GLASS Association of New Zealand INDUSTRY Awards
GANZ GLASS INNOVATION WINNER
GLASS PROJECTS
FOR THE AOTEA SQUARE TOWN HALL AND BRITOMART GLAZED STAIRCASES
The Technical Innovators
Last year the team at Glass Projects worked on the innovative Aotea Square project in Auckland’s City Centre. Glass Projects are specialists in the design, supply and installation of architectural glass. The Aotea Square project involved creating glass enclosures to the Bledisloe and Civic Stairwells, and a full height glass enclosure to the new Cafe/Box Office complex in the Aotea Centre. “It was critical to deliver more than simple utility, or shelter”, says company director, Murray Clark. In addition, Glass Projects created a frameless glass balustrade to the walkway and deck in front of the Aotea Centre, and aluminium frame and glass canopies to the front of the Aotea Centre and adjacent to the Bledisloe Building. “The refurbishment, of Aotea Square in central Auckland explores a new form of architectural glass construction”, says Clark”. Vibrant above-ground glass enclosures celebrate public circulation – an ascent from a below-ground car-park into a broad civic square – through a veil of glass”.
“Project designers Architectus and architectural glaziers Glass Projects were among the key consultants to design and fabricate the frameless glass enclosures,” says Clark. For the first time in New Zealand, “the design incorporated mortise and and tenon glass-to-glass construction. Glass Projects worked very closely with Architectus and Aurecon Facade Engineers to develop sequential installation similar to that used by the famous Apple Store in New York”. The structure is more than just an enclosure; it is truly a work of art. “Low-iron, toughened, multi-laminated glass is used in combination with a ceramic fritted pattern on the vertical sides. At night, the pattern is enhanced by special LED lighting. A low iron glass gives clarity and a clear vision of structure”, says Clark.
Glass Projects received high praise from working alongside other contractors. Working together for the Aotea Square project, Hawkins Construction recommends Glass Projects, especially on technically challenging jobs. “From commencement through to completion Glass Projects acted professionally and collaboratively with Hawkins and the client’s design team”, says Steve Ritchie, Construction Manger from Hawkins Construction. Architectus has worked with Glass Projects on a variety of projects in recent years, including the Aotea Square project. “Their experience, dedication and professionalism has produced a satisfying result”, says Frank Coleman, Architect for Architectus Auckland. “Glass Projects were helpful and innovative from preliminary design discussions through developed design and documentation, shop drawings, and construction”.
As a member of the Window Association of New Zealand, all the windows and doors supplied by Glass Projects are independently type tested to comply with the relevant New Zealand performance Standards and New Zealand Building Code requirements.
Because Windows, Doors and Glazing are individually engineered in accordance with these standards for each building site location throughout New Zealand, customers are well satisfied with the performance of products supplied by members of the Window Association of New Zealand Inc.
For more about Glass Projects
www.glassprojects.co.nz
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