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Custom Laminated Balustrade Fins: North Beach House
Engineered glass fins deliver a functional, visually striking alternative to curved glass staircase balustrades, where small internal radius dimensions do not accommodate curved glass panels. This case study reviews the use of glass fins as an alternative to curved glass within the award winning MBA Best Overall Home in Australia - North Beach House.
Situated along the Western Australian coastline of North Beach, this remarkable property has 180-degree vistas of the Indian Ocean. Meticulously crafted to the highest standards, the residence spans over three levels and exudes contemporary sophistication and expert craftsmanship throughout. This is reflected in a sweep of awards: MBA Best Overall Home in Australia, 2022 MBA Best Overall Home WA and 2022 HIA Best Overall Home WA.
The basement level offers a sprawling gym and sauna area overlooking the pool and ocean beyond. The ground floor unveils an expansive open-plan living space, strategically elevated above street level for privacy from passing pedestrian traffic, while the first floor features generously appointed bedrooms, including the master suite with a sprawling walk-in robe. Connecting all three levels is a showcase spiral staircase. Wrapped in curved, Vista View balustrade panels with 45 staggered, individual glass fins fixed to the internal stringer for the internal balustrade, the staircase creates a stunning visual feature in the centre of the home.
Cooling Brothers supplied over 70% of the internal glass for project, including the staircase balustrades. As indicated by the awards, this property is a masterclass in residential construction, with every trade represented by a product that is finished to an impeccable standard.
Curved, frameless glass staircase balustrades blend functionality with showcase aesthetics in equal measures, and for projects where budget permits, it is hard to think of a balustrade for staircases that is more visually stunning.
Specify a glass design and glazing solution for internal staircase stringer with internal radius < 1000mm
In typical curved glass balustrade applications where an internal radius < 1000mm, curved glass is not viable and alternative balustrade options must be considered. Although glass can be bent to a minimum radius of 10 times the glass thickness, optical distortion, and additional processing such as laminating, sets the limit for minimum radii in curved glass balustrades. Even at the minimum limits for balustrade glass, an amount of distortion is apparent, both when looking through and in reflection, especially when viewing a moving object through the glass.
With an internal radius <900mm, the internal staircase was well beneath the minimum radius requirements, and an alternative solution had to be developed that would not only be functional, but highly aesthetic.
Space, light, and contemporary finishes and design consideration were paramount for this project, and the attention given to the details is evident in the national and international awards the home has collected.
The design objective for the staircase from Gavin Lim, Principal Designer, was to form a sculptural centrepiece for the home, captivating attention on every level of the house. The glass balustrade needed to fill a high aesthetic requirement in complementing the form, structure and materials palette, while remaining functional and within building code requirements.
Engineered, custom laminated glass fins provide a safe, functional, and visually stunning balustrade for the internal stringer
45 custom laminated, structurally engineered glass fins are fixed via custom stainless steel fittings to the central stringer. Glass was provided in the identical 14.28mm makeup to the outer stringer curved balustrade panels, and engineered to satisfy point loading and breakage requirements as governed by AS 1288.
Laser measured and positioned, the fins wrap around the entire internal stringer and up three stories for the full height of the staircase. This ensured the project could retain the frameless glass for a consistent materials selection, while showcasing custom manufactured glazing fixtures.
VistaView provides a completely frameless design for the external stringer balustrade
To achieve a frameless glass balustrade without a handrail and still comply with BCA 3.9.1, and 3.9.2, AS 1170.1 and AS 1288, building designers and architects can adopt a Performance Solution under the NCC.
This requires involves selecting a structurally appropriate balustrade solution, such as VistaView, and providing engineering certification that determines it will provide adequate structural support in the event of breakage. Certification can be achieved due to the structural SGP interlayer VistaView is built upon.
"The original brief from the client was a circular staircase, however we saw the opportunity to create a sculptural centrepiece of the home. The glass design and glazing expertise of Cooling Brothers was critical in delivering to this, while seamlessly working in with the wider team on what was an incredibly challenging and stressful part of the project. We’re thrilled with the outcome, and most importantly, so is the client."
GAVIN LIM
Opulence Interiors
