Archives: Case Studies

Background

Our client is the developer of a luxuriously appointed 113 apartment complex in an idyllic beachside setting north of Fremantle. Required was the supply and installation of frameless shower screens, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom mirrors and wardrobes worthy of the complex’s million-dollar views. Apartments needed to be finished to a level consistent with the complex’s marketing material; thus it was essential they engage a supplier and installer with the experience and capability to deliver high-end glazing solutions.

Solution

Supporting a client with unparalleled attention to detail meant the highest standards of workmanship were called for on this project. With an aim of not just delivering on our client’s expectations but exceeding them, Walsh ProInstall paired glaziers in groups of two to ensure precise measurements and an ‘install right, install once’ policy. The Walshs Glass ProInstall team also worked in close consultation with both the client and the project’s architects to ensure our solutions met the brief and requirements of a high spec fit-out.

As is always the case when working in a high-density environment with other trades, communication and patience was paramount to not only get the job done safely but also to the high standard and finish that was required. A comprehensive Health Safety Management Plan as well as a task-specific SWMS were also submitted given the high-risk nature of the works.

Materials used

Walshs Glass ProInstall handled the supply and installation of all glass for this project including 10mm clear toughened glass for the shower screens, a selection of finishes for the kitchen splashbacks (mirrorlite bronze, grey and clear, and solid colour painted on low iron glass), 6mm clear silver mirrors, and wardrobe doors. All supplied glass complied with AS1288 standards.

Outcome

As WA’s supplier of choice to the glazing and construction sectors, Walshs Glass ProInstall successfully supplied and installed all project requirements. While the custom design of the Dias semi-frameless shower screen with the addition of Walshs’ frameless hardware had its challenges, we were able to successfully overcome these during the shop drawing process and deliver a product our client was happy to receive.

The varied and high specification finish of Walshs’ glass products combined to complement and enhance the finished apartments which are exceptional in quality. Backed by Walshs Glass’ strict quality assurance processes, the accuracy and finish of all works were second to none and our client was beyond satisfied with the outcome.

Background

The Master Builders of Western Australia was recommended by a builder to engage Walshs Glass ProInstall with the modernisation of their front lobby entrance. The brief was that the lobby be aesthetically pleasing while also providing protection from the elements for its employees. As our client did not want their front entry disrupted by the project, all works had to be coordinated with both them and the council for a weekend installation.

Solution

Walshs Glass was provided with a seven-week schedule to complete the project, a timeframe that also applied to the steel fabricator engaged to assist with the project. It was critical that both work hand in hand to ensure tolerances and other considerations were understood and that glass sizes could be predetermined. 

As our client insisted on even 10mm silicone joints across the entire span, each glass panel needed to be measured accurately to ensure front of canopy was level. Given the canopy glazing could not be calculated using AS1288, Walshs engaged the services of an engineer to provide us with an engineered solution. We also engaged the services of Zone Solutions to crane the panels into position, which required the closure of a main throughfare in West Perth.

The canopy we ultimately installed comprised 13.52mm laminated toughened GlassFrit Dot Matrix patterned glass with an SGP interlayer to two and four-way spider fixings bolted to beams. The panels measured four @ 2650mm x 1500mm and 20 panels @ 2650mm x 1200mm.

A task-specific SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) was submitted given the high-risk nature of the works, with all employees needing Working at Heights certificates.

Materials used

13.52mm laminated toughened heat soaked GlassFrit Dot Matrix glass with SGP interlayer was supplied and installed by Walshs Glass ProInstall using two- and four-way spider fixings supplied by Fethers Melbourne. Spiders were substituted with aluminium as the client felt the aluminium shaded the area below too much and spiders let in more light.

Outcome

The works were successfully installed over the course of one weekend with our client was very satisfied by the result. The canopy is a striking height of 6m, and the dot matrix pattern applied to the glass creates an artistic mural on the ground when the sun shines directly on it; an impressive architectural feature that delights both employees and visitors alike when entering the building.

Background

Selected based on our performance and history with similar high-risk, short turnaround night works, Walshs Glass ProInstall was engaged to deliver glazing services to the new Yagan Square Bus Station at Perth Underground Train Station. As the largest station on the Transperth network, it was not an option for Perth Underground to be shut during the day; thus, all works had to be coordinated with the client and council for nightshift install.

Solution

Walshs Glass’ solution was to supply and install 11.52mm laminated glass to glazing channels already fixed to a steel lift shaft structure. As is often the case with tight timeframes, sizing needed to be predetermined. The environment was also a high-risk live site – with overnight shut down required for glazing to safely take place. Given these factors, ensuring our predetermined sizes were spot on was essential; we could not afford a mismeasuring issue or breakage that would require a return trip and additional shut down.

