Australian Stainless Blog

Stainless steel on the edge: The Clifftop Walkway at Vaucluse

Stainless steel on the edge: The Clifftop Walkway at Vaucluse
Set against the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Sydney’s eastern coastline, the Clifftop Walkway at Vaucluse is a striking example of how stainless steel can elevate infrastructure in harsh environments. Delivered for Waverly Council by Head Contractor Land & Marine – Ocean Engineering across the Diamond Bay and Eastern Reserves, the expansive boardwalk stretches more than a kilometre along the coastline, providing safer access, improved connectivity and uninterrupted ocean views.

Behind its refined architectural presence is the extensive use of stainless steel, delivered by ASSDA Members Frontier Assembly and Elite Metal Fabrication, who together fabricated and assisted in installing approximately

Hanging sustainability: Coastal Clotheslines at Habitat

Hanging sustainability: Coastal Clotheslines at Habitat
The Habitat Live-Work Precinct at 1 Porter Street in Byron Bay is a thoughtfully designed community where residents can live, work and recharge in one integrated space. Developed by Bayshore Development, Habitat has been over 20 years in the making, blending the spirit of “old Byron” – creativity, community and environmental respect – with modern sustainable design principles, including renewable energy, shared mobility, and hybrid live-work spaces.

Among the many elements contributing to Habitat’s sustainable and functional design is something deceptively simple: clothes drying. For this, ASSDA Member Coastal Clotheslines was engaged to supply and install more than 80 stainless

Leviat: Elevating architecture with stainless steel

Leviat: Elevating architecture with stainless steel
ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Leviat delivered critical expertise to realise the sculptural and award-winning design of the Phoenix Central Park Gallery in Chippendale, Sydney. A fusion of architecture and art, the private gallery of philanthropist Judith Neilson pushes structural boundaries with a façade that dimples, twists and curls in three dimensions. Behind this visually striking brickwork lies a bespoke stainless steel support system, engineered and manufactured by Leviat.

 
The result of a rare architectural collaboration between John Wardle Architects and Durbach Block Jaggers, and delivered by FDC Construction with brickwork specialist Favetti, the project demanded advanced technical solutions

Stainless steel and digital art unite on Melbourne's skyline

Stainless steel and digital art unite on Melbourne's skyline
ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator, B&R Enclosures, delivered a custom stainless steel solution for a striking public art installation that transformed the western façade of the Central Club Hotel in North Melbourne. Commissioned by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the project highlights the versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal of stainless steel in creating unique and functional architectural designs.
 
A vision in digital windows

Designed by Melbourne studio RAMUS, the artwork titled Silhouettes, consists of 10 low-resolution LED screens housed in custom-made stainless steel window boxes. These ‘digital windows’ intermittently illuminate the façade with scenes of

Crown Sydney: A showcase of stainless steel excellence

Crown Sydney: A showcase of stainless steel excellence
Located at One Barangaroo Avenue on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour and opened in 2022, Crown Sydney epitomises luxury with its opulent hotel, world-class casino, signature restaurants and top-shelf bars. At the heart of this luxury, stainless steel plays a crucial role, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of the resort. 

ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Stoddart was instrumental in delivering a bespoke solution for 136 different food and beverage areas for Crown Sydney. They fabricated, supplied, and installed an extensive range of stainless steel commercial kitchen and food equipment. This included Halton ventilation exhaust hoods manufactured under license

Stainless steel for water supply

Stainless steel for water supply
For years, the plumbing industry has been dominated by materials such as galvanised mild steel, copper, and plastic. However stainless steel is quickly emerging as a standard construction material in various water supply applications.

Stainless steel offers a multitude of benefits, including corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, strength, long-term performance, excellent hydraulic conductivity, and the ability to withstand high pressure and temperature requirements. It has found its place in diverse applications, from desalination plants and reverse osmosis water treatment systems to water supply for high-rise buildings and domestic tapware. Stainless steel provides a safe and sustainable solution throughout the entire lifespan

A staircase of unparalleled elegance

A staircase of unparalleled elegance
Coloured stainless steel graces West Side Place
ASSDA Member Fabmetal Specialists has added a touch of luxury to Melbourne City's latest residential landmark by delivering an exquisite package of geometric stair soffit and balustrade cladding, created from coloured stainless steel.

Spanning an expansive 12,000m2 site and set to become Victoria's largest residential development, West Side Place elegantly connects Spencer and Lonsdale Streets in Melbourne's CBD. The iconic project boasts an array of mixed-use spaces, including residential apartments, recreational facilities, retail, and dining arcades, and is also home to the prestigious Ritz-Carlton and Dorsett Hotels.

With its world-class design and a

Life cycle costing in the City of Melbourne

Life cycle costing in the City of Melbourne
Street furniture defines a city's urban landscape, and stainless steel is becoming a material of choice for its long-term cost benefits in addition to its sleek designs, durability, and visual appeal.

In Australia, the City of Melbourne has led the way in sustainable materials selection, undertaking a life cycle costing comparison study over a 25-year term between carbon steel and stainless steel for use in its public street furniture.

The products studied and manufactured included 1200 general waste bins, 500 recycling bins, 800 seats, 400 benches and 80 drinking fountains. Two broad costing components were considered:

  1. The initial (procurement) cost

Stainless steel for indoor swimming pools

Stainless steel for indoor swimming pools
Stainless steels are almost universally used around indoor and exterior pools for railings around or into the water, fixtures, furniture, grills, etc. The finishes are bright and readily cleanable for hygiene and are resistant to staining or corrosion by the chemical treatments required for the maintenance of public health.

This article discusses the unexpected problem (and the solutions) that showed up in the 1980s because of the changing design and operation of indoor heated and chlorinated swimming pools when combined with the increased use of stainless steels as structural supports in the ceilings over pools. The problem: 304/316 stainless steel

Keep it clean

Keep it clean
When working with stainless steel assets, a lot of attention is put into getting the 'pre-install' aspects right. Design, specification, fabrication, and commissioning are all equally important, but how the stainless steel in these assets is cared for and maintained is just as critical for optimum life and performance.

ASSDA Member Kleanwell specialises in asset management through the provision of cleaning and maintenance programs. Their work focuses on products where stainless steel is predominant - lift and elevator cladding, facades, awnings, and ducts among many others.

Jessica Wehbe, Director of Strategic Relationships at Kleanwell, says there is a clear gap

Coastal living

Coastal living

Stainless Steel Pool Fencing

Safety is the number one consideration when building a pool fence, and stainless steel delivers in compliance and material strength while fulfilling design and aesthetic needs.