EXPRESS GLASS: PORTFOLIO: BOUNDARY INTERNATIONAL

The flagship component of this project - something that the public will be able to enjoy - is the cafe on the ground floor. The frameless assembly glazing features used throughout will make a large contribution to the ambience and the tone of the cafe. This is especially true of the stacking doors at the street front, which sit above a glass fronted bench, opening up the venue to the buzz of Boundary Street.

The bench itself is remarkable in that it is supported by 12mm toughened glass at the street front and 19mm glass ‘fins’ feeding back into the cafe under the benchtop. "The whole effect is that of a floating bench which presents a very sleek and modern shop front to the passers by," says Adrian Grocott, General Manager, Major Projects, adding that "The bench is rated to accommodate six people."

"The stacking doors are also a delicate manoeuvre in that the rail in which they sit has to be absolutely perfectly true to ensure smooth operation," says Adrian. There are six doors, with each panel measuring 2100mm x 750mm and containing 12mm laminated safety glass. "Another interesting element is how the doors' rail is affixed to the slab above: this is secured by 'Chem Set' adhesive and then driven with bolts containing a small charge that explodes the bolt head into the concrete, for maximum hold," explains Adrian.

Other features include patch fittings for frameless doors and cantilevered balustrades that divide the split level of the cafe. Entry into the cafe is via a dramatic glass sliding door measuring 2100mm high by 3500mm wide.

Spectacular as they are, all the frame-less assemblies are merely the tip of the 'glassberg'. Major projects has replaced some 200 windows through-out the building, bringing it up-to-date with respect to appearance and functionality: "We've replaced all the original Georgian Wired Cast with 6.38mm clear safety glass, a good insulator for noise and environment, which also presents a modern finish to complement the facade of the office building," says Adrian.