Confident our measurements were precise, the Walshs ProInstall team manufactured the required 11.52mm laminated glass in compliance with AS1288-2006 and AS1735.2. Given the design of the lift shaft we also engaged a team of external scaffolders, a crane and crane driver. On the night of the install, the crane was positioned above the lift shaft with one panel at a time lowered to four Walshs Glass glaziers. Panel by panel and working their way down the shaft our glaziers installed, sealed, and made their way to the next panel. As we made our way down, the scaffolder also had to remove each level of scaffold. Significant coordination between the scaffolders, crane driver and Walshs Glass ProInstall took place in the lead up to the job to ensure this process would run as smoothly as possible.

A task-specific SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) was submitted given the high-risk nature of the works, with all employees needing Working at Heights certificates.

Materials used

Installed was 11.52mm laminated glass in compliance with AS1288-2006 and AS1735.2 to glazing channels fixed to a steel lift shaft structure. Key elements of the design are the imposing 13m high steel lift shaft structure that encompasses Walshs’ crystal clear 11.52mm glass, setting off the aluminum composite panels.

Outcome

The lift shaft glazing was successfully installed over the course of one weekend with our client very satisfied by the result. The shaft is a striking height of more than 10m, with the crystal-clear glass creating an avenue for natural light to shine upon the thousands of commuters who use the rail system on a daily basis.

Background

Our client, a leading international law firm, required a modern and stylish office layout to complement their business activities while ensuring confidentiality and discretion in all office spaces. Given the nature of their business consideration to privacy – both visually and acoustically – was a foremost priority. Walshs Glass ProInstall was awarded the primary trade works due to our solid reputation in delivering high-quality privacy glazing solutions for commercial spaces, and a readiness to work outside standard working hours to meet a deadline

Solution

It was determined that Walshs’ switch glass, a sophisticated product that creates private environments at the switch of a button, would be the most suitable glazing choice, complemented by Viridian VLam Hush glass and JEB aluminium framed partitions. A Walshs Glass ProInstall team comprising nine glaziers, a project manager, an estimator and HSE representative was brought together to deliver the works which included the supply and installation of dual glazing doors, dual switchable glazing automatic doors, a combination of both single and double-glazed sliding doors, and hinged doors. Given JEB was a new aluminium system to Perth, a JEB project manager was also engaged to train our team on the manufacture and installation of the aluminium system. A comprehensive Health Safety Management Plan and a task-specific SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) were submitted given the high-risk nature of the works.

Accuracy, attention to detail and quality workmanship were critical for this project given the JEB dual glazing aluminium system and inclusion of switchable glass. Whilst visually stunning due to its minimalist seamless design, the JEB system created installation challenges; the glass needed to be millimetre perfect to fit in the frame. Additionally, as is the case with all dual glazing, extreme care had to be taken when fitting the ‘second skin’ as any dust or foreign matter that got between the two pieces of glass meant the glass had to be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. An additional trade interface with our sub-contracted electricians was also required to allow them sufficient space within the JEB frames to wire the glass.

Materials used

Walshs Glass supplied all laminate and Viridian Glass VLam Hush glass for the project. The automatic door was an Auto Ingress system. Switch Glass supplied the switchable glass, with the JEB X-Series double glazed partition suite utilised for the aluminium framing. All glass supplied and installed by Walshs Glass ProInstall was in accordance with AS1288.

Outcome

The standout feature of our client’s fit-out was undoubtedly the dual switchable glass, which can be easily transitioned from clear to opaque at the flick of a switch. When combined with Viridian Glass’ VLam Hush glazing, the acoustic and visual privacy requirements of our client’s brief were achieved – a fantastic result. 

Coordination, consideration, and cooperation with interfacing trades was of upmost importance throughout the fit-out, and this was successfully delivered without issue. Receiving training from a dedicated JEB project manager also meant the Walshs Glass team was able to confidently install all major components of the fit-out – resulting in less tradespeople on site and a smoother installation.

The project was successfully delivered within deadline, with Walshs Glass utilising separate ProInstall crews to undertake the partition glazing and aluminium door construction and installation to ensure that the client’s program would be met.

Overall, the minimalist JEB X Series double glazed aluminium partition suite, combined with switchable glass and VLam Hush glazing, has provided a truly modern and stylish office setting befitting an international law firm such as our client. 

Background

Our client, an Australian-based retail chain, wanted to revamp the entrance to one of their Perth stores with the addition of an automatic fire door and VM glazed balustrade wall. The design of the automatic door was complex, needing to alleviate the requirement for smoke exhaust fans and be able to open automatically in the event of an emergency. A two-week schedule was provided, broken down into one week for predetermining materials and two nights for installation. It was also imperative that the store’s front entry would not be disrupted by the project; thus, all works were to be coordinated during nightshift or out of hours. Walshs Glass’ ProInstall team was engaged to manage this project due to our ability to manufacture large-scale glass, our expert glazing team and reputation for delivering projects within tight timeframes.

