Set against the backdrop of Launceston’s historic Railway precinct, the River’s Edge project at the University of Tasmania stands as a striking symbol of educational and architectural evolution. As a focal point of a $304 million campus revitalisation, this innovative structure blends functionality with sustainability, setting the stage for the anticipated Building 2.
Project background
The UTAS River’s Edge project, influenced by the site’s context and history, is designed to reflect the community’s spirit and foster economic prosperity. Integrating contemporary design with the existing campus aesthetic presented unique challenges while supporting approximately 500 jobs and providing training opportunities for 74 apprentices. The project employed a modified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to focus on materials’ whole – life embodied carbon. The use of ARAMAX® cladding manufactured from lightweight aluminium was pivotal due to its minimal upfront embodied carbon, durability, long spanning capability, low maintenance, recyclability and local procurement potential.
Fielders solution
Fielders ARAMAX® structural cladding, renowned for its durability and bold aesthetic, was the ideal choice for this project. The aluminium mill finish reflects Tasmania’s ambient light, giving the building a distinctive sheen that complements its riverside location. Rollforming the ARAMAX® sheets on-site facilitated local contracting and reduced the environmental impact of transport, aligning with sustainable construction practices.
Project execution
The implementation of ARAMAX® required innovative solutions to the site’s unique triangular shape and complex geometries, as elaborated by Wardle Architects. Adapting ARAMAX® cladding, typically used for roofing, as a façade element involved meticulous planning. The combination of Fairbrother Construction’s project management and meticulous product installation ensured the cladding met both structural and aesthetic requirements, contributing to the building’s reduced embodied carbon by minimising secondary structural framing
Outcomes
The impact of Fielders’ ARAMAX® on River’s Edge extends beyond aesthetics. It reinforces the university’s status as a benchmark for innovation and sustainability, echoing the Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff’s accolade for the project’s “quiet pursuit of the extraordinary”. The building’s craftsmanship, supported by Fielders’ products, not only enhances the campus but also contributes to Launceston’s economic vitality. Notably, the building was constructed with 32.5 percent less embodied carbon than similar projects, setting a nationally recognised benchmark in low – carbon building. This achievement aligns with the University of Tasmania’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing a pivotal steps towards more environmentally responsible construction practices.