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From Concept to Completion: The Value of an Integrated Façade Approach

Chevalier (Aluminium Engineering) Limited

As Australian construction projects grow more architecturally ambitious, the demand for façade contractors who can do more than simply install cladding has never been greater.

Chevalier (Aluminium Engineering) Limited is meeting that demand head-on by bringing together in-house design, engineering, fabrication, and project management capabilities.

“Chevalier has in-house design, engineering, fabrication, and project management teams, making us one of the few façade contractors in Australia that still operates its own manufacturing facility for façade products,” said General Manager Vivian Leung. “With full control over the entire process, we are able to achieve exceptional efficiency, maintain strict quality control, and ensure timely project delivery.”

That integrated model is not simply a point of difference; it is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for the complexity of modern façade work.

That capability was demonstrated on the Harbourside Redevelopment, where the façade design included a series of highly articulated vertical fins intended to replicate the organic texture of weathered sandstone. The original concept called for glass reinforced concrete (GRC). Chevalier’s team, led by Project Managers Max Li and Charles Han, proposed and successfully delivered a precision-engineered aluminium solution, achieving the architect’s intended appearance while reducing weight, improving manufacturing accuracy, and enhancing the façade’s overall sustainability performance.

“Through detailed 3D modelling, extensive prototyping, precision welding, and hand-finishing, we were able to demonstrate that aluminium could faithfully replicate the architect’s vision while delivering real advantages in quality and constructability,” says Max Li. The project also incorporated low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable energy, directly contributing to the development’s sustainability objectives.

On site, the delivery was driven by an experienced installation team including Feng Ji, Frank Qi, Colin Li, and Lucas Gong. “Successful façade installation relies on experienced people, early planning, and genuine collaboration with every trade on site,” explained site team member Feng Ji. “That’s what made Harbourside work.”

The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA) demonstrated a different dimension of Chevalier’s integrated delivery model. With an architecturally complex façade geometry and demanding structural, weatherproofing, thermal, and acoustic performance requirements, the project relied on close collaboration between design, engineering, fabrication, and project management from the earliest stages.

Project Managers Charles Han and Fred Fan led Chevalier’s response, which centred on extensive early-stage engineering coordination and 3D modelling to identify and resolve interface issues before fabrication commenced, reducing construction risk while creating a smoother pathway for manufacturing and installation.

“The complexity of the SBA demanded that our engineering and design teams were embedded in the project from the very beginning,” explained Charles Han. “By working through the critical details early, we were able to streamline fabrication and installation significantly, and ensure compliance with the project’s strict performance criteria.”

At Iglu Kingsford, multiple materials and systems have been selected to create a single coordinated facade design. Curtain walling, aluminium cladding, terracotta panels, and GRC sunshade elements each bring different structural, manufacturing, and installation requirements.

By bringing design, engineering, fabrication, and project delivery together, Chevalier is able to coordinate those interfaces throughout the project lifecycle rather than resolving them as they arise during construction. Site team members Henry Guo and Charlotte He are central to managing that coordination on the ground.

“The key challenge is ensuring seamless integration between different materials and systems while maintaining the architectural intent and construction programme,” explained Charlotte He. “Having our design, engineering, and fabrication teams all working together makes that coordination significantly more manageable.”

Chevalier’s integrated model has enabled the company to approach façades as complete building systems rather than individual manufactured components. From re-engineering complex architectural features at Harbourside, to resolving performance requirements at the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, and coordinating multiple façade systems at Iglu Kingsford, the approach provides project teams with greater certainty from design through to installation.

“As buildings become more complex and performance expectations continue to rise, façade contractors need to contribute genuine technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle. Our integrated team allows us to work alongside architects, builders, and developers to deliver solutions that are both ambitious and practical,” explained Vivian Leung.

For more information contact Chevalier (Aluminium Engineering) Limited, Suite 2003, 109 Pitt Street, NSW 2000, phone 02 9232 3189, email cae@chevalier.com, website www.chevalier.com




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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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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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