It was evident that their current head office building, established in 1963, could no longer accommodate the company's expansion. To address this issue, a new nine-storey structure was approved for construction at the same location. The project involved the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the client GMHBA, the esteemed architect Cox Architecture, the steel fabrication expertise of A+ Steel Fabrication, the skilled applicator Complete Metal Protection, and the proficient builder Kane Constructions.
Situated in the vibrant heart of Geelong CBD, the new GMHBA head office stands as a modern architectural marvel, offering a commercial facade that welcomes both visitors and employees. Internally, the building boasts state-of-the-art amenities, providing the staff with a comfortable and contemporary workspace that they can proudly call their own.
One of the Crucial Elements: Protective Coating System and Surface Preparation
To ensure the longevity and durability of the steel outriggers in the GMHBA Head Office project, the applicator, Complete Metal Protection, implemented a meticulous process involving a robust protective coating system. The system comprised the following coating layers:
• First coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT - A two-pack epoxy zinc-rich primer, specifically designed for corrosion resistance in harsh environments, recommended for use on abrasive blast cleaned steel surfaces, offering high film builds and strong adhesion to weld areas.
• Second coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO @ 150-microns (µm) DFT - A high-performance protective coating, developed for Australasian conditions, that utilizes the latest epoxy technology and incorporates micaceous iron oxide pigment for enhanced barrier protection.
• Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR MIO @ 75-microns (µm) DFT - A specifically formulated, high build roller or brush application recoatable polyurethane coating suitable for various primed substrates, containing micaceous iron oxide pigment to form a moisture barrier within the coating.
To prepare the steel surface, a thorough dry abrasive blast cleaning was performed in the yard. This meticulous process ensured the removal of impurities and provided a pristine surface ready for coating. The applicator paid careful attention to detail, ensuring that all edges, bolts, and nuts received thorough coverage using brush stripe coating techniques.
Achieving Excellence with Collaborative Transformation
Quintessential, GMHBA Ltd, Cox Architecture, A+ Steel Fabrication, Complete Metal Protection, and Kane Constructions worked collaboratively on the GMHBA head office project, resulting in a successful transformation of the building. The combined efforts and expertise of all parties involved, have resulted in a modern and functional workspace that meets the evolving needs of GMHBA Ltd. This iconic structure stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders, showcasing their ability to work together to achieve a common goal.
Image courtesy of Cox Architecture and photographer Peter Clarke.
