Outdoor Architectural Glass Sydney from Bent & Curved Glass

Bent and Curved Glass Pty Ltd are often presented with challenges requiring a re-assessment of what can be achieved in architectural glass. The "Outdoor Room" structure at the newly completed Green Square Community Creative Precinct in Sydney was a good example of this.

Stutchbury Architects conceived of what might be described as an audacious proposal to create linear skylights which double as the gutter system servicing a roof area of 550 square metres. This is no ordinary roof. It is created by 7 undulating curved copper clad barrel vaults which are joined by 6 curved gutters forming a reverse curve, sitting neatly between each barrel to a total of 91 linear metres. The question was asked: Can this curved gutter be glass? Glass was the preferred material to achieve the functionality and aesthetics the architects were looking for.

The challenge for Bent and Curved Glass was to achieve a 180° bend with flat tangent legs extending up to the roof flashing line. The glass was to be manufactured within tight dimensional tolerances to ensure the water tightness was maintained while achieving maximum light penetration to the area below. The gutter was required to be trafficable for cleaning purposes and the end to end joints needed to remain flush to achieve the required water flow.

There were many points of technical difficulty to be accommodated in the manufacturing process. Each panel was hand cut along it's length to a raking profile to accommodate the fall required for the rainwater to make its way to the outlet formed by a 150mm diameter hole in the end panel. The end panel was also hand cut around the curve to the 45° spout profile which mirrored the splayed end profile of the roof barrels.

A prototype stage was undertaken to test if the required dimensional accuracy and aesthetic characteristics could be achieved.

The success of the prototype led forward to the completion of what is a unique glass project of the type that may never be repeated.

The success of the project has been recognised by being awarded "Best Use of Glass in a Commercial Project valued at over $50,000," at the State and National Glass and Glazing Association Awards 2018. Also receiving 3 major awards at the recent Institute of Architects 2018, NSW Awards including the prestigious "NSW Architecture Medallion."

The experienced BCG staff work closely with architects, designers, builders & glazing contractors, at all stages of the building process, to create a viable, cost-effective and beautiful curved glass solutions.

BCG can contribute at the design, specification, tender and construction stages to ensure the successful integration of curved glass into any sized project. Let the unique qualities of curved glass contribute to the success of your next project.

Visit www.bentglass.com.au for more information today.