Perspective on Albatross

Project Brief and Challenges

The Perspective on Albatross development required Trend to deliver glazing solutions for a nine unit residential complex, with two units per floor, positioned directly across from Mermaid Beach. The project's defining feature was a series of custom 90-degree external corner stacking doors that would become the centrepiece of each unit, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences while maximising ocean views.

Travis Rudken, Trend's Technical Commercial Project Manager, says of the project's distinctive requirements, "We did some large corner doors on this job which were on a 90-degree corner and that was on both sides all the way up the building. On one side they actually stacked back into a cavity pocket, and on the opposing side, the doors actually stacked back on the outside wall of the building."

The beachfront location presented additional technical considerations that would influence the material and hardware chosen for the project.

Custom engineering solutions

The project's most technically demanding aspect involved the design and manufacture of the 90-degree corner stacking doors. These weren't standard products that could be sourced from existing inventory. Working closely with Ron Kliendienst, Trend's senior project manager, Travis developed the custom engineering solutions required for the challenging coastal environment.

"These doors were site measured, drawn using CAD, and custom made to suit the specific opening sizes," notes Travis. "You can't walk into Bunnings and buy these doors. So there's a lot of thought that goes into them, and that included the measuring through to the CAD drawings, and being clear with our communication back to the builder as to how things needed to be for us to achieve what they wanted."

The unique configuration also meant that on one elevation, door panels disappeared into cavity pockets within the building structure, while on the opposing elevation, panels stacked externally against the building facade. This asymmetric design required different engineering solutions for each side while maintaining visual consistency across the façade of the building.

Installation and logistics challenges

Each door panel weighed approximately 160-170 kilograms, creating significant installation challenges that required specialised handling to get them from the factory to their final position on site. Despite the building being fully scaffolded, the panel dimensions created additional constraints. The door panels were so tall that they only just fit under the scaffolding bars. Travis explains, "We had to put a lot of guys on it to physically handle the doors once we got them craned up into the building."

The installation process involved craning panels up in lifting cages to reach each floor level, followed by precise manoeuvring to navigate the restricted vertical clearances. Multiple people were required to safely position each panel once delivered to the appropriate floor.

Despite these challenges, Trend's team successfully completed the installation of all doors without damage.  Trend also coordinated glass protection services to safeguard the substantial glazed areas during construction, ensuring the significant investment in custom glazing remained pristine through to project completion. This demonstrated the importance of thorough planning and experience when dealing with non-standard, heavy glazing components.

Project Coordination

Successfully executing such complex installations also required seamless coordination between all project stakeholders. This coordination was built on strong relationships established from the outset. Working with Black Developments and owner-developer Josh Di Carlo, Trend's team maintained clear communication protocols throughout the project.

Travis appreciates the value of a team that is in sync and communicating throughout a project saying, "When there's clear communication and builders know exactly what they want, it makes my job easier. We've done work for Josh before, so there's already a rapport that makes the process easier."

This collaborative approach extended to proactive problem identification and resolution. Trend's framework involves early identification of potential issues through detailed site consultation, followed by clear documentation of solutions and expectations. A prime example of this was evident in the finishing work, where the project required careful consideration of how different building elements would interact. The clients wanted near flush transitions between interior and exterior spaces, requiring precise coordination of sill heights with flooring contractors.

Travis's approach to managing these details demonstrates Trend's commitment to quality outcomes. "What I try to achieve is, if I'm going to see any issues with how things are going to be set up, any shortfalls that may occur, I try and lay it all out clearly, not just verbally on site, but also back up those thoughts and conversations in an email just to make sure everyone's on the same page." Where necessary, Trend also provides physical samples of sill sections, allowing builders and clients to visualise exactly how finished installations will appear. This hands on approach helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures client expectations are met.