The new $29 million National Cricket Centre, located at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, is a showcase of Bondor’s insulated panels.
The Bondor Equitilt architectural panels were chosen by TVS Architects to feature prominently in the impressive multi-storey design. The brief was for a lightweight cladding system that was low-maintenance, durable, cost-efficient and fire rated with a high insulation value.
TVS Architects director Michael Kisluk, said it ticked all the boxes, meeting the company’s requirements for a lightweight cladding system.
“Part of the task was to reduce the cost of the build and the selection of this cladding system was part of that strategy, to reduce the amount of framing required,” he said.
“The product is finished on both sides, alleviating the need to line the inside face and it is also available in a wide range of colours. Of course, it’s also a much more efficient structure thermally, which results in lower running costs for the life of the building.”
Bondor general manager Geoff Marsdon said the Cricket Centre also utilised the Australian-made panels for the sun blades on the building.
“The greatest difficulty to overcome for this project was the installation of the 150mm Flameguard panel on the north elevation,” he said.
“Due to limited space between the new structure and the existing neighbouring building, a suitable installation method had to be created.” Bondor insulated panels are self-supporting and feature a core of expanded polystyrene (EPS-FR) between two layers of Colorbond steel, providing structural and thermal efficiency combined with a durable finish.
Marsdon said Equitilt architectural walling is easy to install. “Its sandwich panel construction means that this walling is very structurally stable,” he said. “It is over 25 times more thermally efficient than pre-cast concrete of the same thickness, yet its lightweight design means a reduction in load bearing footings and structural supports.”