The Narbethong Community Hall was rebuilt in 2011 after the fires of Black Saturday in Victoria 2009. New building regulations established after the devastating bushfires meant that as well as provide security for the building extra measures were required in order to meet the stringent requirements of the high BAL zone.
Crimsafe screens were fixed to an exterior steel frame work over the building which needed to be to be hinged and operable from the outside of all opening and fixed windows.
Crimsafe’s Tensile-Tuff® corrosion resistant stainless steel mesh is specially designed to a size and shape (1.5mm x 1.5mm aperture) that meets the requirements of the Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 bushfire protection guidelines and prevents ember penetration during bushfires.
The unique screw-clamp mechanism fastening mesh to frame provides exceptional strength and was the deciding factor in the choice of Crimsafe security screens for the exterior panels of the Narbethong Community Hall.
Design Challenges
To harmonise with the overall design of the hall and to meet planning requirements, the colour of the screens had to blend in to the natural surrounds.
The screens were ultimately coated with a non-standard Wet Coat Bronze Finish paint, covering and protecting the glazing while providing the aesthetic the architect was aiming to achieve.
The size of window openings exceeded the normal size range of the Crimsafe screens and mesh, so mid-rails were incorporated at a strategic position, giving greater strength without compromising the visual effect of the design.
