Curved Timber Forms
Arkadia required unique solutions for both curving the battens and then fixing them in place, which we developed and even prototyped in our Bendigo factory using kerfing and ply forms.
Timber was chosen as the ideal material due to its authenticity, providing a natural warmth to the project. To ensure the timber battens could fit the unique curved forms, both the battens themselves and the mounting system needed to follow the same curves. The most effective way to ensure the hardwood of the Spotted Gum battens could curve to the required radius was through kerfing.
Kerfing
Kerfing timber battens involves cutting small slots in the back of the batten to allow it to curve. The clip connections of our system were unaffected by the kerfing, with the clips engaging between slots.
Three timber batten profiles were used to provide a similar look at all stages of the curve, each with the same kerfing patten to maintain consistency. This pattern of the required kerfing was calculated by our team to balance the desired aesthetic with the practical requirements of the curve.
Custom Fixing Solutions
While our standard Click-on Battens system uses an aluminium mounting track with our patented clips attached to hold the battens in place, a different solution was required for the curves at Arkadia. The timber battens lining the entrance tunnels needed to curve along the length of the tunnel, while also raking to match the beautiful curved form.
Our clip is the key to the Click-on Batten system, as it provides a hidden fixing with an ultra-fast click-on connection. To use the clip for this project, we utilised a variation of our direct fix clip method, which uses standard clips that can be fixed in place on-site.
To provide the interface for the clip, we manufactured ply forms to use in the place of mounting tracks. The ‘saw-tooth’ pattern of these forms allowed for direct-fix clips to be installed quickly and effectively on-site, which allowed the fast installation of the battens.
Our Installation Process
Fixing the clips in place
The entirety of the two tunnels at Arkadia apartments used over 15,000 of our direct fix clips, which needed to be fixed to the ply forms before they were installed.
This process was completed on-site before the ply forms were installed in place. To ensure efficiency, each clip was designed to be fixed at a set space from the bottom of the ‘saw-tooth’, allowing installers to fix them in place quickly with a small spacer tool.
Installing the ply forms
The ply forms used in place of a standard mounting track work as the spine of the system, and are directly fixed to the steel purlin substrate. These forms take the straight angles of the steelwork and convert it into a smooth curve for the battens to follow.
Installing the Battens
With the ply forms and clips in place, the battens were then installed. The simple ‘click-on’ connection between the battens and the clip allowed for fast installation with minimal room for error. The pre-kerfed battens allowed for the curves easily, eliminating on-site complexity.
Installation Challenges
Maintaining Consistent Curves
When dealing with large scale curves like the tunnels at Arkadia Apartments, consistency is the key to delivering a quality result. To ensure the vertical curves of the walls followed the required shape, we utilised several ply templates which served as reference points. These datum points saved time on installation and ensured accuracy on-site.
The point of intersection
One of the biggest challenges on site was managing the point where the two curves meet at the top of the tunnel. An on-site solution was required, as the substate at the top of the tunnels was higher than expected, while the substrate framing at the top of the tunnel was tighter than expected.
This solution included resetting some of the curve to alter where it meets the flat section of the ceiling, ensuring a consistent finish and uninterrupted aesthetic.
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