Protective Industrial Finish for Sculptural Steel

Showcasing the beauty and versatility of steel construction, this new luxury residence in Templestowe, Victoria, is a work of art. Described by Nico van der Meulen Architects as a ‘modern interpretation of a family home’, the design features expansive glazed panels and solid 3mm steel cladding, with the standout feature being a series of three-dimensional steel fins forming a dramatic sculpture across the façade.

Boosting Steel Resilience

In the harsh Australian climate, mild steel components are prone to corrosion and weathering. To ensure their durability and to maintain the beauty of the design, a high-performance protective coating system is crucial. Brett McAllister of Macbuild Australia reached out to Dulux® Protective Coatings, Steve Kraljevic for a custom protective coatings specification.

Custom Coatings System to Protect and Enhance

A three-part protective coating system was recommended for the external mild steel, to create a highly durable, industrial finish that would resist UV, corrosion, and weathering:

• Prime coat: Fabricated by Tyson Weekes of Steel Built (a sister company of Macbuild Australia), the mild steel components were sprayed in the factory with a prime coat of Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT for cathodic corrosion resistance. This economical zinc rich epoxy has rapid dry and overcoat times, with relatively high film builds without mud cracking.

• Intermediate coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE QT was applied @ 125-microns (µm) DFT to provide barrier protection and resist abrasion.

• Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR MIO @ 75-microns (µm) DFT was applied to create an attractive, UV and weather-resistant finish. Specially requested to create an industrial look, the micaceous iron oxide formula has particles that interlock in the film to form a barrier against moisture ingress. It also offers superior gloss and colour retention.

A second coat of Weathermax® HBR MIO was applied on-site after installation. Curing was delayed by unfavourable winter weather, but the final finish achieved all expectations.

The Power of MIO Coatings

MIO (micaceous iron oxide) is a pigment that is added to coatings to increase corrosion resistance. MIO coatings deliver excellent corrosion protection and long-term durability. Dulux Protective Coatings' MIO solutions have been used on buildings and assets all over Australia. Find out more in our MIO spotlight.

Long Term Coatings Performance

This custom-built residence has been protected by advanced coatings technology, ensuring it will retain its newly built look for many years.

The owners were inspired by the architect’s design of a similar house in South Africa, which featured on the American television series, Grand Designs. The same industrial vibe was achieved in Templestowe, with the integrity of the finish expected to endure through every season with minimal maintenance.