that can withstand the robust Army environment and extreme Townsville climate."
LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK, SPANDEK, CUSTOM ORB and MINI ORB profiles made from LYSAGHT ZINCALUME steel in Zincalume finish were also chosen for Lavarack Army Barracks because they are lightweight, durable, thermally efficient and easy to fabricate.
Additionally, another project at Lavarack Barracks required SPD Contracting to install more than 32,000 square metres of roof sheeting and 8,200 square metres of wall cladding made from ZINCALUME steel.
ZINCALUME steel is sold by BlueScope Steel in Australia and is wholly Australian manufactured. Not only is it specifically designed for Australian conditions, but the high-tech manufacturing facilities and quality control processes means it is able to reliably meet, or more likely exceed, Australian Standards.
