Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new city campus in Darwin is armed to combat tropical heat and humidity thanks to a new façade.
The façade has been completed just in time for the start of the wet season in the Top End and boasts impressive vertical and sloping design features, such as porcelain tiles and horizontal aluminium louvres.
Measuring 40 metres in height, the façade is lined with various forms of cladding designed to reflect Darwin’s all-too-familiar harsh summer weather, while not overshadowing the campus’ beloved boab tree.
Darwin City Deal
The completion of this façade coincides with achievements at the Education and Community Precinct, a community hub referred to as Danala in the local Larrakia language.
The precinct has been sealed against the elements via disassembling a 33-metre high Potain MR-225 luffing crane and a 50-metre tall Comansa 21CM335 freestanding tower crane earlier this month.
Such campus works are the centrepiece of the larger Darwin City Deal, which saw the Australian Government pledge $97.3 million to the $250 million campus project.
Additionally, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility contributed a $151.5 million loan to assist in the city campus.
The new city campus promises an environment conducive to productivity and socialisation both during and after hours – with outdoor sports courts set to buzz on weekends and modern teaching and learning spaces.
The territory of tomorrow
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, envisages the campus functioning as a new epicentre for education and innovation and subsequently increasing the economic value of the Northern Territory.
“The infrastructure we are delivering today will play a key role in the territory of tomorrow – the new precinct will bolster the territory’s economy for years to come,” says King.
Climate-responsive design
The façade demonstrates the desirability and effectiveness of climate-responsive design.
The durability of the non-combustible porcelain cladding is evident via its ability to absorb minimal water, remain resilient against high wind loads and UV, and reflect heat back into the atmosphere.
Sustainable landscape and heat island reduction design, coupled with architectural and façade design elements, will create a shaded, generously insulated and solar controlled ‘thermal envelope’.
An air gap from the façade separates the main structure of the building, alongside insulation and double-glazed windows, prohibiting movement of heat between surfaces and indoors.
Cool and calming learning environment
Federal Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King applauds the campus’ pursuit towards sustainable urban development and increased tertiary education accessibility in the Northern Territory.
“This key learning and teaching institution in Northern Australia is not only gearing up for greater educational outcomes, but for mitigating the harsh elements of Darwin’s tropical climate – a cool campus means a better environment for everyone studying and working,” says Madeleine King.
Northern Territory Minister for Skills, Training and International Education Joel Bowden hopes the campus’ modern facilities will entice local, domestic and international students to prioritise CDU as a tertiary education option.
“This landmark building will continue to transform Darwin’s city centre and the new educational precinct will revitalise our CBD, support local businesses and create more jobs,” confirms Bowden.
Fit-for-purpose design
The educational precinct is well-equipped to survive the seven Larrakia seasons that range from monsoonal storms to stifling heat, according to CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman.
“Catering to Darwin’s unique climate means the campus’ intelligent design is fit-for-purpose,” says Bowman.
With the building sufficiently climate-proof, teams are now busy with service fitouts, civil and drainage maintenance, landscaping and metal and roofing works.
Main construction is anticipated to be finished in the second quarter of next year.
Featured Image supplied by Charles Darwin University.
