The Ideal Electricity building, in Lower Hutt, NZ, was damaged by fire: architects Thomas Chong and Brynn McCauley were engaged to create a contemporary frontage as part of the repairs project. Kaynemaile collaborated with the architects to develop a facade treatment using their Building-Armour, an injection moulded polycarbonate seamless mesh.
The walls of the main building are of profiled metal cladding. Suspended in front of the windows is a facade screen, a series of bronze mesh pyramids, which change in appearance during the day in different lighting conditions. The facade material had to be lightweight and fire-resistant, with inherent flexibility, strength and rigidity.
Solar shading to the interior, whilst not restricting views, had to use a material to withstand the corrosive effects of the marine environment. Aesthetically, the facade screen was designed to appeal to nearby residents and to present an identity to passing traffic.
Read more about Kaynemaile Building-Armour on Selector.com.
