Category Archives: Aluminium

G.James Extrusion Facility

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extrusionplant

G.James Extrusion Co. Pty Ltd, (G.James) has in recent times reinvested and modernised a major part of its Extrusion Warehousing, Packaging and Surface Finishing operations. With these projects now complete, G.James’ management have turned their attention to investing further in its Extrusion Press operations.

A greenfield site, known to most in Brisbane as the “old Ford Factory”, will now be recognised as 990 Kingsford Smith Drive (KSD). This site will house a purpose-built 20,000 sqm facility, which will be the principle location of G.James’ Extrusion Press operations.

The new Extrusion Plant will bring with it improved efficiencies by significantly reducing the number of manual tasks associated with our existing processes. One such task is the Die Management System which will see the extrusion dies retrieved from storage, moved to the oven, and finally into the press all achieved through automation.

The Extrusion Plant will include all of what is expected from modern day extrusion press technology. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • a vertical log storage rack
  • a log manipulator
  • a log brusher
  • an efficient log furnace with gas taper
  • a hot log saw
  • a short stroke front loading press
  • a complete new handling system with full quenching capability
  • a double run out table
  • a stretcher
  • a saw and profile stacker
  • a scrap removal system.

Automated cranes will control the movement of baskets throughout the plant, including the processing through ageing ovens. All production will be controlled by the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), including recipe managers and PLC control of plant and equipment.

The new Extrusion Plant will allow G.James the ability to utilise our resources more efficiently. With this improved productivity, it is expected that G.James’ two new presses will generate comparable capacity to that of our four existing presses. Coupled to the labour cost savings are significant energy savings. The new plant will operate under the latest generation power saving devices, providing us an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our ‘green’ credentials.

If you wish to learn more about this project – either as a supplier of goods and services or a potential customer, please contact us.

Soul Apartments, Surfers Paradise

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Soul tower, Surfers Paradise - Balustrades, sliding doors and fixed windowsSoul Apartments were constructed at an exclusive location by the water at the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. The tower reaches 77 storeys, including 2 levels of commercial premises at the base, one level of leisure facilities for the resident population and the tower above devoted to lifestyle apartments.

The 243m high building was designed by DBI Design PL and built by Grocon, under the direction of the Juniper Group.  The tower is situated at the end of Cavill Avenue – the popular shopping strip at Surfers Paradise. G.James Glass & Aluminium won the contract to supply the design, fabrication and installation of the glazing – including windows, doors, louvres, curtain wall, sun blades and balustrades.

The Soul of Surfers Paradise.
The printed glass awning of the shopping precinct.

The Residential Tower Facade

The residential tower consists of 288 apartments with a variety of glazing types – a curtain wall face, balconies with sliding doors and windows. The sheer curtain wall façade was produced using the 650 Series glazing system, and fitted between the concrete support columns. Sky blue laminated glass contrasts well with the white columns in the marine setting.  The majority of the project’s extrusions were powder coated (finished) in Eternity Steel – a dark finish that blended into the shadow lines.

Beach front tower views.
Soul Apartment tower – Blue and White
Looking over the ocean, the glazing takes full advantage of the view.
Sliding doors and windows – Interior shot.

The balcony glazing utilizes the 445 Series sliding doors, 450 Series fixed windows and 415 Series louvres. The balustrading for the tower was done with 571 Series. At the top of the building, the shape of the balustrade glass was raked from level 60 and above to support the curved aspect. The raked balustrades required special layouts and bracketry specific to the level they are installed on to make the curve regular.

The apex of the towers shaped like the curve of a wave.
Balustrade from a balcony overlooking the beach.

The tower colour scheme contrasts vivid blue sections with predominantly white areas.  The blue areas were created using sky blue glass, the same as the sheer wall. The white areas use a Cool Grey glass. The Balustrades match the colour coding of the area they fall in, and intensify the look with a reflective coating.

Just a stones throw off the world famous Cavill Ave.
Looking down over the printed awnings.
Facing the ocean.

Sun blades are installed on the upper portion of the tower.  The south face at the sub penthouse level has large angular alpolic blades fitted to the Juliet balconies, creating a visual feature and angled to block harsh glare.