Solution

It was determined during the briefing stage that the automatic door needed to be 18m in width and completely transparent, allowing for smooth entry and exit into the store and clear, two-way visibility. The scale of this project was significant for Walshs Glass and would be one of the largest doors ever to be installed in Western Australia.

To support us in achieving a successful outcome for our client we deployed a highly skilled Walshs ProInstall team of six glaziers, a project manager, an estimator and HSE representative. Walshs Glass also engaged a team of external subcontractors to assist with the successful execution of the project including an automatic door manufacture, door rail manufacturer, and steel contractor. Due to the length of the beam and the size and weight of the glass, a crane contractor was also engaged to lift our materials into position – eliminating the need for manual handling and preventing the risk of injury to our employees. A SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) was also submitted given the high-risk nature of the works.

Materials used

12mm clear toughened glass in accordance with AS1288 was supplied and installed by Walshs Glass using carriage rails (extruded aluminium), 60mm x 20mm in one length to each door panel (approximately 2400mm wide). Each carriage rail included six track wheels 60mm in diameter and three anti-rise wheels with fully raced heavy duty bearings. Each carriage rail included four hangar brackets, 6mm steel laser-cut profile. The motor drive installed was a Rubek 450-Watt DC heavy duty motor.

Outcome

Serving a dual purpose for our client, the automatic door provides both a reliable exit in the event of a fire and a clear view into the store. Complying with our client’s request, all works were undertaken during nightshift to ensure the store could remain operational during the day. Walshs ProInstall was also able to successfully meet our client’s tight deadline, collaborating with key subcontractors to ensure the auto beam, glass, rails, and steel could be predetermined well in advance.

Background

A leading global mining group, our client required a fresh office space that both reflected and fostered their business practices. The scope of works was a four-level fit-out comprising internal partitioning, curved internal partitioning, aluminum framed hinged doors and frameless glass automatic doors. Walshs Glass ProInstall was engaged to assist with our client’s project due to our significant experience in delivering large-scale fit-outs, and ability to manufacture high-end architectural glass at our world-class facility in Canning Vale, WA.

Solution

With accuracy paramount for curved glass in addition to a lengthy manufacturing lead time, sizing of the glass needed to be predetermined. Coordination between our glass supplier and aluminium bender was also key, and to ensure a successful outcome our team supplied surveyed drawings of the radiuses so we could accurately bend our section.

Given the radius of the bends and sheer size of the panels (which were 2400mm in height and 2660mm in width), installation was expected to be challenging. Walshs identified that due to the size and quantity of the curved panels, lift dimension restrictions, and the sheer foot traffic from other trades working on the project, safety could be compromised. To help mitigate any potential issues, Walshs Glass ProInstall worked in consultation with our client to undertake special Sunday shifts allowing us exclusive use of the goods dock, lift and work area to install all curved panels. Walsh’s Glass also utilised separate ProInstall crews to undertake the partition glazing and door installation to ensure our client’s timeline would be met.

A comprehensive Health Safety Management Plan and a task-specific SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) were submitted given the high-risk nature of the works.

Materials used

Walshs Glass supplied and installed all laminate and curved glass, while the Optima 117 plus partition system was utilised for the aluminium. All glass supplied and installed by Walshs Glass ProInstall was in accordance withAS1288. The partition and door glass were installed into the Optima 117 Plus partition suite while the doors were glazed into Optima Microline Jambs with Affinity single glazed doors. Dorma HD200 Single Slide Operators were installed throughout the fit-out.

Outcome

Walshs Glass successfully delivered our contribution towards our client’s four-level fit-out comprising of internal partitioning, curved internal partitioning, aluminium framed hinged doors and frameless glass automatic doors. The four curved glass offices on each floor (16 in total) uniquely utilise the space to create both a functional and striking office environment.

Planning was key to the successful outcome of this project, as the curved glass needed to be predetermined in size, and special coordination and cooperation with the client was also required to ensure safe transportation of the product to site and smooth installation. The glass had to be measured and produced with extreme accuracy. Installing the curved glass also presented a significant challenge given the radius of the bends and the sheer size of the panels. The Walshs Glass ProInstall glazing team did a fantastic job to communicate and coordinate the lift and installation of glass with precision avoiding any defects.

As is always the case when working in a high-density environment with other trades, communication and patience was paramount to not only get the job done safely but also to the high standard and finish that was required.