Revealing New Language for Brick Architecture

Steel Backed Brick

Across Australia brick is re-emerging not as a conventional building material, but as a deliberate architectural language of texture, memory and craft. Sculptural curved façades and adaptive reuse projects are utilising the versaility of brick to ground contemporary developments within the urban landscape.

Steel Backed Brick has over 20 years of onsite experience supporting some of the country’s most technically demanding brick cladding and lightweight brick systems through specialist cutting and façade preparation services.

“We cover the whole industry,” said Operations Manager Irine Klar. “From a backyard feature wall to large-scale restaurants and major commercial projects, and everything in between. We understand the impact of product delays and inaccurate supply on a project, so we make sure that bricklayers are working efficiently and effectively, without setbacks on site.”

That experience is best illustrated through the projects Steel Backed Brick has delivered. At Sydney’s Central Station, the company was contracted to cut 60,000 individual bricks into 10 different angle configurations ranging from just 2mm to 19mm to create an extraordinary animated artwork mural embedded into precast concrete panels. Designed by artist Bronwyn Bancroft, the installation depicts Aboriginal artwork that appears to materialise as trains pass by. The entire brick cutting scope was completed within a three-month turnaround.

At the Parkview Northwest Quarter project, Steel Backed Brick spent 18 months regrooving 180,000 brick faces and 45,000 corners to bring imported bricks into compliance with Australian standards, with zero tolerance for error. While at Seed Heritage in Pitt Street Mall, the team in-stalled a brick cladding facade designed to evoke the heritage aesthetic of a building predating the Westfield development surrounding it.

Steel Backed Brick works closely with recycled brick suppliers across New South Wales and Victoria, and ensures that every by-product of the cutting process, from brick offcuts to water and cutting blades, is recycled or repurposed.

For more information contact Steel Backed Brick, 36 Princes Street, Riverstone NSW 2765, email sales@sbbv.com.au, phone 02 9627 4116, website www.sbbv.com.au



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Façade Design in the Era of Performance-Driven Compliance

RENYI

Australia’s façade sector is undergoing a structural shift driven by increasingly stringent NCC requirements, tightening energy efficiency targets, and the broader push toward net zero building performance.

As compliance thresholds rise, façade design is no longer resolved at the documentation stage, it is being shaped much earlier through thermal modelling, system selection, and performance verification.

This has elevated the importance of certified façade simulation and building physics expertise, particularly in projects where glazing, framing systems, and envelope detailing must be optimised to meet Section J and BASIX requirements without compromising architectural intent or cost feasibility.

Within this evolving context, specialist consultants such as RENYI Pty Ltd are playing an increasingly technical role in bridging design ambition and regulatory compliance through early-stage façade performance analysis and certified simulation methodologies.

Specialist Façade Simulation and Compliance Expertise

Founded by Allan Ang, RENYI operates at the intersection of sustainable building design, thermal performance simulation, façade optimisation, and NCC compliance.

In 2017, Allan became the first recognised NFRC certified simulator operating in Australia after undertaking intensive training in the United States through the National Fenestration Rating Council programme.

RENYI provides certified thermal performance and façade design advice alongside BASIX and NCC Section J compliance assessments across residential and commercial projects. Accredited in both NFRC and AFRC simulation, the consultancy delivers both international and Australian façade performance modelling, enabling a holistic assessment of building envelopes rather than isolated system components. This integrated capability is increasingly critical as façades shift beyond aesthetics and weatherproofing to become key drivers of energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term building performance.

RENYI has built a strong reputation for delivering highly technical outcomes with a collaborative and responsive approach. “We are able to not only undertake window thermal calculations, but we can also set realistic targets for projects as well,” Allan explained. “We can look at the whole building holistically from a sustainability perspective.”

Early-Stage Façade Optimisation and Specification

Renyi provided technical advice for the facade design of the Macquarie luxury residential development in Sydney CBD, and this occurred before a façade subcontractor had even been engaged. “Façades come with a high level of risk. Consulting with us early in the process allows us to identify potential issues, which can otherwise become very expensive design changes later.” Allan said.

