Glass was an important component of the materials palette during the design of global accounting firm, Grant Thornton’s new South Australian headquarters in the heart of Adelaide CBD. Located on the corner of Frome Road and Flinders Street, the new workspace has stepped away from the traditional concept of office design consisting of individual, partitioned cubicles to an open plan layout that places staff connectivity at its core.

Open plan work desks have been provided for both groups and individuals, ensuring the office operates as a truly collaborative space where juniors sit next to partners, gaining first-hand experience of their mentors in action.

The brief called for a light-filled, comfortable workspace as well as privacy from the outside world. Aware that glass was a key material in meeting the project’s design objectives, the design team introduced an expansive glazing facade to illuminate internal spaces with natural light while creating a beautiful indoor-outdoor connection that ensures teams can enjoy their location in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

Looking for a glass that met this brief, but also provided privacy from the outside world, the design team turned to Matthew Morrissey of Packers, who in collaboration with Stuart Bulmer of Chevron Glass, Viridian Glass and their respective teams came together to deliver a solution.

Mr Bulmer explained that the project required a product that delivered on performance as well as aesthetic. They needed a glass solution that provided reasonable light transmission, yet also ensured staff had privacy from passers-by outside. Consideration of the spandrel glass also had to be taken into account.

“Viridian’s SpectraElements Vesper was the perfect choice for the spandrel glass. It provided the best colour consistency and ensured a seamless connection between the spandrel glazing and the insulated glass units using Viridian SuperGrey in the façade.”

A decorative glass product, the dramatic Vesper colour introduced a bold, architectural statement to this modern, corporate space, while also providing a sophisticated accent to the building’s overall design.

“As a toughenable, Grade A safety glass, as well as a product that can be heat soaked, SpectraElements is resistant to impacts such as thermal shock, high temperatures and UV light, making it a perfect spandrel choice to withstand the soaring summer conditions of the South Australian climate,” explains Mr Bulmer.

The pre-painted product proved beneficial for the design team, as it reduced the glass’s overall processing time, helping deliver a more efficient and speedy build.

Solar exposure in the open plan and generously glazed building was overcome using the technology offered by high performance insulated glass units.

Stuart Bulmer worked with Viridian Account Manager, Joe Accaputo to source the glass with the Viridian team ensuring the glass could be ordered in the quantities needed, deliverable on the required timelines and suitable for the applications within the project.

Tasked with the challenge of creating this light-filled and engaging workspace, glass installer Packers worked in collaboration with Emmett Construct and Chevron Glass to meet the client’s specific project requirements and deliver a striking facade that integrated beautifully with the building’s overall design.

Image credit: Emmett Construct Pty Ltd.

Architecture & Design Team

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Viridian Glass

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