Designed by Oaten Stanistreet Architects, the Mill Park library in Melbourne’s City of Whittlesea was required to be a civic style building that appealed to a wide cross section of the local community, one of the growing suburbs in Melbourne’s north.
The architects achieved the brief by designing a practical, spacious buildinng with a large curved portico that helps define the eye-catching exterior. The innovative curved roof made from BHP Steel Colorbond Metallic steel in the colour Cortex is the most visually stunning aspect of the building.
Architect Geoffrey Stanistreet says Colorbond Metallic steel was chosen for its classic high quality finish. Colorbond Metallic steel changes depending on light and viewing angle. As light passes over the mica particles in the metallic finish, the appearance of the painted surface changes and a perception of depth is achieved.
Builder Romando Nascarella of construction company Devco says the Metallic steel was shaped on-site over the 2800sq m roof. The supporting CEE purlins, which are made from Galvaspan steel, were positioned 900mm to 120mm apart to acccommodate the curved span of the roof.
Stanistreet says the curved roof adds a dynamic shape to the building and enhances the overall look.
Internally, the building provides a 2100sq m open plan layout capable of being supervised from a central information desk. Services for the entire library are contained under the floor, which leaves the layout open to any future modifications.
The ceiling follows the curve of the external roof, sloping down from back to front and a series of Tulip columns that support the roof also contain air conditioning vents and downlights.
Source: Building Products News.