To protect the infrastructure and mission-critical IT information in Australia’s first custom built, high-tech data centre, Polaris, Project Manager Thiess turned to Construction Specialties , manufacturer of specialist building products.
Integral to the $121 million construction was the regulation of airflow to safeguard the computer hardware and Construction Specialties’ customised performance louvers were the only product in Australia able to meet this construction challenge.
With a 14,000m2 of floor space on 5 storeys with 7000m2 of raised floor over three data centre levels, the project, based in Springfield, Queensland, is the largest of its kind in Australia and will be Queensland’s only Tier 3+ data collection point.
The building design was driven by the positioning, material specifications and design of the performance louvers from Construction Specialties’.
Lawrence Issa, Project Manager for Construction Specialties and project partners Darryl Wright and Steve Emery of Project Sales, worked closely with the Polaris construction team from project inception to completion to devise the most effective weather proofing and airflow option for the building which also matched the intended aesthetic.
In-depth collaboration with the Polaris team led to the selection of Architectural Line louvers, of which two types were used – RS7305a and LSM louver models. This range prevents up to 99% water penetration and maximises airflow, while also complementing the building façade as the horizontal louver frames selected are hidden from view.
The performance louvers cover 345m2 of the exterior building and are specifically customised in terms of size, shape and colour for the data centre.
Construction Specialties’ performance louvers are at the leading edge of louver design and are tested under real world conditions to meet the standards demanded by the International Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) and the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA).
Construction Specialties in Australia offer a broad selection of performance louvers under three main categories. These are:
Horizontal and Vertical louvers: This product line is perfect for buildings requiring multiple louver installation at variable distances without compromising building design. A range of performance ratings for both airflow and rain defence ensures that the correct balance of form and function is achieved.
Mullion (visible) louvers: This range incorporates vertical mullions at variable centres up to 1500mm and provides the designer with the choice to maintain consistent vertical building lines and visual appearance within the building façade, whatever the performance requirements.
Architectural Line (hidden mullion) louvers: Designed with no visible vertical support mullions, this range provides a continuous and uninterrupted louver appearance.
Each range is available in three performance variations, providing a combination of airflow and rain defence options, ensuring that the correct balance of form and function is achieved.
Manufactured entirely from architectural grade extruded aluminium, Construction Specilties’ Louver systems are available in a comprehensive range of finishes and colours, ensuring there is a Construction Specialties Louver system to suit most aesthetic and performance needs.
Louver panels are factory assembled in a controlled and quality assured environment and provided to site in a fully finished modular form, allowing for trouble-free and fast installation.
A comprehensive range of accessories including insect/bird mesh and blanking panels in various materials and finishes is available to complete the application.
Louver front blades are available in a choice of nosing to display either a soft (rounded) or defined appearance.
