102 Wakefield Street

When Cheesman Architects were commissioned to design the new 14 level commercial high rise at 102 Wakefield Street, thermal and solar comfort were paramount for both occupant comfort and reducing dependency on Adelaides straining energy grid.  

The hot mediterranean climate calls for high performing solar and thermal comfort in the summer months and high water ratings and thermal comfort throughout winter. Modernist design favouring large glass façades results in a greater need for high performing window and curtain wall systems. 

The Elevate™ Series 168 TS Curtain Wall was selected by Cheesman Architects due to the thermal performance ratings offered across the Thermally Broken and Thermally Shielded Curtain Wall systems. The addition of sun fins not only added a textural aesthetic, but a solar performance element benefitting the western façade. 

While AWS Fabricator, Urban Windows and Doors had the ability to fabricate a full Thermally Broken Curtain Wall system, the design skills from Cheesman Architects allowed a Thermally Shielded Series 168 Curtain Wall to be used delivering a Uw Value as low as 2.4.  A matt black powder coat finish was selected for the Curtain Wall units while the Interpon™ Sable CoreTen™ powdercoat was used on the protruding sun fins, mimicking the distinctive appearance of corten steel.

The unique design of the Elevate™ Curtain Wall system ensures sun fins are thermally isolated from the mullions to prevent heat transmission – critical on long summer afternoons.

The Series 168 Curtain Wall system was designed, produced, powder coated and manufactured in Australia by AWS and supplied to Urban Windows in Adelaide for custom fabrication. 

A tight manufacturing and quality assurance schedule was then implemented at Urban Windows and Doors new purpose built factory and showroom on Humphries Terrace, Kilkenny. 

With the project due for completion by mid 2020, the occupants of one of Adelaides newest high rises will be looking forward to a comfortable summer ahead.