Window problem is clear

WHILE the design of the new Fremantle Maritime Museum has been lauded by architects, keeping its massive ocean-facing windows clean could pose a problem.

Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland partner and design director Steve Woodland said a self-cleaning coating for the cladding material was being considered.

“It’s actually a PVF2 coating that is similar chemically to teflon,” Mr Woodland said.

Port Authority CEO Kerry Sanderson said the authority was happy with the treatment of issues relevant to the needs of a working port.

“Matters such as sight lines for ships entering and leaving the harbour and the need for adequate setback of the building have been properly addressed as part of the planning process,” Ms Sanderson said.

“The design has also taken into account that there is a need to minimise reflection.”

Mr Woodland said the new museum would enable the display of crafts and maritime paraphernalia that had otherwise been stored in inappropriate housings away from public view.

“At the moment, there are a range of crafts stored out in the open – well outside Fremantle – that the public has no access to,” he said.

“The museum will end up being one of the most visited and visible landmarks in the state.”

Royal Australian Institute of Architects WA chapter president Harry Schubert said the location for the new complex was both culturally appropriate and historically relevant.

“The museum is remote enough from the centre of Fremantle so as not to compete with the historic fabric of the main Fremantle town itself,” Mr Schubert said.