THE HIDDEN WORK

Grating FRP Australia / Scavenger Supplies assisted in the design and construction of green edge garden and gutter grating and support retaining façade for the New South Wales Art Gallery expansion (Sydney Modern Project).

The original conceptual discussion by principal Architect was the use of stainless steel, or possible galvanised option was considered. The cost associated with stainless and known difficulties of fabrication and site work made this choice unsuitable. Galvanised steel option would have further complications with material distorting due to heat process of galvanising and visually inconsistent surface finish. Another factor against use of steel was the weight of the material.

Grating FRP Australia introduced the concept of FRP Fibreglass structural members which could be manufactured as a complete profile to both retain garden edge and support roof top grating. A shadow-line edge design and small prototype edging was constructed and presented to client for consideration and further discussion. This prototype design brought a new scope to the project for garden edging and drainage member for the courtyard area of the Gallery.

This area with its long flowing curves presented a challenge for both the Architects and design teams for selection of suitable material for these areas. FRP Fibreglass plate and angles cleverly fabricated provided the perfect material for this application.

The use of FRP materials in this project provided a material which was visually consistent in the finished material and flexibility to produce several zone area requirements for edge grating and garden retention profiles. The significant reduction of weight ensures handling on site is manageable by hand and reduced the risks and costs associated with craning members into position.

Shadow-line edging for courtyards and guttering has a finish which is difficult to produce using steel materials and here with the application of FRP Fiberglass the edges are sharp straight lines where needed and free flowing un interrupted curves through relaxing courtyard enclosures.

All areas of the New South Wales Art Gallery expansion (Sydney Modern Project) finishes hide the true craftmanship required to produce the finished product, fabricated worked materials, machining lines and cuts are all hidden form the view of the passerby unaware of the detailing required to achieve the finish visual to visitors.

For more information on grating solutions, contact Scavenger Supples at the links below.