Photo credit: Peter Bennetts
These native animals are certain to become icons of the region, but their purpose goes beyond their good looks. The origami-style folds in the aluminium splay out to form wide canopies and provide much needed shade and shelter.
Of course, the structures also need protection from the elements. The riverside location prompted project engineers to cite wind, moisture and salt as potential causes of corrosion. Kyle Nesbitt, Technical Sales Representative for Dulux Protective Coatings, recommended a coatings system that provides superior corrosion protection, UV resistance, durability and gloss retention.
Starting with adhesion-promoting Dulux® Luxepoxy® 4 White Primer at 50-microns dry film thickness (DFT), the aluminium was then coated in Dulux® Duremax® GPE at 150-microns DFT to ensure high performance barrier protection. Dulux® Weathermax® HBR in 100-microns DFT created a stunning, glossy finish that will resist stains, scratches and graffiti.
The Weathermax topcoat featured Dulux colours, as specified by the project managers at the City of South Perth. Large components of the artwork were painted offsite by Etch Coatings, so there were storage and transport challenges to overcome. Once assembled in place, the artworks immediately fulfilled the artist’s vision. The canopies cast dramatic shadows across the paving, while the Dulux colours reflected the changing sunlight of the day.
“The sculptures look fantastic,” Kyle enthuses. “This interesting installation has brought the foreshore to life.”
This impressive project is a 2020 Dulux Colour award finalist in the Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior category.
