A new wing at Warren Integrated Studies Hub fosters the relationship between people and nature to craft stunning curves and an eye-catching roofing profile made from COLORBOND® steel in the colour Surfmist® 

The design leverages the exceptional technical attributes of a steel roofing product, combining the trusted performance of COLORBOND® steel with the distinctive LYSAGHT LONGLINE® profile. This profile tapers to create the striking organic curve of the building’s roof which was awarded the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter COLORBOND® Steel Award for Steel Architecture. 

The rounded roof in the colour Surfmist® stands as a symbol of the school’s identity, showcasing its commitment to innovative construction and mirroring the scientific learning taking place beneath its protective hold. 

LYSAGHT LONGLINE® 305 tapered profile was chosen not only for its aesthetic and technical appeal. From a sustainability perspective, the physical form of the panels curtailed construction waste and were a cost-effective solution that will require less maintenance in the long run. 

“We looked into a few different options that would help with the curves. What we really didn’t want was a series of straight roof sheets with overlapping flashings in triangular form,” says architectural associate Jonathan Henley from the structure’s architect’s Mayoh Architects. “That construction would have been problematic for water leaking which becomes a real maintenance issue. So we reached out to Lysaght and said, ‘This is our design, what can we do?’” 

Sustainable design-led decisions 

Sustainability was a major priority for the study hub. This included design, construction and the ongoing operation of the institution. To that end, the building uses an abundance of natural light, natural ventilation (except on the hottest and coldest days), large overhangs for sun shading and quality insulation. Rainwater from the roof is redirected to the courtyard’s dry riverbed plantings to avoid water wastage. Thanks to the efficient design of the LYSAGHT LONGLINE® profile, the project architects identified a significant reduction in material waste. 

“The steel roof was a more sensible option compared to other materials, which could have resulted in considerable waste when conforming to the curved shape. The tapered LYSAGHT LONGLINE® profile made from COLORBOND® steel, along with the flexible structural steel support, minimised waste,” Henley points out. 

An ideal solution for custom-rolling tapered sheets to perfectly follow the roof’s curvature, LYSAGHT LONGLINE® profile is a standard 305-millimetre-wide cover that is narrowed to 155 millimetres at one end with ribs radiating from a central point to create an elegant fan effect. The design uses the same concealed fixings as the standard LYSAGHT LONGLINE® 305, ensuring a seamless appearance with no visible fasteners. 

Colour choice also played an important role in the commitment to sustainability. The Surfmist® colour contributes to better thermal performance and is one of eleven shades in the COLORBOND® steel core colour range which feature low solar absorptance (SA) values of less than or equal to 0.45, which meet Section J energy efficiency provisions to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands — urban areas that are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to buildings, roads and other infrastructure that absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat. 

Collaborating for success 

The collaborative spirit that guided the construction of the building is now reflected in the students’ work within it. Traditionally, the campus featured more conventional classrooms, but both the school and architects aimed to create flexible learning environments that foster teamwork, creativity and critical thinking. 

These new spaces are closely linked to the central courtyard, which features soft, permeable edges. Henley considers this courtyard his favourite aspect of the project, noting its dynamic use by students — from racing robots built in the new maker space along its pathways, to conducting science experiments and art projects using the rain chain in the dry riverbed and displaying student-created signage about the building’s sustainability. 

Matthew van Bentum, manager at Reitsma Constructions, emphasises the importance of collaboration for complex designs such as this one: “For these intricate structures, collaboration is essential. Unlike standard square or rectangular buildings, everything is based on radius points which requires extensive workshopping. There’s considerable set-out work from a site perspective, and a lot of coordination between the roofer and architect is needed to address the additional detailing. Frankly, with a curved building like this, there’s no alternative.”

Images supplied have been reproduced to represent actual product colours as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing, as varying screens and devices may affect colour tones and finishes.

COLORBOND®, STEEL PROFILE® and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited (ABN 16 000 011 058). All rights reserved.

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