Perforated metal screen walls: NUspace, University of Newcastle

About this project

Arrow Metal perforated metal screen walls made the grade for the University of Newcastle’s new $95m landmark education precinct NUspace, creating a series of unique perforated metal booths on the exterior of the 10-storey building.

Produced for project partners JML Engineered Facades, around 410 individual metal panels were expertly perforated by Arrow Metal to form the incredible outdoor/indoor learning spaces for the futuristic vertical campus, designed to give students inspirational views of the Newcastle area.

Perforated metal screen walls design: Wind factors

Because of the unique design of NUspace, wind resistance was a key factor in the specification of the perforated metal screen walls.

Arrow Metal’s expert team proposed perforation pattern 376 – a standard perforation profile that would meet the required wind tunnel testing criteria. The result is minimal noise and vibration for student comfort, despite the windy conditions the area is known for.

Perforated metal screen walls: CAD drawings for an exact fit

One of the main challenges for the prestigious project was the unique size and shape of many of the 3mm aluminium panels.

Arrow Metal’s team produced a multitude of highly detailed CAD drawings, which featured special folding detail to achieve the necessary sizes for an exact fit, with many of the panels one-off in manufacture.

 NUspace: The next generation university experience

Designed by Melbourne-based Lyons Architects in partnership with EJE Architecture, NUspace delivers a world-class ‘next generation’ university experience for its students from the ground floor to the top.

A technology-rich site, the innovative precinct boasts a dynamic learning hub over three levels, collaborative learning and teaching spaces, digital library services, flexible working areas, social spaces and facilities for engagement with industry, business and the community.

But it’s not just the facilities and building design that have the wow factor – its also top of the class for sustainability with a top 5 Green Star rating. Maximising natural ventilation in its design, NUspace features dual-directional sun shading around the building, rainwater harvesting and thermally engineered aluminium frames.

Projected to attract over 3,000 new students and staff to the area, NUspace is a key element of Newcastle CBD renewal, and was jointly supported by the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund, NSW Government and the University of Newcastle.

Newcastle Architecture Awards

Arrow Metal project  NUspace, University of Newcastle has graduated with a haul of awards from the prestigious annual Newcastle Architecture Awards, including the top Newcastle Jury Prize.

Described as an “exemplar of design for ‘new generation’ learning,” NUspace achieved a haul of awards from the prestigious annual Newcastle Architecture Awards, including the top Newcastle Jury Prize. The project also gained success in the Urban Design, Educational Architecture and Interior Architecture categories.

Click to download our full case study of NWspace project 

Browse or download our Perforated Metal Catalogue  or  Project Look Bookfor more perforated metal inspiration.

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