“This house called for one of the largest single panes of glass I’d ever worked with,” says Dan Connolly of Beach Architects, “so I knew I wanted to work on it with CGA.”
The effect would be stunning but the challenges were considerable. The Melbourne-based clients wanted a single pane and a frameless effect, all the better to enjoy the coastal views from their Byron Bay holiday home. That meant the window in question had to be pocketed directly into a concrete wall, so the frame had to be built with precision and concealed in the concrete.
“CGA are always keen to push the envelope and do the research needed to get the right solution,” says Dan. “In this case, they worked with us to find the right type of glass. It had to be a particularly unusual kind, but that wasn’t a problem for them.”
From design to installation, CGA worked hand-in-hand with Beach Architects to make sure the client got exactly what they wanted.
“It took plenty of preparation to get it right, but CGA has an incredible attention to detail,” says Dan. “By the time that 700 kilogram piece of glass was being craned into position, everything had been thought of. That’s the type of service you’re talking about with CGA.
“They do what they say they will. They come when they say the will. They run a relationship-based business and are completely reliable.”
— Dan Connolly, Beach Architects
Located in the picturesque hamlet that is Byron Bay – this project was always going to be a stunner -from a location perspective, perched high on the hill overlooking the national park, with stunning views to the ocean and the Byron Bay lighthouse the project was quickly dubbed Bonnie’s lighthouse named after the client.
Designed by Dan Connolly of Beach Architects who aim to design architecture that is clever, appropriate, brave and optimistic – needless to say this a name that defines the reason for moving to Byron Bay and this region generally…the beaches are world class.
Specialising in private beach houses; medium density holiday developments and hinterland estates, Beach Architects like us all have to spend time at the computer, but all the great and challenging commissions are worked on with the clear and positive approach of someone just fresh from the surf.
Millimeter perfect construction by Heanes Built, Ian and Luke ensured quality was the foundation cornerstone to the highest level of finish in this construction project.
At the Lighthouse, vast glazing elements were essential to capture the beautiful coastal panorama, with glass even being shipped up to Queensland due to inability to source the furnaced size panels in Brisbane. Facing east (and west) in Australia has the constraint of heat load, and so much effort goes into the type and shading of glass selected, Capral commercial framing was compliment with Low E glazing using Evantage grey.
Other unique elements in the project incorporated the use of switchable glass technologies in the en-suite to ensure the clients regained their privacy, as well as stunning artisan pieces create by glass artist Christopher John or Red Pheonix Studio.
It appears that the project has joined the world phenomenon that sits around the TV Show Grand Designs, with the reference made by the writer Trisha Croaker from the Domain of Sydney Morning Herald – check it out below:
https://smh.domain.com.au/
Beach Architects strive for innovation in glazing techniques from fully pocketed glass that appears frameless, to sliding door sets with sashless double hung sliders being incorporated into the fixed lites of the massive Capral 900 series doors sets. Central Glass and Aluminium, has been a willing partner in this process of glazing innovation, we have been thrilled to travel the journey of this stunning project with Beach Architects, Heanes Built and the owners.