Ensuite on level 72.
Sun blades being installed on the south elevation at the sub penthouse level.

Commercial Levels

On the lower commercial levels, 3 floors high, G.James supplied the ceramic printed toughened glass (installed by others) and balustrading. The ceramic printed toughened glass for the awnings has a creeping fern pattern.  The 571 Series balustrades for the first 3 floors were internal and external, and include the the shopping plaza. 

Ceramic Printed glass pattern – detail.
Ceramic painted awning – glass supply by G.James

QuickAlly Access

QuickAlly Access Solutions (a G.James business) supplied scaffolding to replace damaged balustrade, recently.  The affected glazing occured on level 6 and level 75.  Both balustrade glazing occur on balconies with limited space to provide a cantilever, so solutions were suggested and engineered to find the best approach. Ladder beams and other Systems Scaffold products were used for a suspended platform to provide safe access to the high risk heights.

Ladder beams and System Scaffold equipment used together to form a safe access platform.
The platform needed to be used because of concern over the use of abseiling equipment and the procedure was under review.
The platform used for the balustrade glazing replacement.

The Effect

The glazing on this project makes a stunning impression from inside and out, and could not be accomplished without a high level of design and coordination. It was a great opportunity to contribute to an iconic building.

Internal fixed window.
Looking towards Cavill Avenue.

Capturing Light in an Urban Space

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natural light -elev - east This residence has recently been constructed in one of the laneways of Fortitude Valley, just outside the Brisbane CBD in Queensland. Using smart orientation and well designed glazing features, a light and airy modern house has been constructed.

This urban block with an area of about 200m², fits a house with an approximate 90m² footprint. The architect, Andrew Wiley proposed a house that is naturally lit with a spacious feel in this confined perimeter. This was done working with interior designer Benta Wiley, to maximise the effect of light play on the artworks and sculptures intended for the house. The builder, Nick Chatburn & Co, worked in conjunction with G.James Glass & Aluminium to provide the glazing for the project.

Design

There are two façades taking advantage of open areas outside to maximise views and natural sunlight entering the 3 storey building. In particular the east elevation has a glass wall the height of the building.  This wall provides naturally light to an atrium that every room in the house opens into. Glass fins support the expanse of frameless glazing. The effect of this light well gives the house a spacious feel, enhancing the flow and communication between living spaces.

The Atrium opens onto all three storeys of the house creating spaciousness.
The light from the atrium filters into all the rooms of the house.
The light and ambiance created by the atrium brings the best of the outdoors inside.

Blue glass intensifies the colouration of the sky outside – used in the atrium and sliding door/windows on the north and east faces. These large windows are made from sliding doors that enable 2100 high windows.  As a safety barrier, glass balustrade is installed to the interior. This maximises the amount of light that flows into these rooms.

Shutters sit on the outside of these windows, promote a modern feel to the houses exterior.  Internally the shutters provide an insulative shade barrier, blocking the harshest rays yet letting light filter through the gaps and cooling air that flows between them. The detailing for these doors was developed at G.James – they sit on a large structural angle that is fixed to the outside of the building to give them the floating appearance.

The shutters to the east light the stairwell by the atrium, and the bedroom and lounge room toward the back of the house.
Closed, the shutters permit light to highlight the living spaces inside with a glow.
The view to the street frontage to the north facade.

Natural Light Features

Natural light penetrates from one side of the house to the other with the use of glass internal doors, slit windows strategically positioned to the south and west faces, and glass roof lights. There are two of these with opaque glass on the ground level that give the office and laundry a bright lift.

The office is lit up with a translucent glass sky light to the west side of the building.
From the south to the north end – open spaces, glass doors and the atrium lend to the light and spaciousness of the home.
The kitchen faces north with two full height windows made from sliding doors sitting on the face of the property.

The third glazed sky light is a glass canopy located at the top of the stairs, leading onto the roof. An opening at the top of a space such as the atrium draws rising hot air up and out, naturally cooling the entire house and enhancing air flow through it. The glass canopy leads to a stunning outdoor area overlooking the neighbourhood, made of self cleaning glass.  Being completely see through, it doesn’t create a visual barrier in the centre of this space, but divides the different areas up for their individual uses.

