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.
