As Australia’s green building industry continues to grow in popularity, aluminium is fast becoming the building material of choice due to its corrosion resistance and recyclability.
According to the Australian Aluminium Council, aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable and reuse does not compromise any of its properties.
As buildings are deconstructed, the aluminium is freed for recycling with the material able to be reused endlessly with two-thirds of all aluminium ever produced still in use today.
“Aluminium is extensively employed in buildings, but it does not remain permanently in place. Buildings are remodelled periodically, and even deconstructed, thereby freeing the aluminium for recycling. Therefore, it is not inaccurate to regard this aluminium as ‘urban ore’ and cities as ‘urban mines’.” Australian Aluminium Council
When used in the construction of sustainable buildings, aluminium contributes to delivering a range of benefits in addition to environmental results including:
A range of Criterion’s aluminium systems were used in the late-2016 construction of the Forest Lodge Eco House in Sydney featured on Grand Designs.
Forest Lodge Eco House was constructed on one of the last remaining vacant blocks in Sydney, with Designer Construction Group creating a contemporary-inspired twenty-first century design that utilised sustainable materials.
The house includes a variety of striking features including a seven-metre tall vertical garden on the front of the building and a rooftop garden which supplies insulation for the home, provides an environment for birds and a beautiful view for the neighbours.
Thermal performance and natural light-flow was of the utmost importance in the design. Opaque glass inserts were used in Criterion’s Aurora Aluminium Doors which allowed natural light to be further dispersed throughout the house.
Designer Construction Group also utilised Criterion’s Atlantic Overtaking System in a sliding door application. The Atlantic Overtaking System is engineered for smooth operation to maximise light and space, ensuring doors seamlessly follow each other when opened and neatly stack behind each other when closed.
Criterion’s Decorum Flat Skirting was used as the final touch to create a minimalistic look to finish off walls at the floor level. The Aluminium Skirting fit into the interior design theme which utilised a monochromatic style of black and white, with a unique mirrored black ceiling providing the illusion of a bigger space.
In the bedrooms, charcoal and silver were used to add a touch of warmth to the monochromatic style.
