Willis Bond managing director Mark McGuiness stated the company's underlying objective was to build "vibrant and sustainable communities that will stand the test of time."

The Environmental Challenge

Designing and building Clyde Quay in a highly corrosive environment certainly provided a challenge for the Athfield project team. With exposure to salt-laden winds, the choice of materials and coating systems was a key factor. That's why DuluxGroup's suite of protective and decorative products was seen as the perfect solution to the design and environmental challenges faced.

With historical and nautical influences the design required a variety of cladding materials (aluminium, fibre cement sheet, mild steel and cedar), so it was essential that the coating systems provided comprehensive protection. 

Protecting the Design

With such a harsh environment, maximum protection to the AS/NZS 2312.1:2014 standard was critical. This was achieved on all structural steel, external canopies and building envelope through a combination of Dulux Protective Coatings systems.

Protecting joinery, flashings and architectural features was the perfect fit for Dulux Powdercoat product Fluoroset FP. As the only warranted powder coating product available for that environment it significantly out performs the requirements of AAMA2605 and delivers a 30 year performance warranty.

Natural cedar was used extensively throughout and Intergrain Natural Stain (water based stain matt) met the design brief with the creation of 'Half Teak' a custom formula providing rich warm tones.

Topping Clyde Quay is the prow and roof section. The design brief was to create the effect of the canopy floating over the building that wouldn't dominate the marine environment. To deliver the lightness called for in the brief Wairakei, from Colours of New Zealand was specified (matched to the AS2700 Weathermax HBR colour chart).

With challenges come great solutions and partnering with DuluxGroup gave the Clyde Quay team the confidence of knowing they were working with one of Australasia's largest and most comprehensive suppliers of coating products.

Project Specifications