Delivering Australia’s Most Demanding Facade Projects

Winfix Facades

For major construction projects, façade delivery represents one of the most visible and technically demanding components of the build.

Established in 2005, Winfix Facades has developed its reputation around anticipating challenges, managing interfaces, and delivering certainty. Through experienced site teams, strong project management, and collaborative delivery, the Australian-owned specialist supports builders in delivering complex façade packages across commercial, residential, health, education, and mixed-use sectors.

“We’re known for experienced site teams, strong project management, quality workmanship, and collaborative delivery,” explained Directors, Chris Pattison, John Stournaras and Frank Stournaras. “That combination is what sets us apart, and it’s what we bring to every project regardless of scale or location.”

Winfix’s involvement in Harbourside Sydney and the Adelaide Central Market redevelopment highlights how this approach translates across vastly different project condition, from constrained waterfront construction environments to live CBD precinct developments.

At Harbourside Sydney, Winfix was engaged to install the façade package in conjunction with the builder and façade supplier. It was a scope that required careful management of logistics, craneage, lifting operations, and installation sequencing within a live, restricted inner-city construction environment.

“The CBD location meant significant logistical constraints from day one,” Chris explains. “Staged deliveries, close coordination with multiple trades, and careful planning of all lifting operations were essential to maintaining programme in what was a genuinely demanding environment.”

The architectural ambition of the project set an exceptionally high bar for precision and finish quality. Every element of the installation demanded close attention to alignment, tolerances, and visual consistency. These requirements were met through strong collaboration between the builder, the façade supplier, the installation team, and Winfix.

“Harbourside is one of Sydney’s landmark redevelopment projects,” Chris said. “To have contributed to that outcome, and to have delivered it to the standard the project deserved, is something the whole team is proud of. It demonstrates what Winfix is capable of on complex, architecturally significant façades.”

The challenges faced on façade projects are not always defined by scale or architectural complexity. At the Adelaide Central Market redevelopment, the focus was on managing delivery within a constantly evolving environment, where construction activities had to be coordinated alongside an operating market, surrounding businesses, and an active CBD precinct.

The scope included high-performance curtain wall systems, glazing, GRC planter boxes, curved balustrades, and associated façade elements across the mixed-use development. The constrained CBD location required the team to work alongside an operating market and surrounding active businesses throughout the programme. This was a logistical challenge that called for precise coordination between Winfix, the builder, the façade supplier, and multiple trades at all times.

“The CMAR project required us to manage constantly changing site conditions while maintaining programme commitments,” said State Manager, Ayden O’Brien. “Working in and around an operating market in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD demands a level of planning and communication that goes beyond a standard construction environment.”
The differences between Harbourside Sydney and CMAR demonstrate how façade delivery is shaped as much by project conditions as by the systems being installed. In both projects, Winfix’s role extended beyond installation, with the team working closely with builders, suppliers, and other trades to coordinate delivery, resolve challenges, and support the delivery of technically demanding facade installations on landmark projects.

The façade sector is evolving rapidly with increasingly complex architectural designs, growing sustainability and building performance expectations, skilled labour shortages, and tighter construction programmes reshaping what the industry demands of its contractors.

“We continue to invest in our people, systems, technology, and specialised installation equipment,” Ayden said. “That investment is what allows us to support sustainable national growth and keep pace with where the industry is heading.”

For more information contact Winfix Facades, email info@winfix.com.au or chris@winfix.com.au, website www.winfix.com.au

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Heritage Glazing Solutions: Preserving Character with modern Façades

Altitude Facades

In premium architectural projects, the facade is often where design ambition is won or lost. Delivering bespoke finishes, large-format glazing, and heritage-inspired detailing requires far more than product supply, it demands specialist expertise capable of transforming architectural intent into built reality.

This challenge is particularly evident in adaptive reuse developments, where façade systems must preserve a building’s architectural character while meeting contemporary performance, compliance, and constructability requirements.

For Altitude Facades NSW, these complex projects sit at the core of the company’s expertise. Established in 2014 and led by Managing Director Rino Soriente, whose 40 years of industry experience spans some of Sydney’s most significant projects, specialising in bespoke architectural glass, aluminium, and steel facades, cladding, windows, and canopies.

At the Rosebery Engine Yards refurbishment, Altitude Facades NSW delivered a customised steel glazing package that combined heritage authenticity with contemporary performance requirements. Responsible for the complete design, engineering, supply, and installation scope, the company navigated strict heritage requirements while maintaining the precision craftsmanship needed to realise the project’s architectural vision.

“This was an adaptive reuse project with a strict heritage compliance standard,” says Rino. “Every glazing and façade element had to match the original intent of the building, which required an exceptional level of care from design right through to installation.”

The scope included more than 2,500m² of clerestory windows and what is anticipated to be Australia’s largest pivot doors for a commercial retail setting. This remarkable achievement required the doors to be designed and fabricated entirely in-house, with a hand-applied rust finish used to achieve an authentic heritage aesthetic. Frameless glass doors completed the shopfront treatment.

Current projects include the Cutaway, SCEGGS Wilkingson House refurbishment, 175 Pitt Street, an early learning centre in Turramurra, and a façade refurbishment at Bondi Westfields.

For more information contact Altitude Facades, 105/14 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151, phone 0424 262 557, email sales@altitudegroup.net.au , website www.altitudefacades.com.au



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Architectural Precision Meets Prefabrication

Candour delivered precision timber façades for The Forest, combining CNC fabrication, modular assembly, and durable finishes.

