EDGE Architectural project spotlight: Interactive

This week EDGE Architectural visited the newly completed, Interactive HQ in Port Melbourne. Designed by Watson Young Architects, the glass cubes to the front of each main building are stand out design features. This office complex not only feature unique architectural design, it also feature three different EDGE Architectural products. Interactive has:

  • U-MAX™ thermally broken 150mm front glazed frames with structural mullion, used for strip window sections.
  • U-MAX™ thermally broken front capped system. U-MAX™ back adaptor and cap are fixed to a 200mm deep self mating mullion to create the glazed cubes.
  • U-MAX™ thermally broken 150mm front glaze framing system for standard windows.

Visit EDGE Architectural’s project portfolio for more images of Interactive.

Thermal break benefits

Long considered the “thermal wound” of buildings, windows and doors notoriously allow outside temperatures inside, costing money, wasting fuels and reducing usable space in buildings. Thermal break offers a better way. In colder climates, thermal break reduces heating cost as well as reducing “cold spots” within rooms. In warmer climates, thermal break reduces cooling costs generated by radiated heat, transfered through standard frames into a room. In humid climates, thermally broken frames reduce condensation. Condensation on window frames results in water pooling on sills and often tracking onto walls and floors. Water damage and mould are inevitable consequence of condensation on frames. Increased energy efficiency in a building leads to lower energy costs and increased liveability of internal space. An environment with a more effectively controlled climate is more pleasant from wall-to-wall.

Up to 40 percent of a building’s energy for heating can be lost through windows and up to 87 percent heat gain is through windows. While home owners and some commercial sectors, such as education are becoming more and more concious of thermal break, some commercial sectors, such as office developments, still remain behind in embracing thermal break technology. Interactive highlights the importance of thermally broken aluminium windows and doors for commercial business’. Interior comfort is vital for productive workforces and thermally broken frames have a profound impact on temperature and overall spacial experience. 

Interactive_6_EDGE Architectural U-MAX Thermally Broken framing system

Get to know the client: Interactive

Founded in 1988 by Richard Light and Murray Major, Interactive was formed to provide third party hardware maintenance for IBM mid-range and mainframe computer equipment. One contract turned into 10 and the evolution of Interactive began. Their staff and services expanded year on year to meet ever growing needs of their customers. Interactive has never stopped evolving. Today Interactive is a multi-service IT provider and they have grown to become Australia’s largest privately owned IT company. (Source: Interactive)

Visit Interactive online for more information.

Get to know the Architect: Watson Young Architects

Watson Young Architects was formed in 2004 by Colin Watson and Adrian Young, based on 18 years of professional experience gained in the industry.  Under the leadership of Colin and Adrian, the company has flourished in its pursuit of innovation in contemporary architecture as it seeks to consolidate its reputation within the industry.

Watson Young Architects are involved in a broad range of projects including the master planning and design of several large scale commercial and retail developments, the creation and development of exciting interior environments, and more recently a diverse range of residential projects. Their aim is to not only enhance the built environment but also develop an architecture which makes a positive contribution to it. (Source: Watson Young Architects)

Visit Watson Young Architects online for more information.

Interactive_7_EDGE Architectural U-MAX Thermally Broken framing system