John Grey Hall of Residence, James Cook University, Cairns QLD

Invisi-Maxx High Performance Stainless Steel Security Screening has been used in a practical and creative manner to turn a safety product into a striking design feature of the new John Grey Hall of Residence at James Cook University (JCU) in North Queensland. The award-winning octagonal-shaped building has utilised Alspec’s Invisi-Maxx Security Screening to completely enclose the high-rise balconies, delivering a visually engaging façade which also ensures the protection of occupants from falls.

The new hall was officially opened in February this year by Rugby League legend and JCU Honorary Doctor, Dr Johnathan Thurston. The building, with accommodation for 300 students in its first stage, has been named the John Grey Hall of Residence in honour of former Chancellor Lt Gen Dr John Grey (Rtd) AC.

The campus facility at Smithfield in Cairns was recently awarded “Best Residential Building (high rise over 3 storeys)” in the Far North Queensland annual Master Builders Awards for builder Adco Construction. The facility features single and group accommodation, with every apartment having access to a balcony. By enclosing the balconies in Invisi-Maxx High Performance Stainless Steel Security Screening, students can safely enjoy unimpeded rainforest views in all directions, while benefiting from natural cooling breezes and insect protection. In the event of cyclonic conditions, the Invisi-Maxx screening, with its heavy duty frame and mesh retention system, will also protect the inhabitants from any windborne debris. Due to Invisi-Maxx’s unique mesh retention system, the dissimilar metals (aluminium and stainless steel) are isolated, which will ensure the system is also extremely corrosion resistant.

For the interior courtyard-facing windows, Alspec's ProTilt High Performance Awning Windows were selected as the optimum solution. With their overlapping internal and external seals, the ProTilt windows provide all-weather protection as well as delivering exceptional acoustic and thermal performance. The ProTilt windows interface seamlessly with the Hunter Evo framing solutions which were utilised for fixed glazing requirements. While the Hunter Evo flush glazing is easy to fabricate and install, with self-draining sub sills for excellent weather protection, the EcoWall 225 provides a complete structural system for the larger open spaces of the common areas at ground level.

With the anticipated high use requirements of a residential facility, ProGlide High Performance Sliding doors were selected for the balcony and common area access doors. Originally developed for the commercial environment, ProGlide doors are idea for residential situations as they offer sound reducing properties as well as being designed to minimise potential for water ingress.

With its geometric design and creative use of window screening products, the newly opened hall of residence will provide a high quality and safe “home away from home” for the many new students from around the world who travel to study at JCU.

View Invisi-Maxx High Performance Stainless Steel Security Screening here »