The glass canopy that opens onto the living space on the roof.
Flora is hundreds of years old – one of a set of statues that would border the entrance to a dwelling in earlier times in Italy. Now she welcomes you to the roof top outdoor area.
The living space is divided into a large outdoor BBQ / kitchen / dining space on one side, and the spa / lounge area on the other. Both boast 360 degree views.

Bringing the Best of the Outdoors Inside

The entire house incorporates the enjoyment of being able to make the most of the Queensland outdoors and lifestyle – starting as you enter the house.  The front door to the property is through a wide frameless glass door.  This electronically operated pivot door opens into what seems like a courtyard complete with a well planted pond. Over the pond is another frameless sliding door operated automatically, allowing lush green plant life outside to become part of the welcoming committee. This space is in fact the inside of the atrium.

The arrangement of the structural support columns for the house provide openings looking onto the lush green landscaping – inside and out.
The pond is inhabited by an array of brightly coloured Koi that navigate between the security bars in the pond.
The door over the pond provides a beautiful space letting the outdoors peek inside, and permits air to flow up through the atrium.

Interior Inspiration

The house is an inspiration, and a beautiful example of what can be achieved with limited space in a medium density urban area.

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Products by G.James

  • Entry – toughened clear glass into 475 series surround framing with frameless pivot door
  • Atrium – Structurally glazed laminated blue glass with fins into 450 series surround framing. (External blind by builder)
  • Hinged Internal and Back Doors – Toughened glass frameless doors into 475 series framing and glass channel hydraulic hinges.
  • Auto Sliding over fish pond – Toughened glass frameless door with 475 series glass channel surround frame.
  • Dining Window – 131 series offset sliding window, 3.6m long with a 1.2m sash.
  • Sliding window / doors – 245 series commercial sliders with blue laminated glass. Sliding shutters are made from G.James extrusions by a third party, and incorporated into the 245 sliding track. The glazing sits on large angle bracketry on the external face of the building to give it the seamless appearance.
  • Down stairs sky lights – white translucent glass structurally glazed to stainless steel pressings.
  • Glass roof / canopy – Sides are Low E  heat strengthened laminate on Stainless steel stand off.  Roof top glazing is self cleaning, Low E heat strengthened  laminate with polished SS pressings.
  • Fixed glazing – white translucent glass in 450 series framing.
  • 3 Shower screens – frameless shower glazing – one of each style -bay window, single shower screen panel and square base.
  • Extrusions finished in a stone grey powder coat.
    The sliding window / shutters to the north elevation provide a modern geometric facade to the street frontage.
    The translucent glass sky lights on the ground level are found on the west face.

    A modern residence in Fortitude Valley, Queensland
    The south and west faces border surrounding properties. Privacy is maximised with strip windows glazed with translucent glass.

Bushfire Risk, Assessment and Glazing Solutions

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Australia has a love hate relationship with bushfires. It has been so much a part of the natural history here it has become an endemic part of existence; without bushfire certain plants wont propagate, although the rest of anything living, fears it. It’s just one of the many parts of the Australian lifestyle that needs to be taken in a serious light – and be prepared for.

Assessing Bushfire Risk

There have been major developments in ways to protect in the case of bushfire – from household escape plans, to continuing technology in fire fighting strategies and more recently since dramatic fire events, building design. Australian Standards have developed AS 3959, and as part of that, a system that determines your Bushfire Attack Level or BAL. In the BAL, it gives a provision for products in the building industry to be rated according to their resistance to bushfire attack.

The BAL rating for your situation can be determined by referring to AS3959 or guides provided by your local services. NSW Rural Fire Service has a comprehensive user guide as an Application Kit to the BAL for reference. You will attain one of six rated categories. Your risk is assessed by looking at type and proximity of vegetation, and the slope of the land your property is on. Your calculated BAL rating is used to select building products. Products will be rated with the same figures, offering protection for that level of BAL rating.

