Crisp reflective panelled lining brightens historic arcade interior
SUPALINE decorative panels have been used in the multimillion dollar ambience upgrade of the iconic shopping hub in Hobart’s CBD, The Cat & Fiddle Arcade.
Architects Meyer Shircore & Associates were briefed to design the refurbishment to attract new upmarket national retailers while remaining sensitive to and incorporating historical elements into the concept.
The designers wanted to achieve a smooth pristine but functional finish for the ceilings and feature walls. The aim was to reflect as much light as possible into the arcade from skylights and artificial light sources. The design also required the lining to be curved and integrated with hidden services while meeting BCA fire hazard and VOC regulations. The SUPALINE panel system met all these requirements.
Originally developed in 1962 by amalgamating multiple buildings of various ages, the arcade covers an entire block in the centre of Hobart’s CBD. To stand as a reminder of the site's history which was once a laneway call Cat and Fiddle Alley, the arcade is now famous for its unique animated Cat and Fiddle clock. The clock takes pride of place in the centre court and on the hour during trading hours brings the famed nursery rhyme to life.
The extensive $16 million refurbishment included a new roof with 370m2 of glass skylights, new and restored facades to three main streets, and new finishes throughout. SUPALINE panels have been used extensively for the ceilings and in some places have been curved so the ceiling undulates smoothly from one height to another.
A bright feeling to the space has been achieved by using the smooth panels in SUPAFINISH White to achieve successful distribution of light throughout the arcade. This finish has an extremely high reflective light capacity of 92%. SUPAFINISH also has very crisp square edges which, in this project, have been contrasted against black backed shadow-lines to provide interest to the space without detracting from the feature of the historic cat and fiddle clock.
This project shows how the simple use of SUPALINE decorative panels can achieve a clean, smooth and functional lining application which lifts and lightens an aged interior while enhancing and maintaining the integrity of existing features.
Project:Â Cat & Fiddle Arcade ambience upgrade.
Address:Â 51 Murray Street, Hobart Tasmania
Product/Finish:Â SUPALINE curved and grooved in SUPAFINISH White.
Designers:Â Meyer Shircore & Associates
Builder:Â Stage 5 - VOS Construction & Joinery, Stage 6 - Hansen Yuncken TAS.
Installer:Â Construction 3
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For more information visit the SUPAFINISH page.