ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator, B&R Enclosures, delivered a custom stainless steel solution for a striking public art installation that transformed the western façade of the Central Club Hotel in North Melbourne. Commissioned by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the project highlights the versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal of stainless steel in creating unique and functional architectural designs.
A vision in digital windows
Designed by Melbourne studio RAMUS, the artwork titled Silhouettes, consists of 10 low-resolution LED screens housed in custom-made stainless steel window boxes. These ‘digital windows’ intermittently illuminate the façade with scenes of silhouetted figures engaged in everyday activities, offering a glimpse into community life. Integrated seamlessly into the building’s architecture, the installation activates the previously unused façade, blending art and light to enhance the surrounding cityscape.
Located at 249-280 Victoria Street, the ANMF’s building provides affordable, high-quality accommodation for members attending conferences and seminars in Melbourne. The building’s owners sought a façade that was not only innovative and visually striking, but also durable and low maintenance to withstand environmental challenges.
The stainless steel solution
B&R Enclosures delivered 10 window boxes, each measuring 2600 x 1700mm, using over 2.4 tonnes of grade 316 stainless steel with a 2B finish and PE coating. Renowned for its corrosion resistance and structural integrity, grade 316 stainless steel was crucial for ensuring the longevity of the installation in Melbourne’s harsh urban environment, less than 5km from the ocean.
The frames also needed to protect sensitive electronic equipment while integrating seamlessly with materials like glass, silicone, plastic and masonry. Positioned on an exposed western wall, the installation faced additional challenges from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, making stainless steel’s durability and low maintenance properties indispensable.
Precision fabrication and installation
B&R Enclosures manufactured and operationally tested the window boxes at their factory in Heathwood, Brisbane, incorporating advanced thermal performance engineering to mitigate expansion and contraction issues. The panels were fabricated to exacting specifications and precision,
leaving no room for error during installation.
Sustainability was also a key focus. B&R Enclosures’ digitally integrated manufacturing platform reduces waste through initiatives like powder recovery on the paint line and extensive recycling efforts across their operations.
Transported as finished pieces to Melbourne, the stainless steel panels were craned into place and installed within a tight timeframe, ensuring minimal disruption. The final installation now stands as a testament to the collaboration between B&R Enclosures and RAMUS, showcasing the beauty and functionality of stainless steel in architectural design.
From dusk to midnight each evening, Silhouettes quietly animates Victoria Street, inviting passersby to reflect on the beauty of everyday life. This project highlights how stainless steel enables the creation of durable, sustainable, and visually captivating public art, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern design.
Photo credit: RAMUS
This article was featured in Australian Stainless Magazine Issue 81.