A project highlighting architectural cladding and public value

The Armadale Line redevelopment, part of Perth’s broader METRONET, represents one of the most significant rail upgrades for the state in decades. Designed by world leading architects, Hassell, the project introduces five new elevated stations aimed at improving connectivity, safety and the commuter experience.

At the centre of this story is Australian building product manufacturer and supplier Metroll’s MAC® architectural cladding range, a system developed to translate ambitious design intent into buildable, high-performance façades.

For specifiers, the significance of scale in the project’s expectation: infrastructure which performs technically while contributing to a contemporary civic identity.

Specification drives performance and longevity

From the outset, the design brief called for a robust building envelope solution. Material selection needed to address proven durability in high-use public environments and low maintenance over long lifecycle horizons. These requirements at the surface level needed to present a refined architectural finish that would catch the attention of busy commuters.

To enhance security and maintain a streamlined appearance, the roofing solution Metlok 700® VG4, supplied by Metroll, utilised a secret-fix system, eliminating exposed fixtures or screws above the roof.

The specification advantage

Metroll’s role extended beyond supplying the cladding solution. Ongoing collaboration with Hassell’s design team allowed for iterative refinement of the façade and roofing solutions. This included technical advice on performance and compliance, sample provision for visual and tactile decision-making, along with input on serviceability and warranty alignment.

For the station façades at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, and Beckenham, Metroll’s MAC Distinction® profile was selected. The system provided a precise, linear aesthetic, reinforcing the architectural language of the stations.

More importantly, it met the project’s functional criteria:

• Durable: Suitable for exposed, high-traffic environments
• Low maintenance: Reducing long-term operational costs
• Consistency of finish: Critical for large-scale public assets
• Integration capability: Seamless coordination with adjacent materials

The roofing solution was also essential. The design required a wrapped shelter form with minimal penetrations to balance weather protection with visual continuity.

From a project delivery perspective, consolidating roofing, cladding, waterproofing elements, and secondary structural components through a single manufacturer provided tangible benefits. These included streamlined procurement and coordination to achieve greater control over quality and timelines.

Infrastructure that performs and endures

The completed stations present a unified, contemporary identity aligned with Perth’s evolving urban design. For the Public Transport Authority, the result is a network of facilities designed for longevity, safety and ease of maintenance.

Projects like the Armadale Line redevelopment reinforce a critical point: architectural intent is only as strong as the systems that realise it. Metroll’s MAC® range shows how purpose-designed cladding, combined with collaborative delivery, bridges the gap between concept and construction.

As infrastructure projects in Australia grow in complexity and expectations, specifiers must look beyond individual products to performance systems supported by technical expertise. And in this context, the role of manufacturers like Metroll is evolving from supplier to essential project partner.

View Metroll’s architectural BIM range on ArchiPro today by selecting a Metroll product and expanding the 'Downloads' section. You can also check with your local Metroll branch for availability or contact Metroll on ArchiPro today.