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UniCote Steel: A Decade of Excellence
UniCote’s 10-year journey has established the brand at the forefront of the Australian architectural materials market, synonymous with innovation, adaptability and excellence.
From its inception, UniCote® has provided premium steel solutions that meet the dual challenges posed by Australia’s varied climate and the diverse aesthetic aspirations of its built environment. Initially offering a limited product range, UniCote® quickly responded to evolving market trends and the dynamic needs of the A&D community. This responsiveness led to the expansion of its portfolio to encompass more than 70 diverse colours and patterns, showcasing UniCote’s commitment to catering to a wide range of design preferences and applications. By supplying innovative solutions for landmark projects across the country – from Bondi Icebergs and the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium – the company has established itself as an authoritative presence in the architectural materials market.
Throughout this period of growth, the stage was set for the introduction of UniCote® LUX in 2019 – a milestone that ushered in one of the first ranges of patterned and textured painted steels to the market. Representing a major leap forward in design flexibility due to its ability to mimic the appearance of other materials such as timber, Corten, zinc and stone, UniCote® LUX enabled architects to explore unprecedented design territories while relying on the material’s established durability.
UniCote® was developed and introduced to the market through Selection Steel. An Australian-owned company with nearly five decades of experience, Selection Steel has become the trusted name for pre-painted colour steel in the local market. The company’s national distribution footprint, technical team and sales support have been critical pillars behind UniCote’s success. Furthermore, the recent establishment of a product development and innovation department that works closely with the mill to bring new products to market ensures that UniCote’s offerings are perfectly suited to Australia’s demanding environment.
The partnership between UniCote® and Selection Steel has been instrumental in fostering a legacy of reliability and continuous innovation. Strategic rebranding efforts, particularly the nuanced transition from Magnaflow™ to UniCote® Coastal, meticulously navigated the complexities of market perceptions across Australia.
The transformative influence of UniCote® is vividly showcased through its involvement in iconic projects such as Bondi Icebergs, Y House and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. These projects not only demonstrate UniCote’s architectural versatility and resilience but also its capacity to complement and enhance the diverse landscapes and urban fabrics of Australia. Each project serves as a narrative of how material innovation can profoundly impact architectural outcomes, providing solutions that are both functionally superior and visually compelling.
“It was really humbling to be involved in these landmark Australian projects, all with a different scale and design aspect,” says James Gregory, UniCote’s general manager – marketing and innovation. “The key element they all share is their proximity to a marine environment. Traditionally, when designing near a marine environment, steel is often overlooked due to the corrosive nature of salt deposits when they come in contact with the metal. However, our UniCote® Coastal product has a new AM210 protective metallic coating which contains magnesium, ensuring cut edges have extra protection and that the steel itself will last longer than other coated steel products. We were able to work with the architects on these projects to provide a facade or roofing solution that didn’t stifle design and provided the longevity they needed.”
UniCote® steel’s exceptional performance, particularly UniCote® Coastal in challenging marine environments, underlines the innovative approach and technical advancements that the company brings to the sector. From the resilience of Y-House (Wye River) – a product of the devastating 2015 bushfires – to the iconic Bondi Icebergs, braving the saline atmosphere of the Sydney coastline, and the innovative Queensland Country Bank Stadium with its award-winning UniCote® steel roof, each exemplify the company’s unmatched quality and performance.
These major projects are integral to the narrative of UniCote’s decade-long journey in the Australian market. Through each venture, UniCote® has not only demonstrated its status as a material of choice for architects, designers and builders who prioritise innovation and reliability, but has also solidified its reputation as an industry pioneer. As UniCote® celebrates a decade of contributions to the architectural landscape, it transcends being merely a material choice. It embodies a commitment to innovation and quality that has redefined design possibilities. Its journey highlights the extraordinary outcomes of integrating cutting-edge solutions with a nuanced understanding of architectural needs.
Looking to the future, UniCote® is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, further advancing architectural design and construction with steel and reinforcing its leadership in material innovation. “Our mission to remain innovative means collaborating with our aligned mill to understand what new technologies its developing and applying our local knowledge in the Australian market to deliver excellence and outstanding choice in this space,” says James.
