It’s an unlikely place to build, atop a single-level cluster of laboratories linking two tower buildings. The terrace roof also functions as an open walkway leading from a carpark.

Darren Carnell was charged with the task of designing a learning suite above this structure. “Our starting point was to analyse the terrace and to determine what can we actually build on
it,” he explains. The concrete structure was not intended to be load bearing “so from day one,
weight was the major issue. ”This ruled out brickwork despite its strong campus presence. “And yet I felt strongly that the building deserves some masonry. So when I saw Terraçade, I saw it had a synergy of proportions with the adjacent buildings.”

Carnell rejected fi bre-cement sheeting because of its potential for impact damage at low levels. “I didn’t want this building to look tired in a very short period of time. We wanted a perimeter that sparkles, is interesting and robust.” The new building’s timber frame (a further weight consideration) spans between underlying supports. The rear elevation is clad with rendered concrete blocks, the front with colour back glass. Terraçade panels ‘bookend’ the building. “It’s a logical, very fast system and went together really well,” says Concept Builders Neal Ng. However he emphasises the need to work in full tiles to minimise cutting and trimming. Neal is considering a Terraçade feature panel for his home which is currently being renovated. Darren Carnell has also added Terraçade to his material options. “Once I have found a material that I like, it’s locked away and I will come back to it at the right point.”

• “Once I have found a material that I like, it’s locked away and I will come back to it at the right point.”
• “I didn’t want this building to look tired in a very short period of time. We wanted a perimeter that sparkles, is interesting and robust.”