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.
https://i0.wp.com/ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/78_INSTA_facades-stratco.jpg?fit=729%2C729&ssl=1729729ANCRhttps://ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ancr_logo_spaced.pngANCR2026-09-17 10:35:022026-09-17 11:40:06Delivering Architectural Intent Through Buildable Systems
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.
https://i0.wp.com/ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/78_INSTA_facades-modern-glazing-group.jpg?fit=729%2C729&ssl=1729729ANCRhttps://ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ancr_logo_spaced.pngANCR2026-09-17 10:30:102026-09-17 11:40:12Façades Built for Performance
Founded in 1999 and based in Pakenham, Victoria, Ultrafix Commercial Pty Ltd has delivered commercial aluminium windows, doors and glazing packages for more than 27 years across education, retail and commercial projects.
“When you work with Ultrafix, we become an integral part of your builder’s programme,” said Director Jason Male. “No matter the situation, we deliver quality on time, every time. It’s that can-do, reliable attitude that you can expect from working with our team.”
That approach was demonstrated at St Francis Catholic College, where Ultrafix delivered the project’s windows, doors and glazing package.
Working with a team of seven, the company installed the distinctive segmented curtain wall system incorporating structural corner box sections and spandrel glazing adaptors on the south façade.
The project required careful problem-solving from the outset to resolve structural glazing constraints. Ultrafix contributed to the design of the final façade, creating a solution that was not only buildabile, but also balanced structural requirements with the project’s architectural intent.
Supported by a team of 17 experienced professionals, Ultrafix continues to deliver aluminium window, door and glazing packages across education, retail and commercial projects throughout Victoria.
While fabrication and installation remain core elements of façade delivery, projects involving bespoke glazing systems often require specialist input well before materials arrive on site. By contributing during design development, contractors can help address structural glazing constraints, improve constructability and support efficient project delivery.
This integrated approach continues to inform Ultrafix’s work across commercial, education and retail developments throughout Victoria.
For more information contact Ultrafix Commercial Pty Ltd, 1/23 Southeast Boulevard, Pakenham VIC 3810, phone 03 5940 0666, email admin@ultrafix.com.au, website www.ultrafix.com.au
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.”
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.
https://i0.wp.com/ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/78_INSTA_facades-altitude-facades.jpg?fit=729%2C729&ssl=1729729ANCRhttps://ancr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ancr_logo_spaced.pngANCR2026-09-17 09:31:112026-09-17 11:40:32Heritage Glazing Solutions: Preserving Character with modern Façades
