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Holding It Together: The Hidden Engineering Behind Every Façade

Radiant North provided façade structural support for Norwest Quarter’s façades, ensuring stability, adaptability, and on-time delivery.

Radient North Engineers & Constructors

As one of the most ambitious mixed-use developments in NSW, Norwest Quarter demanded engineering partners who could adapt swiftly, communicate clearly and solve complex challenges with confidence. Radiant North Engineers stepped into this role as the project’s structural façade engineering consultant, applying deep expertise to ensure structural adequacy across key components of the development.

“We were engaged specifically to ensure the structural adequacy of the façade components,” explains Principal Engineer and Director, Zebei Jiang. “That included facade lightweight steel wall and opening framing and cladding sub-framing, supporting systems for sliding doors, cladding elements like CFC panels, brick slip systems, and the structural steel columns for the commercial areas in Buildings B and C.”

Working across lower levels, ground and Level 1, the team was responsible for designing the structural ‘skeleton’ that supported multiple façade systems. As construction progressed, scope changes and onsite realities required rapid reassessment and redesign.

“The timeframe was definitely the biggest challenge,” says Zebei. “It was a really fast-paced programme with evolving site conditions. In some cases, designs had to be revised multiple times after surveys revealed discrepancies from the original drawings.”

A notable example was the transition from brick slip cladding to conventional brickwork due to logistical constraints. “We had to redesign shelf angles and support systems very quickly to keep the project moving,” he explains.

For Radiant North, responsiveness wasn’t just about speed—it was about understanding the client’s needs immediately and delivering practical, buildable solutions. “When the client called with a problem, we understood what they needed right away,” Zebei says. “That’s where our experience really stood out. We were transparent, direct, and able to meet tight turnaround requirements—even when our work was on the critical path.”

Meticulous documentation, clear communication, and a problem-solving mindset contributed to the firm’s success. “We’re proud that our work speaks for itself,” says Zebei. “Most of our business comes from repeat clients and word of mouth—and projects like this are the reason why.”

For more information contact Radiant North Engineers & Constructors, 22 Ross Street, Windsor NSW 2756, phone
0403 564 772, email zebei@rneng.com.au

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Pioneering Complex Curtainwall and Façade Engineering

Ausrise Façades delivers precision-engineered, curtain walls and architectural façades, combining innovation, and technical excellence.

Ausrise Facades

For over two decades, Ausrise Façades has been at the forefront of façade innovation and precision, specialising in complex curtainwall systems, high- performance glazing, and architectural cladding solutions across Australia.

With 23 years of experience and a skilled team of 50 professionals, the company has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship,
and collaborative delivery, which were on display in their recent work on the UNSW Health Translation Hub (HTH) project.

Located within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, the HTH project posed a unique opportunity and significant technical challenge: to create a world-class façade system for a facility that brings together education, research, and clinical care under one roof.

“Our scope of work included all external curtain wall façades—glass, GRC (glass reinforced concrete), aluminium feature elements, fixed louvres, and frameless glazing at the podium,” said Kevin Hartin, Director at Ausrise Façades. “Every one of our 50 staff members was involved in this project in some capacity. It was truly an all-hands on effort.”

From the outset, the HTH’s architectural ambition was clear, with striking geometric forms and curved aluminium and GRC features shaping the building’s exterior. Ausrise was brought on for their ability to deliver complex façade systems with high technical accuracy and aesthetic precision.

“What made this project really stand out were the scale and shape of the GRC projections,” Kevin explained. “They involved large- format panels with very tight tolerances and complex curvature that pushed the limits of conventional fabrication and installation.”

Overcoming the engineering challenges of both these curved aluminium and GRC elements required early engagement with structural consultants, iterative 3D modelling, and customised mounting systems.

The Ausrise team worked closely with the builder, architect, and façade engineers to ensure every panel aligned with the architectural vision while maintaining long-term durability and thermal performance.

The podium-level frameless glazing system also presented logistical and sequencing complexities. These were resolved through meticulous staging and real-time coordination with other trades. Despite the scale and technical difficulty, Ausrise delivered their scope on time and to specification.

“The HTH project exemplified what Ausrise does best, bringing engineering, fabrication, and site installation together seamlessly to meet architectural intent,” said Kevin. “We’re proud to have been part of such an important project for UNSW and the broader research community.”

Beyond the HTH, Ausrise continues to push the boundaries of architectural façade delivery. The company is currently working on the Macquarie University Engineering and Astronomy Building, another architecturally ambitious project that showcases their deep capability in technical façade solutions.

With a growing portfolio of major university, commercial, and public infrastructure projects, Ausrise remains committed to its founding values of quality, innovation, and collaboration. Their vertically integrated model (combining in-house design, manufacturing, and installation,) enables them to tackle increasingly complex façades with confidence and precision.

“Over the past 23 years, we’ve built our reputation on consistency and problem- solving,” Kevin noted. “Every project is different, and we pride ourselves on adapting our systems and processes to suit. At the end of the day, it’s about delivering value, performance, and design excellence to our clients.”

For more information contact Ausrise Façades, 6/5 Clerke Place, Kurnell NSW 2231 Kevin Hartin – phone 0422 803 933, email kevin@ausrise.com.au, Paul White – phone 0422 803 932, email paul@ausrise.com.au, website www.ausrise.com.au

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Integrating Durability, Compliance, and Aesthetics in Facade Design

Izzat Consulting delivered innovative façade engineering solutions, balancing complex design, structural performance, and sustainability

Izzat Consulting Engineers

Izzat Consulting Engineers provided façade engineering expertise, including waterproofing design on the Forma & Contra project. The architectural vision required a high-volume of custom-designed components to achieve both the design and meet the structural requirements.

“As façade engineers, we had to design and document multiple architectural features, including louvres, screens, balustrades, window hoods, and corbels, ensuring the head contractor, Buildform, and their subcontractors had the detailed specifications needed to construct these elements,” explained Brett Brown, Director and Technical Manager at Izzat,.

“One of the major innovations was the laser-cut aluminium handrail, which not only met the architectural intent but also complied with structural performance standards,” Brett noted. Izzat also designed a brick screen with strategically placed openings to balance ventilation, light, and privacy while maintaining structural integrity against wind loads and other building regulations.

“Efficient design is key to minimising environmental impact,” Brett said. “We meticulously considered material selection, structural longevity, and compliance with industry standards to reduce the risk of premature maintenance and remedial work. Too often, we see buildings that aren’t designed with durability in mind, leading to costly repairs. By integrating long-term efficiency into our designs, we ensure a more sustainable outcome.”

Collaboration was integral to the project’s success. “Buildform managed the design process seamlessly, organising regular design workshops where all consultants could work through competing priorities,” Brett said. This approach allowed greater flexibility and problem-solving, ensuring that engineering, architecture, and budget constraints were all effectively balanced.

Reflecting on the project, Brown highlighted the importance of adaptive design thinking. “Engineering is about problem-solving, and this project reinforced the need for creativity in developing alternative solutions that meet structural, aesthetic, and financial requirements simultaneously.”

For more information contact Izzat Consulting Engineers, Unit 137, Oaks Goldsbrough, 243 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009, phone 02 9552 3484, website www.izzat.com.au

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