At Harbourside Darling Harbour, RENYI worked closely with the façade subcontractor during the early design phase to optimise window profiles and glazing selections against Section J energy efficiency targets.

“We undertook NFRC thermal calculations and worked out if the proposed system and glass selection would meet the target,” Allan said. “For the windows that didn’t meet the target, we provided improvements to how the window frames should be designed, without blowing the budget.”
That process took approximately three months and involved highly detailed analysis of frame design, glazing systems, thermal breaks, and façade composition. Using years of technical knowledge and simulation experience, Allan is often able to make subtle adjustments that produce significant energy efficiency improvements without forcing major redesigns.

RENYI’s expertise spans major healthcare and residential developments, including the Women’s Hospital in Perth, John Hunter Hospital, 699 Park Street for Mirvac, and current projects across Melrose Park and Rhodes.

As Australia’s construction industry continues pushing toward higher-performing and more sustainable buildings, RENYI is helping project teams bridge the gap between design ambition, compliance, cost, and buildability; ensuring façade systems perform not only for today’s standards, but for the future of the built environment.

For more information contact RENYI, Level 23, 520 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, phone 02 9316 8882, email info@renyi.com.au, website www.renyi.com.au




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Co-ordinated Facade Delivery Across a Multi-builind Programme

Seven Facade

Successful façade delivery depends on more than product selection, it requires contractors who can manage complexity, coordinate multiple trades and systems, and maintain quality at scale without compromising programme outcomes.

Established in 2021 by two carpenters with extensive installation experience, Seven Facade delivers integrated roofing and cladding solutions across the ACT region. Based in Queanbeyan, the company specialises in external roofing and cladding, bringing an end-to-end capability that takes a project from subframe setup through to final panel install under one roof.

At MIO in Googong, a high-volume multi-building residential development, Seven Facade applied their delivery model, with the team managing multiple buildings simultaneously while maintaining a consistent, high-quality finish across the entire development.

“The biggest challenge on MIO was the number of buildings being delivered at the same time,” said Director Hayden Birch. “Maintaining consistency across every block while keeping pace with the construction programme comes down to people, systems and communication.”

The product specification played an important role in achieving both the architectural vision and programme efficiency. Lysaght Trimdek steel sheeting provided a clean, durable profile across the larger façade areas. Fairview Genesis pre-finished panels were used to create the concrete-look feature blades that wrap around sections of the complex, forming a picture frame effect that gives the buildings depth, definition, and a striking visual identity.

“The Genesis panels arriving pre-finished as a concrete-look product was a major advantage,” explained Director Rory Stokes. “It eliminated the need for additional finishing trades and helped keep the programme moving.”

The contrast between the two systems was as effective both practically and aesthetically.

Handling the full scope, from wall wraps and waterproofing through to final cladding, gave the project team a single point of accountability and minimised the risk of issues falling through the cracks between trades.

That end-to-end philosophy traces directly back to the company’s origins. Founders Hayden and Rory started the business as working carpenters, and that trade background continues to shape every project they take on.

“Rory and I started out installing cladding themselves, we understand what’s required to deliver a quality façade, not just at the installation stage but from the very beginning,” Hayden said.

“That trade background gives us a practical approach to problem-solving. We understand buildability, sequencing and what builders need from their subcontractors to keep projects moving.”

“A big part of that is preparation,” Rory said. “Wall wraps, waterproofing, thermal bridging, R-values and ensuring the substrate is straight and ready for installation are all critical. We know that getting the basics right is what delivers a quality finished product.”

Seven Facade Directors Rory Stokes (left) and Hayden Birch (right), at MIO in Googong.

As the business has grown, that hands-on mindset has remained constant. Seven Façade has invested heavily in its people, systems, and project management processes. They have strengthened their leadership team and created greater structure around operations, procurement, and site delivery without losing the agility and personal accountability that defined the company from day one.

Rory remains a regular presence on site, working closely with supervisors and the Construction Manager to ensure workmanship, safety, and programme commitments are consistently met.