The G.James Bushfire Attack Level Manual is used to ensure you are properly protected in your glazing choice.
Calculate your Bushfire Attack Level rating for correct product selection when building or renovating.

BAL Rated Glazing Options

G.James Glass & Aluminium has developed a BAL manual to guide people through making the right decision when looking at glazing products. It outlines the G.James glazing suites that should be used for buildings in the following high risk categories:

  • BAL 19
  • BAL 29
  • BAL 40

The G.James BAL manual outline the glazing system, glass type, hardware, gaskets and mesh requirements for the individual systems according to your BAL rating. As an example, if you have a rating of BAL 29, and need a double hung window, we will suggest you use the following:

The 136 Series Double Hung Window with a minimum of 5mm toughened glass, standard mohair, glazing vinyls and other hardware, and external screens require a fire retardant spline with aluminium or steel mesh with an aperture of less than 2mm. This is an example only, and you need to confirm details with G.James staff that can ensure these are the products you need for your individual situation.

An example of detailing for BAL 40 rated areas.
Toughened Glass is a safer option in bushfire prone areas
Fly screens enhance your protection, but as the risk of bushfire becomes greater, stronger materials are better.

Your selection of glazing should not be limited. G.James have BAL glazing solutions for sliding doors, louvres, double hung windows, fixed windows, hinged doors, bifold doors, awning windows, casement windows and sliding windows. When you talk to G.James personnel, they can guide you through the options.

Requirement for Buildings

There is no requirement to alter existing building materials, but if you plan on building or renovating, you will need to implement the recommendations of the the BAL report. It is a wise idea to be aware of the rating your property would get even if you aren’t looking at building in the near future. Finding out the weak points, you can make minor adaptions to the building materials or surrounding vegetation to give yourself a better chance in case fire ever threatens your neighbourhood.

Be aware of the different ways you can keep knowledgeable about risks in your area. Know your local brigade and SES, having their contact details on hand. Check your states fire services for more information.

Certain framing suites are better to use, because of their strength and ability to house the correct gasket design.

During recent fire incidents when the heat was on, communication became difficult due to cut lines, and websites being bombarded and going down. The NSW Rural Fire Service had a great system of reporting regular updates on their face book feed. Know where to keep up to date on the latest details and leave emergency lines free for those that require it.

Be prepared and stay safe.

Glazing 918 Darwin Apartments in a Single LEAP

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G.James Glass and Aluminium - Transport DivisionStage 2 of the Australian Defence Force’s accommodation upgrade to their Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct (LEAP) in Darwin saw the construction of 918 new apartments. It was a highly organised development that had strict protocols and required innovative task management to accomplish the project.

This upgrade will improve and better integrate the living standards and communities where single defence personnel reside. The project is being managed by the Plenary Group, recognised as international specialists in providing whole community concepts, with Woods Bagot as the architect.

G.James Role

G.James Glass and Aluminium’s Darwin office successfully negotiated the contract to supply and fit glazed windows, door frames, security doors and louvres to the various planned concepts in two locations – Larrakeyah (in the city) and Robertson (rural). Each site had individual acoustic, thermal (energy efficiency), wind loading, water penetration and bushfire requirements which formed part of the specification. To ensure compliance, G.James undertook  product modifications, the development of new systems and conducted testing for the intended suites. The contract is to be achieved in two phases of supply and installation that span over 1 ½ years.

G.James is organised to take on projects of this scope. Divisions including business support services and transport are combined with a large workforce and the latest technology to fulfil the resource requirements of larger ventures. For the Darwin project, initial discussions internally located potential branches with facilities and personnel available. Once the project was awarded, managers designated the resources available to meet the commitments.

Design

Darwin comes with stringent water and wind pressure requirements.  Product testing was needed for the new 472 Series door framing system and the 246 Series sliding door for Darwin’s conditions.

Testing for all products can be done in house with the G.James rig and amenities.
The glazing line that provides all of G.James insulated glazing units.

Energy efficiency was addressed using IGU’s.  This also helped resolve the acoustics issue at the Robertson location, as there was a flight path located overhead.

