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Point Fixed IGUs: Hale House, Perth
Hale House illustrates how high performance, contemporary double glazing can modernise a heritage structure without compromising its original aesthetic values. The $25m refurbishments features more than 350 square metres of InsulCool IGUs in a point-fixed curtain wall system, orientated to bathe the internal corridors with an abundance of natural light.
Built in the mid-1920s, Perth’s Hale House has been restored to house the WA Cabinet Secretariat and the Office of the Premier – and what better material to promote transparency of government than glass. Just as the glass dome of the Reichstag building in Berlin invites public communion with the German Parliament, so the expansive glazed curtain walls at Hale House in Perth, WA, suggest a communal and interconnected working environment for State Government administration staff.
Originally created as a school, several years ago the historic brick building was identified as an ideal base for the Premier’s day-to-day offices and other governmental operations involving the Cabinet. Subsequently refurbished at a cost of more than $25 million, the newly restored Hale House is a fine example of how highly efficient contemporary double glazing can modernise a heritage structure without compromising its original aesthetic values.
The restoration project was designed in partnership between heritage architect Philip Griffiths and Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland, with construction by Diploma. The glass and glazing elements were overseen by contractor Double Glazing Australasia, with Cooling Brothers supplying and installed the extensive glazing.
The frameless curtain wall design was achieved using point fixings through each IGU connected to articulated ball joints, which were in turn connected to spider fixings on the steel structure. The result is a high-performance, energy-efficient glazed walling system that harmonises perfectly with the predominantly brick original structure.
The largest point-fixed IGU project in Western Australia at the time of installation
A relatively simple glass configuration of 13.52mm SolTech neutral laminate / 12mm spacer / 10mm belies the complexity of production and installation. Cooling Brothers Sales and Marketing Director Vince Bianchini, “It was a learning experience for all involved, the holes and cut-outs created a range of manufacturing and installation complexities, not to mention working in an almost closed off courtyard under very cramped conditions. With our partners at Double Glazing Australasia, the project was delivered on time and on budget to the complete satisfaction of the client."
"This was an exceptional project as far as glass and glazing were concerned. Not only were all the glass and glazing units made in Australia, which is a rarity these days, but this was the largest point-fixed IGU project undertaken in Western Australia at the time – and a first for Cooling Brothers. Political parties may come and go, but this project will stand the test of time as something of which all parties can be proud.”
The refurbished Hale House, which stands just 150 metres from Parliament House, is now a bona fide part of the structure of government in WA.
Originally created as a school, the historic brick structure of Hale House was identified as an ideal base for the WA Premier’s day-to-day offices and other governmental operations involving the Cabinet.
"Point fixed IGUs result in a high-performance, energy efficient curtain walling system that harmonises perfectly with the predominantly brick original structure. The project is a fine example of how contemporary double glazing can modernise a heritage structure, without compromising its original aesthetic values."
VINCE BIANCHINI
Cooling Brothers Glass Company