Candour

Australian architecture continues to embrace the possibilities of intricate timber façades and precision prefabrication.

On the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, Candour translated complex designs into high-performance, buildable outcomes, leveraging CNC fabrication, modular assembly, and advanced timber treatments to realise one of Tasmania’s most technically ambitious adaptive reuse projects.

For The Forest, Candour’s contribution was key to achieving the project’s signature organic aesthetic. Candour’s scope ranged from mass timber façades to external fins with finishes that ensured both visual performance and long-term durability in the Tasmanian climate.

“We focus on complex timber design and fabrication, using our architectural prefabrication platform to efficiently deliver high-end outcomes,” explained Founder and CEO, Jas Johnston. “We CNC machined the Masslam façade and exterior fins, factory-applied a premium timber finish, and provided H3 treatment for all external fins.”

“The scale of this project pushed us to develop new quality control and part management processes to ensure an accurate and high-quality outcome,” Jas said. These improvements have now become part of Candour’s operational backbone, strengthening their capacity for future large-scale work.

Currently, Candour is applying the same innovative thinking to major projects across sectors, including the North East Link Motorway Control Centre and a range of architectural prefabricated homes, further showcasing the versatility of their advanced timber fabrication capabilities.

With a combination of digital precision, material knowledge, and a commitment to architectural excellence, Candour continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in timber fabrication—one meticulously crafted project at a time.

For more information contact Candour, 9 Sara Grove, Tottenham VIC 3012, phone 0402 823 549, email hello@candour.cc, website www.candour.cc

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Flowing with Excellence: Precision Plumbing in Action

Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania delivers innovative, sustainable hydraulic solutions at The Forest, combining technical precision and workforce development.

Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania

Tasmania’s commercial construction sector is evolving rapidly, with projects demanding not only technical precision but also innovative, future-ready solutions. In this environment, reliable and forward-thinking hydraulic services are critical to delivering buildings that are efficient, sustainable, and resilient.

Since its establishment in Tasmania in 2018, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania (CDT) has positioned itself as a trusted partner in meeting these challenges, combining technical expertise with collaborative project delivery to ensure complex developments are completed safely, on time, and to the highest standard.

Tasked with delivering advanced hydraulic systems, including syphonic drainage, suspended drainage under a raised access floor, rainwater reuse systems, and seismic design and installation, the CDT’s involvement demanded meticulous co-ordination across multiple disciplines.

“At CDT, we don’t just build systems — we build relationships,” said State Manager Alex Swift. “From early contract engagement and design development to cost planning and final delivery, our goal is to ensure every stakeholder is informed, involved and satisfied.”

With AS/NZS ISO accredited Quality and Safety Systems, the company’s WHSEQ team drives a collaborative and compliant culture across every job. “Safety, sustainability and smart technology are not optional — they’re built into our DNA,” the CDT team emphasises.

The Forest project also reflects CDT’s commitment to developing talent and nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Apprentice plumber Sam McLagan completed his apprenticeship on this development, contributing across every stage of the project. His journey underscores CDT’s focus on mentorship and skills development, and is a point of pride for the team.

Looking forward, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania continues to support Tasmania’s evolving infrastructure with innovative hydraulic solutions that push industry standards and deliver future-ready performance.

For more information contact Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Tasmania, Unit 2, 481 Main Road, Montrose TAS 7010, phone 03 6144 5504, email info@cdpg.net.au, website www.cdpg.net.au

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High-Precision Plastering for Acoustic and Curved Interiors

Plastering Solutions Tasmania applied advanced plastering systems to achieve acoustic compliance and seamless curved ceilings.

Plastering Solutions Tasmania

Achieving precise acoustic performance and seamless curved ceilings in high-use learning spaces requires more than standard plastering techniques.

For the University of Tasmania’s The Forest development, Plastering Solutions Tasmania carried out the Level 1 ceiling and partition works, shaping the spaces that support teaching, collaboration and movement throughout the building.

The project is defined by its curved forms, learning landscapes and quiet, nature-inspired interior palette. “The project incorporated a specialty acoustic system in key teaching and communal areas, which required a high level of care to install correctly,” said Plastering Solutions Tasmania Director, Mitch Turner.

One of the central challenges was the use of the FADE acoustic product, a semi-rigid fibreglass insulation panel finished with a spray-applied compound designed to create high acoustic absorption.

“It required precise handling, from the initial tape and setting of joints right through to the finished spray coats. Each stage had to be inspected, patched, and signed off before we could move to the next,” explained Mitch.

The project also featured extensive curved detailing throughout bulkheads, pelmets and ceiling forms in large teaching spaces. “The most complex FADE ceiling was a curved shell design integrated seamlessly into curved bulkheads and pelmets,” Mitch said. “These areas best showcase our craftsmanship. The precision needed to achieve those transitions was significant.”

To maintain a consistently high standard, Plastering Solutions Tasmania worked closely with Hansen Yuncken through on-site quality assurance. “Our main site manager, Andrew Hughes, oversaw the QA process and reviewed all framing and preparatory work to ensure the final finish met the project’s expectations,” Mitch explained.

Reflecting on the project, Mitch acknowledged the collective effort behind the work. “I’d like to extend a huge thanks to my team at Plastering Solutions Tasmania for their hard work and commitment, and to Hansen Yuncken for trusting us with such a great project.”

For more information contact Plastering Solutions Tasmania, 87-99 Talbot Road, South Launceston TAS 7249, phone 03 6128 3026, email mitch@pstas.com.au

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