Innovative new technology provides a solution to harsh sunlight and heat
The glass façade of the University of Technology Sydney’s brand-new tower UTS Central is not only aesthetically pleasing but also very practical.
FJMT’s 17-storey structure features a dramatic curved podium comprised of opulent panes of glass – with a triple-height atrium, allowing for fantastic natural light and airflow. To mitigate strong sunlight and heat during summer months, leading industrial design firm TILT was employed to find a sunshade solution for the structure. The final design features operable blinds across the north-facing façade, which are controlled via an optimised algorithm based off sun position throughout the day. This intuitive technology will help to regulate the sun streaming into the central Reading Room, providing greater comfort for staff and students.
"We're excited to see the UTS Central building come to life. It was such a fantastic, collaborative process between Tilt, architects FJMT and builder Richard Crookes Construction, and it shows in the final result. We're thrilled we were able to successfully deliver on FJMT's design intent to create something extraordinary."
Tim Phillips, Managing Director of Tilt
The sunshade system has been seamlessly integrated into the building design, which FJMT Senior Associate James Perry believe creates a unique talking point.
“The sunshades are incredibly exciting and will hopefully captivate the imagination of those within the building.”
UTS Central is the new home of the UTS Library, as well as a scholarly Reading Room. The building also includes a food court and a range of teaching and learning spaces.
Learning zones will accommodate:
- Faculty of Law
- Science Super Lab
- Faculty of Engineering and IT research facilities
UTS CENTRAL FACADE
OTHER PROJECTS BY TILT INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
One Central Park, Sydney
TILT Industrial Design created the iconic heliostat reflector system which sparkles as the sun hits its angled reflectors. The system has been made using both fixed and motorised panels designed to capture the light at different times of the day, and disperse it into the retail atrium and landscaped terraces. By nightfall, the heliostat displays a stunning light show which depicts interpretations of Sydney landscapes.
St Kilda Stokehouse, Melbourne
A series of bi-fold operable shutters were installed on Melbourne's iconic Stokehouse restaurant on St Kilda waterfront. The shutters offer uninterrupted views and retain the original character of the building, complementing the facade, and offering increased patron comfort. Given the ocean-front location, the structures have been built using marine grade stainless steel for longevity and durability against the coastal conditions.
Image credit: University of Technology Sydney. Gif courtesy of TILT Industrial Design.