With the business on track to double in size and revenue this year, and a pipeline that includes Watson Health Hub, Winnunga, Elm Lane, The Heather, and The Googong Hotel, the growth trajectory is significant. Directors Hayden and Rory are clear that scaling will never come at the cost of standards. “Quality remains non-negotiable. Whether it’s MIO or a smaller project, the expectation is exactly the same.”

Seven Facade’s goal is straightforward, to keep working with builders who value quality, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.

For more information contact Seven Facade, phone 02 6297 3552 website 7facade.com.au




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Delivering Architectural Intent Through Buildable Systems

Stratco

The redevelopment of Grange Recreation Reserve reflects a growing expectation that community facilities contribute meaningfully to place, not simply function as utilitarian buildings.

Designed by SMFA, the project reimagines a traditional sports facility as a contemporary civic destination, balancing durability with a refined architectural expression. A robust lower level responds to heavy use and coastal exposure, while lighter upper elements reduce visual mass and introduce a finer grain across the façade. Subtle curved forms soften the building’s presence and help define key entry points throughout the site.

Central to the façade outcome is Stratco’s NINELINE™ Pleat architectural wall cladding, which establishes a consistent vertical language across multiple elevations. The profile was selected for its clean junctions and terminations, compatibility with adjacent materials including masonry and glazing, and ability to maintain alignment across varied façade conditions.

Beyond aesthetics, the system also supported the practical realities of project delivery. Integration within BIM workflows, including Archicad, enabled accurate modelling from early design development through to documentation, helping reduce uncertainty during construction.

Responding to the coastal environment was a key consideration throughout the project, influencing both material selection and façade detailing. Early collaboration between SMFA and Stratco Architectural Solutions allowed interfaces, fixing strategies and installation methodologies to be resolved during design development rather than later, on site.

The façade combines NINELINE™ Pleat cladding with complementary systems including Topdek® 700 roofing, forming a coordinated envelope solution that balances technical performance with architectural intent.

The result is a building that demonstrates how early collaboration between architect, supplier and builder can help maintain design clarity while responding to the practical constraints of construction.

For product enquiries for NINELINE™ contact Stratco, email architectural.solutions@stratco.com.au



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Façades Built for Performance

Modern Glazing Group

No longer viewed simply as an external skin, the façade has become a highly engineered component that influences everything from energy efficiency and daylight access to constructability and long-term building performance.

Modern Glazing Group continues to strengthen its reputation as a specialist in high-performance façade systems, delivering tailored glazing solutions across commercial, education, industrial, and healthcare developments throughout Australia.

The company’s broad capabilities are reflected across six standout projects, each showcasing a different aspect of its façade expertise.

Backed by more than 15 years of experience, Modern Glazing Group continues to deliver façade systems that balance performance, compliance, and architectural intent across some of Australia’s most diverse projects.

MS Wellbeing Centre

Modern Glazing delivered expansive glazing systems that maximise natural light while supporting the calm, welcoming environment essential within healthcare settings. The project highlights the company’s ability to integrate high-performance façades within sensitive community infrastructure.

Lane Cove Sports Centre

Demonstrating Modern Glazing’s expertise in large-scale commercial glazing, with extensive curtain walling and aluminium systems contributing to an open, contemporary sporting environment filled with natural light and visual connectivity.

Rosebery Engine Yards

Modern Glazing showcased its capabilities within heritage-adaptive reuse projects, carefully integrating modern glazing systems into the industrial character of the revitalised precinct while preserving the integrity of the original structure.

CDC Marsden Park MP1S1

Reflecting Modern Glazing’s growing industrial and data infrastructure portfolio, incorporating curtain wall systems, aluminium framing, and secure façade solutions suited to highly technical environments.

Green Square Public School

Highlighting the company’s experience within complex education environments, delivering durable, high-performance glazing solutions designed to support modern learning spaces and long-term operational performance.

Danebank Public School

Demonstrates the Modern Glazing’s ability to combine aesthetics, shading, and façade functionality within education projects, creating visually striking outcomes while supporting building performance and occupant comfort.

Modern Glazing Group
02 8203 4431
modernglazing.com.au



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