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Designed by Wood Marsh, Coburg and Moreland stations form part of the Bell to Moreland Level Crossing Removal Project. Originally built in the 19th century in the late Victorian Gothic style, the stations are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for both their architectural and historical significance.  The project was completed in 2020 and is a shining example of how transportation infrastructure can be reimagined to better serve the community. Last week Architecture Victoria announced that Coburg Station project has been shortlisted in the Public Architecture and Urban Design Awards.

KLAY supplied the Arob Buchtal KeraTwin façade system for the platform services enclosure. Since the façade was installed by fixing specialists Ceramic Solutions, the performance of the KeraTwin system has been monitored closely by stakeholders.

Before specifying the façade system Wood Marsh had to consider a host of durability and longevity factors unique to rail infrastructure. The Western Alliance made up of Engineers, Architects, and  builders, had to be confident the materials would stand-up to the rigors of the environment.  One such consideration is graffiti and its removal. The Hytect surface coating provided by KeraTwin, ensures graffiti is very easy to clean off with no remaining residue typically seen when removing graffiti from aluminium cladding.  You can watch a video of graffiti removal on KeraTwin panels here.

It was crucial for rail operators to access services running behind the panels. One unique benefit of the KeraTwin Omega rail system, is, you can easily remove an individual panel to access what is behind it or to replace it if required.  Some panels were encased in fabricated steel frames and put on heavy-duty hinges to create hidden locks and key doors. These design solutions were for the most part engineered in collaboration with Ceramic Solutions, John Holland, Wood Marsh and Klay.

“The project has been something of a test case, for which design and build professionals in the rail alliance have been looking to for some verification.  We do not have one reported panel breakage and it all looks as good now as the day it was installed. Being ceramic, there were some who had concerns about impact resistance. The success of the project has given the doubters confidence, and KeraTwin has subsequently been specified on multiple rail projects which are being installed this year and into 2024.”  Klay General Manager David Marks comments.

Through collaboration, the project has transformed former rail crossings into unique, vibrant, dynamic, community hubs of activity and richness within the suburban landscape of Melbourne. The stations’ civic architecture serves as a form of identity and placemaking, while the newly opened public spaces below provide ample opportunities for recreation and connection. As civic places of arrival and departure, these stations link the local community to greater Melbourne, providing safe and equitable access while promoting opportunities for social engagement and community building. The selection of durable, long-lasting materials with no maintenance and maximum flexibility in terms of access, has given both the public and operators a practical and beautiful facility for decades to come.