BAL Rating

Bushfire ratings are addressed at the Robertson location due to the proximity to bushland in its rural setting.  A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is given to an area or facade to determine the requirements of the materials used.  Glass and gaskets are selected that comply with these conditions from the G.James BAL Manual.

The BAL ratings applied to G.James materials have been determined from AS3959 as “Deemed to satisfy” or the prescriptive method.  The prerequisite for the physical properties of glazing materials in bushfire prone areas is to resist ember attack and radiant heat transfer.  Your local branch or G.James representative can give you further information on BAL compliant products available.

G.James Bushfire Attack Level manual stating the G.James products that are deemed to satisfy, and the Australian Standard.
Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle farm is flanked with G.James departments and offices.

Implementation

The work was divided up in accordance with the capabilities and current workloads of various branches. Some were accustomed to this volume of work, and others were introduced to it.  The branches involved are outlined as follows, with a brief summary of the who they are, and a quote about what this project entailed for them:

Head Office

Initially, the Business Support Service division at G.James’ Head Office assisted the Darwin branch with project specific engineering, product design, contract administration and material / production coordination.

G.James Head office – 1084 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm, Queensland
G.James has been publicly recognised for its many achievements in the industry.

“This included a review of the products to create efficiencies in product manufacture and installation. Because of the distance that products were to travel by road, we also orchestrated the design of several specific packing crates.” – John Staunton (Manager of Business Support Service).

G.James’ Head Office is charged with the role of being the central point of direction for the branches with regards to technical advice, administrative services and major project logistics & coordination. This responsibility is assisted in the fact that the Head Office is in close proximity to the Group’s major manufacturing facilities at Eagle Farm.

Maroochydore Branch

Maroochydore supplied the entry door frame, highlights and sidelights made with the new 472 Series, as well as Crimsafe screens.

The Emmegi machines located in most G.James factories allows fine work to be done faster and more accurately.
G.James Maroochydore branch – Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park, Queensland

“For 12 months, the Darwin Defence Accomodation has been keeping our commercial and Crimsafe departments with a constant flow of work. The Emmegi CNC machine has been vital part of the processing for the doors required on this project” – Darren Mahoney (Branch Manager)

Bundaberg Branch

Bundaberg worked on 475 Series fixed louvre grill and top hung sliders, Crimsafe screens for the 246 Series sliding doors, and 475 Series hinged Doors.

G.James Bundaberg branch – 49-51 Enterprise Street, Bundaberg, Queensland
Glazing packed and ready to be picked up.
Single LEAP glazing in production

“It has been amazing to see the various number of branches working together to have all items made, packaged and then transported to Darwin (without damage) ready for installation all within the tight time frames. “ – Damian Perry (Estimator)

KDC

KDC (or the Knock Down Components factory in Brisbane) cut and processed assembly kits for the 246 Series sliding doors.

KDC specialise in making components for mass production.
The KDC Crew, each with a piece of Darwin Defence Project framing.
G.James KDC – Shed 21, 2 Schneider Road, Eagle Farm

“We have only had to replace two door frames due to transit damage which demonstrates our attention to detail and ability to supply component parts to the correct specification on time to allow for efficient project management ongoing.” Jason Claridge (Branch Manager)

KDC typically make standard glazing packages for nationwide distribution.

Riverview

Riverview provided framing for the 472 Series fixed glazing and hinged doors.

“Riverview are accustomed to national distribution, being the only manufacturers of double hung windows, so coordinating this project was not out of character.  It did allow us to contribute our other skills and it was fantastic to be a part of such a combined effort.” – Ben Driessen (Branch Manager)

Loading the trucks at Riverview is easy with purpose built loading bays.
G.James Riverview branch – 15 Verrall Street, Riverview, Queensland
One of the Riverview factories houses older styles of glass that are becoming rare to find.

Along with Double Hung Windows, Riverview have a stock of unusual glass types and patterns that are invaluable to replacing period style glass.

Woodridge

Woodridge took care of the 048 Series fixed and awning windows.

