Client: Ahrens Group for Iron Mountain
Project: Secure Office/Warehouse Facility
Location: Cnr Main North Road and Burma Road Pooraka SA 5095
Approx Cost: $8.2
A large site, of approximately 9900m² in a prominent location, Iron Mountain’s project was destined to be striking. With such an unobscured view to the busy Main North Road, the front façade was always going to be a feature.
The brief was for a purpose built office and warehouse development for Iron Mountain, the facility was classified for use under high level security. Bryant Concepts were solicited for Architectural, Structural and Civil documentation on the northern suburbs project. The building was to include a reception, office and amenities, staging area, secure vault and detached 4000m² warehouse.
The upstairs office space obtains light through the long panels of windows; Eclipse Advantage Grey, commercial grade glazing installed in powder coated, aluminium window frames. The dark panels of windows within the façade are separated by the contrasting solid arches and smooth concrete panelling. The warehouse incorporates long, thins panels of translucent roof sheeting which ensures all sensitive areas remain highly secure and privacy is maintained.
The Main North/Burma corner has been developed as a feature, marking the junction with tall columns and an elevated roof level, clad with Alucobond, Natural Brushed composite panels. Continuing the use of Alucobond along the office façade, the design creates a focal point at the main entrance - a unique Ultramarine illuminates the overhead archway. The office building is finished using concrete panel walls for heightened security, painted Colorbond Woodland Grey.
Connecting the office to the warehouse is a ground level breezeway; the relationship between the two structures is sustained using some of the same materials and through the application of corresponding colour values. Constructed from pre-cast and concrete panel walls, the warehouse is typically shaped, but creates a prominent variation in colour. Horizontal grooves create strong separation between the elements, a strip on either façade is painted to match the office ultramarine and the wall is also broken up visually with asymmetrical, vertical bands of alternate paint finishes.
Attention was paid to every element in the office and warehouse, including the careful selection of roller shutters, canopies, various matching flashings, cappings, rainheads and downpipes. Each component of the building enhances its appearance and adds to the polished nature of Iron Mountain. The development is further refined with a green strip along the office front and landscaping along each of the visible boundaries. The foliage along the eastern boundary conceals the car parking facilities from the main road, creating a more pleasant view for passing motorists and also improving the appearance for those within the site. The shared access road on the western boundary is used for all industrial activity to preserve separation between office and warehouse services.