University of Otago Science One

University of Otago Science One

The $56m extensive redevelopment of the University’s Science 1 building involved stripping the 47-year-old building back to bare bones and rebuilding it, with laboratories that are a “quantum leap” forward in lab technology. The 6500 square metre building has a new roof, exterior cladding and windows, along with a new air handling system that includes a tri-motor extraction system on the roof. This system exhausts material from the fume cupboards 50 metres into the air, so high in fact the Civil Aviation Authority had to be notified.

1. VL-2SD double bank weather louvres

Weather Protection: The Ventüer VL-2SD ventilation louvre system is an excellent rain defence louvre. Rated as Class A under BS/EN:13030 for air volumes up to 1.5 m3/second, and Class B for air volumes up to 3.5 m3/second it is ideal for exposed locations where high wind speeds and levels of rainfall can be expected.

Fixing Methods: The VL-2SD louvre blades are supported on a two-piece pressure equalised mullion system, and bordered by a 150mm frame that ejects captured water to the front of the panel. It shares the same support frame as the VL-3SD, VL-50CM and VL-100CM, and can be combined with these products to provide cost saving configurations. The standard frame can be fixed in to a wide range of primary support structures and cladding types, including profiled metal cladding, fibre cement sheet, window joinery systems and others.

Ancillaries: The Ventüer VL-2SD can be fitted with a sealed solid backing panel to provide a water-tight rainscreen in areas where the louvres are “inactive”, or not required for air flow. It can also be fitted with bird or insect mesh, and can be coupled with the Ventüer range of air control and fire dampers.

2. VL-50CM slimline screening louvres

Weather Protection: The Ventüer VL-50CM is designed primarily as a screening louvre and provides a low pressure drop allowing maximum airflow with minimum mechanical assistance. It has very low rain defence effectiveness and should not be used where protection from wind driven rain is required.

Fixing Methods: The Ventüer VL-50CM louvre blades are supported on a concealed mullion system, and bordered by a 150mm perimeter frame. It shares the same support frame as the high-performing VL-3SD and VL-2SD systems, and can be combined with these products to provide cost saving configurations. The standard frame can be fixed in to a wide range of primary support structures and cladding types, including profiled metal cladding, fibre cement sheet, window joinery systems and others.

Ancillaries: The Ventüer VL-50CM can be fitted with a sealed solid backing panel to provide a water-tight rainscreen in areas where the louvres are “inactive”, or not required for air flow. It can also be fitted with bird or insect mesh, and can be coupled with the Ventüer range of air control and fire dampers.

Project Credits

End User: University of Otago

Architect: Parker Warburton Team Architecture

Main Contractor: Leighs Construction