Tensile's steel cable system was recently installed as a safety barrier at Monash University's Learning and Teaching Building. 

The project brief required Tensile to design, engineer and install the vertical cable system for the main atrium. This involved more than 1,500 cables made from 5 mm stainless-steel wire rope, installed across three levels.

Prior to the project, Monash researched how to achieve an advanced space that reflects modern learning approaches and styles. They began by examining all aspects of the learning experience in detail – including room size, table shape, ease of access and more.

This led to the development of a blend of learning spaces within the one building that facilitate engagement and collaboration. John Wardle Architects describes the building as a blend of innovative formal learning spaces complimented by informal learning hubs, that offers a '"sense of township within a single building."

Features of the building include 360° whiteboard/glass-board walls, a map table to invite student collaboration, and the ability for teachers to present from the whiteboard at multiple locations. According to Monash, the building can accommodate thousands of students and will be the home of advanced learning and teaching practices at the university.

The steel cables installed by Tensile provide a barrier to the atrium that is fully load-rated and non-climbable. They are also transparent, creating a sleek and minimal appearance while allowing in natural light and contributing to the airy feel of the space.

All the fittings and fixing details of the installation are concealed from view, providing a very clean look. While this was hard to achieve and presented some challenges, the results made it worthwhile in the end. To achieve the desired result, the project required a very high level of coordination between builder Multiplex, Tensile and the other trades involved.