Located in the foothills of Perth, Aegis Amherst opened in July 2019 providing residential aged care in Canningvale, Western Australia. Set at the core focal point of the aged care facility presents a grand stainless steel balustrading ramp façade.
ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Balustrading WA were engaged by Absecon to fabricate and install a modern, safe, purpose-built ramp that would encompass strength and aesthetic attributes.
The custom-designed ramp features an impressive 170 metres of grade 316 stainless steel tube.
The handrails were manufactured from 50mm diameter stainless steel round tube. All stainless steel components were specified with a No. 7 high polish finish, supplied by several local suppliers including ASSDA Member, Stirlings Performance Steels. Mild steel flat bar was also used as the infill panels. Grade 316 stainless steel was specified primarily for its longevity, aesthetic appeal, and material strength. In addition, it is a durable and long-lasting alternative to competing materials.
Balustrading WA were heavily involved in the design brief and process, due to the extensive curvature inherent in the site. A range of advanced surveying techniques had to be used to ensure the balustrading was fabricated and installed correctly. This included using 3D image scans set into GPS grid location co-ordinates, rather than manual site measuring or templating as with more straightforward designs. As an example, the stainless steel support posts were scanned and fabricated individually to size to ensure correct fitment. In total, the project took just over 12 months to complete.
The stainless steel ramp reflects the aged care’s cornerstone of their philosophy, by providing their residents with an environment that is comfortable and safe while delivering an aged care that helps them lead active, mobile and healthy lives.
This striking ramp facade continues to be the “hero” image for the facility, as stainless steel has once again delivered in compliance and material strength while fulfilling design and aesthetic needs.
Photo credit: Balustrading WA
This article is featured in Australian Stainless Magazine issue 70, 2020.