Sample Basket

Request Samples Now

Powder coating impact at Cardiff University new innovation centre

Powdertech Corby powder coated the stunning ‘Oculus’ staircase which forms the focal point of Cardiff University’s new sbarc|spark centre. The finish is polyester powder coating RAL 2002 ‘Vermillion’ in high gloss. 
The Project

Cardiff University now boasts a new flagship centre “sbarc|spark” which is set to be a magnet for talented researchers, graduates, entrepreneurs, student start-ups and academic spinouts across Wales. This will bring together stakeholders from all sectors to establish Cardiff University as a focus for new growth.

The new building, designed by award winning architects Hawkins Brown and built by construction company Bouygues UK, will become a hub for innovation and creativity. Covering 12,000m2 the sbarc | spark building features collaborative working spaces, a visualisation centre, auditorium and a fabrication lab.

The ‘Oculus’

As part of the interior, Hawkins Brown together with Taunton Fabrications designed a stunning, sculptural, open staircase occupying a slanting void. Oculus, Latin for eye, is often used in architecture to describe a small round window at the top of a dome that allows light to flood into a space. In this instance the open swirling staircase itself is designed to encourage engagement and collaboration between the varying departments and users of the sbarc | spark building.

Metal mesh specialists Amron Architectural supplied W-20/50 profiled wellTEC® for the balustrades surrounding the oculus staircase and for the cladding on the events pod.

The wellTEC® profile was a sinusoidal shape and had an R5T7 perforation pattern. We pre-treated and powder coated the profile, taking care to ensure powder coverage of all areas, into the perforations. The finish chosen was RAL-2002 ‘Vermillion’ with a high gloss level.

As the centre piece to the building the combination of the spiral design, perforated mesh and vibrant colour is outstanding.

The Benefits of Powdertech powder coating
  • Striking finish achieved through using polyester resins system.
  • High performance corrosion protection and weather resistance
  • High level of colour and gloss retention
  • Excellent durability and colour stability
  • All powders are Qualicoat class 1 or class 2 approved
  • Conform to BS EN12206-1and Qualicoat specifications
  • Tactile finish on some shades
Back to Archive View Finish Range

Would you like to discuss a project? Let's talk
01536 400890
Explore Powdertech