Nan Tien Institute (NTI), Australia’s first government-accredited higher education provider with a focus on personal development in Buddhism, health and social well-being, recently undertook a significant recladding project. This transformation was driven by a need to replace non-compliant aluminium cladding, which had been identified as a hazard and non-compliant by the Institute’s insurance provider. After thorough research, Nan Tien chose ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, the world’s safest aluminium cladding, backed by the reputable Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

The initial cladding on the Nan Tien Institute building did not meet current Australian fire safety standards, posing a significant fire risk and resulting in exorbitant insurance premiums. Nan Tien Institute had initially registered in a combustible cladding class action due to the presence of dangerous cladding on the building. During this process, they were directed to Network Architectural to seek a compliant and reliable solution. With these considerations in mind, Nan Tien Institute’s team began their search for a cladding product that met stringent safety requirements and offered peace of mind

Miaoyou explains, “It was brought to our attention by our insurance company that we had non-compliant aluminium cladding on our building. The insurance premiums were high until we could replace the cladding with something compliant. This initiated our need to reclad everything.”

After considering several alternatives, Nan Tien Institute selected ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 for the project due to its superior safety and aesthetic properties. Miaoyou expressed confidence in the decision, stating, “We knew it was fully compliant and the safest aluminium cladding worldwide. Additionally, it was backed by a large company, Mitsubishi, so we knew it came with a full replacement warranty.”

ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 meets all NSW Government testing requirements as a DtS non-combustible cladding. This, coupled with its 20-year full cover warranty, ensured that Nan Tien Institute would not only be compliant but also receive long-term durability and peace of mind. The product’s CodeMark certification to Building Code of Australia (BCA) standards further solidified its reputation as the best choice for the project.

Aesthetic and Functional Excellence

The aesthetic appeal of ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 was another driving factor in its selection. As Miaoyou shared, “We loved the look of ALPOLIC™. It looked to be of much better quality, and their range of colours was fantastic. They even had a colour in stock that was close to the original colour.”

The design possibilities with ALPOLIC™ are endless, thanks to its superior flatness (no oil canning), large selection of colours, and finishes and offers outstanding durability which is resistant to hail. Featuring Lumiflon FEVE coating technology, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is highly resistant to UV rays and corrosion, ensuring that the façade remains visually stunning and functional for years to come. The no-maintenance cladding offers excellent weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for the harsh Australian environment.

Installation and Professionalism

The installation process was smooth and handled professionally by Aesthetic Building & Facades, an accredited fabricator and installer. “The contractors that carried out the work were great. They were very professional and extremely tidy in their workmanship,” Miaoyou said, praising the team’s efforts in delivering a seamless result.

ALPOLIC™’s full in-house service and support also played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. From specification to completion, the ALPOLIC™ team provided guidance and expertise, ensuring that Nan Tien Institute received the highest standard of expertise from initial quote to installation.

Sustainable Choice for the Future

In addition to its safety and aesthetic benefits, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is a sustainable choice. With 300% fewer CO2 emissions during manufacture compared to solid aluminium and 500% lower heat transfer, it helps to reduce energy consumption. As environmental responsibility becomes increasingly important in construction, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 stands out with a certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) produced by GECA, reinforcing its role in responsible design without compromising on quality.

By choosing ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, Nan Tien Institute ensured the long-term safety, durability, and aesthetic integrity of its building. As Miaoyou concluded, “We love the final look of this; it looks fantastic.”

ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 delivered superior fire safety, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits, making it the ideal cladding solution for the Institute’s needs. Backed by an industry-leading 20-year full-replacement warranty and ALPOLIC™’s proven reputation, Nan Tien Institute can rest assured that their recladding investment will stand the test of time while remaining in full compliance with the strictest safety standards, along with now reduced insurance premiums for this fully compliant building.

For more information on ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 and your next recladding project contact us today.