The polyethylene cladding was discovered at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Brisbane by a random-sampling test, setting in motion a government-led remediation project that partnered with manufacturer Fairview to use its 'best in class' Vitradual - a 3mm non-combustible solid aluminium cassette façade cladding system.
“Fairview feels privileged to have been involved in the rectification journey of this very monumental project and very proud to have Vitradual chosen as ‘best-in-class’ materials in the remediation of the PAH façade,” Fairview said in a statement.
“The problematic polyethylene (PE) cladding was discovered – not by an open declaration by those who had fitted or recommended its use, but – by a random-sampling test of PAH’s cladding, with prompt confirmation its PE-core façade (by a global manufacturer) was unsuitable. The building remediation began straight away.
“The choice of supplier and product to remediate this iconic healthcare building in Brisbane was not taken lightly by QLD Health and Hutchinson Builders. As this project was under serious public and media scrutiny, an extensive and independent tendering process was launched to find a safe substitute cladding.
“Not only did the efficacy and safety of any replacement’s fire credentials need to be beyond reproach but other performance factors – like hail and weather resistance, product defect rates (oil canning, paint peeling), colour availability and product quality – were key to the final choice of remedial product and installation system chosen.”
The Phase 3 tendering process for solid aluminium panels began at the end of 2018, with Fairview’s 3mm Vitradual cladding winning out in March 2020 – thanks to input from ABS Façades and the Fairview façade remediation team.
“Hutchinson’s thorough quality assurance research, comprised a detailed documentation review, manufacturing site visits plus many more quality control plan submissions,” Fairview said. “Product reliability was further assessed through four extensive hail performance tests. With QLD prone to thunderstorms, cyclones, rain and hail, an assurance of product durability in adverse weather was critical.
“After two years of quality assurance testing on multiple competitive cladding solutions, 3mm Vitradual in Pearl Grey, Oyster, Thriller Grey, and Copper Metallic finishes was specified for the 21,000sqm rectification of PAH.” A total of 8,500 panels of external cladding were installed.
Vitradual is a 3mm non-combustible solid aluminium cassette façade cladding system. Suitable for Type A and B constructions, the product is a solid panel which can be fabricated, curved, and rolled. Additionally, the pre-finished large format cladding panels use PVDF Kynar 500 paint, known for its high durability in providing resistance to weather and industrial pollution.
Time-lapse video of the project here: https://vimeo.com/515558361/4b0a7aaaa9
