Project: UTAS The Shed, Inveresk Precinct, Building 2
Product: Fielders ARAMAX® Aluminium Roofing and Cladding
Floor Area: 10,400 m²
Roof Area: 3,470 m²
Façade Area: 2,035 m² of perforated ARAMAX® Aluminium
Material/Colour: Aluminium Mill Finish
Builder: Fairbrother Construction
Architect: Wardle
Construction Modelling: ModelTek
Value: $97 million
Completion: October 2024
As part of the University of Tasmania’s Northern Transformation Program, The Shed at the Inveresk Precinct represents the next chapter in innovative educational spaces. Following the success of the River’s Edge building, The Shed is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to health and science education, setting new standards in design, sustainability, and functionality.
Designed by Wardle and constructed by Fairbrother Construction, this striking structure is both a navigational landmark and an inspiring learning environment. It seamlessly combines modern architectural principles with a nod to the site’s industrial history. The bold application of Fielders ARAMAX® Aluminium roofing and cladding played a pivotal role in bringing this design to life, contributing to its signature aesthetic and sustainable performance.
Project Background
The Shed is the final piece of UTAS’s relocation from Newnham to the Inveresk Precinct, a $304 million initiative funded by local, state, and federal governments. Situated at the southern edge of the precinct, the building serves as a gateway between Launceston and the university, reflecting the principles of accessibility, openness, and community connection.
Inspired by the industrial proportions of the site’s historic railway sheds, the elongated twin-shed design integrates a central atrium, creating an open, collaborative environment. Wardle described the project as “a shared precinct accessible and open for all,” a sentiment echoed in its thoughtful design and inclusive spaces.
“The Shed is an expansive and bold architectural gesture, symbolic of the university’s vision that this will be a place filled with human endeavour,” explains Ricardo Hernandez, Project Architect at Wardle. “The all-encompassing roof not only provides a strong visual identity but also plays a key role in defining a people-centric environment that connects the city with research and learning.”
Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP, celebrated The Shed’s role in transforming the Inveresk Precinct, noting, “This new building will help train more nurses and health workers and support more people in Northern Tasmania to get a crack at going to uni.”
Fielders Solution
Fielders ARAMAX® Aluminium was integral to achieving The Shed’s striking appearance and sustainable goals. A total of 3,470 m² of ARAMAX® Aluminium was used for the roof, with an additional 2,035 m² applied as perforated cladding for the façade.
ARAMAX® Features:
- Clear Spans of Up to 20 Metres: Enabled by ARAMAX®’s innovative design, eliminating the need for secondary structural elements and reducing material usage.
- Custom Rollforming: Accommodated the building’s unique twin-shed design, including curved and tapered elements.
- Perforated Façade: Enhanced natural light diffusion while maintaining thermal comfort and dynamic aesthetics.
- Sustainability: Recyclable aluminium supports the project’s low-carbon benchmarks, contributing to a 35% reduction in embodied carbon compared to similar buildings.
By integrating ARAMAX® Aluminium seamlessly into both the roof and façade, The Shed achieves a cohesive, bold aesthetic that balances the site’s industrial legacy with its forward-looking mission.
Project Execution
Constructing The Shed required precision and innovation. The collaboration between Wardle, Fairbrother Construction, and Fielders ensured ARAMAX® was optimally applied to meet the project’s ambitious design and performance goals.
Highlights of the Execution:
- On-Site Rollforming: Allowed for efficient material handling and reduced transportation impacts.
- Perforated ARAMAX® Panels: Custom-engineered for the façade, providing a lightweight and visually stunning solution.
- Integration of Structure and Design: ARAMAX® functioned as both an architectural and structural element, reducing construction complexity and costs.
Wardle worked closely with structural and façade engineers to explore innovative ways to use ARAMAX®, with Ricardo Hernandez noting, “The Shed uses ARAMAX® in ways for which there was little precedent, including perforation to nearly 50% open area and oblique angle cuts. The extensive structural analysis and prototyping ensured the material met all performance requirements, including acoustic and wind resistance.”
The Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz MP, commended the collaborative effort, stating, “The completion of The Shed is a significant milestone in the Northern Transformation Project. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government, the University of Tasmania, and the local community work in unison for a common goal.”
Outcomes
The Shed not only meets the functional needs of its 160 staff and 1,500 students but also serves as a benchmark in sustainable and community-focused design.
- Educational Impact: Purpose-built facilities support interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences, nursing, biomedical sciences, and allied health courses.
- Environmental Leadership: With its low-carbon construction, use of recyclable materials, and energy-efficient systems, The Shed aligns with UTAS’s environmental goals.
- Architectural Significance: The bold integration of ARAMAX® Aluminium demonstrates how functional materials can elevate aesthetics while driving performance.
As the City of Launceston Mayor, Matthew Garwood, remarked, “The completion of UTAS’s campus is an amazing milestone for the city and region. Launceston’s CBD has been transformed into a vibrant and dynamic precinct, with benefits extending far beyond the university.”
Learnings
The Shed underscores ARAMAX® Aluminium’s versatility and capacity for delivering architectural and structural solutions in complex projects. Key insights include:
- Innovative Use of Materials: ARAMAX® was adapted to both roofing and perforated cladding, showcasing its flexibility.
- Collaboration is Key: Close cooperation among architects, engineers, and fabricators was essential to resolve challenges in geometry, structural requirements, and performance.
Sustainability as a Core Value: The project demonstrated how ARAMAX® contributes to carbon reductions without sacrificing aesthetic or structural integrity.
Conclusion
The Shed stands as a demonstration of UTAS’s commitment to sustainability, education, and community connection. Building on the legacy of River’s Edge, this landmark facility sets a new benchmark for modern educational spaces.
Fielders is proud to have been part of this transformative project, showcasing the unmatched potential of ARAMAX® Aluminium in realising ambitious architectural visions.
For more details on how to specify our products to bring your designs to life, visit Fielders ARAMAX®.
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