“The scale of work for this job saw our manufacturing processes streamlined. It is good to know just how much work we are capable of doing.” – Garry Fulton (Branch Manager)

Production of 048 fixed and awning windows at Woodridge
Glazing frames at the Woodridge branch in production
G.James Woodridge branch – 23 Kingston Road, Woodridge, Queensland

Woodridge produces almost all products made by G.James products (except double hung), and services the area from south of the Brisbane river to the top of the Gold Coast and out to Manly and Redland bay. They also make a lot of commercial products for Western Australia, and supply 048 series hopper windows to other branches and departments.

Glass Department

The Glass Department in Brisbane manufactured all the glass for the project.

“Our glass department is built to take mass orders of this size, so implementing it was not a problem.  It is good to work on this scale of project, knowing we are contributing to such a large G.James effort.  It is what makes G.James the company we are – we have the ability to take on this kind of work as we have the most sophisticated and modern technology available to us.” – Tony Evans (Operations Manager)

G.James Glass Department – Shed 23, 2 Schneider Road Eagle Farm
The vast scale of which they process glass in the glazing sheds is an impressive sight.

The sizeable glass operations produce many different types of glass – from sizing annealed, coated and tinted, to manufacture of laminated, toughened, printed, patterned as well as IGU’s.

Mechanical and Transport Division

Mechanical and transport departments provided transport for all the components to be brought to Brisbane for coordination and shipping to site.

“We coordinate this type of work all the time – the volume of this job was quite large, however, and meant strict management of delivery – the right products at the right time.” – John Erskine (Transport Manager)

The transport division is fully equipped – including a weighing bridge.
G.James Transport division – 30 French Street, Eagle Farm, Queensland
Crates of material ready to be loaded up for Darwin at the transport shed in Eagle Farm.
Trailers being prepared for deliveries.

Transport run a fleet of trucks up and down the East Coast of Australia (Sydney to Cairns) to service delivery of the full range of G.James products.

Darwin

Darwin – project coordination and implementation.

” We would never have been able to pull it off without the support of all the other branches that got involved and helped us make this job a reality. To everyone – thanks, it was greatly appreciated.” – Scott Harris (Branch Manager)

Darwin operations manufacturing for the defence project.
G.James Darwin Branch – 97 Winnellie Road, Winnellie, Northern Territory

On Site

The products, when ready, were transported to Darwin, and fixers were sub contracted to carry out the vast workload at installation.   Attention to detail was essential as all the glass for this project was site fitted because of additional fixings in the glazing pocket required to meet the high local wind loads.

Project status

The project is in its final stages, and is projected to be complete by the end of this year (2013).  Coordinating our resources to achieve higher rates of product supply is not a new service performed by G.James.  We are capable of performing this kind of logisitical coordination to make this scale of projects feasible. G.James welcomes discussion to assess how we can provide solutions for any similar large projects.

Eagle Farm Bus Depot – A G.James All Rounder

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G.James, Gossi Park and QuickAlly Access Solutions at the Bus DepotA project showcasing the many products G.James Glass & Aluminium and affiliates produce, is due to open next week. Facets of the G.James organisation, including metal fabrication, Gossi Park & Street Furniture, glass and QuickAlly Access Solutions scaffolding, have made their own way to be part of a humble bus depot.

The Eagle Farm Bus Depot has been recently constructed on Schneider Road in Brisbane. It spreads out over a large area that is mainly car park, or bus park, for the automotive fleet. The industrial surrounds of the location require an outdoor area that is visually protected, yet bright and airy. These qualities were put in place by architects Nettleton Tribe and built by Adco, with landscape work sub contracted out to Penfold Projects.

The variation of heights gives a relaxed feel to the structural lines.
A vibrant professional feel resonates from the clean lines.

Setting the scene in an industrial neighbourhood

The brilliant colour of the louvres dominates the skyline, blocking out the surrounding visual hubbub of transport. The powder coat colours chosen, Dulux Duratec Intensity Yellow and Interpon Ultriva Sensation Gloss orange stand out from the background colour, Dulux Zeus Silver Grey. They are randomly alternated, and square and elliptical profiles were used to enhance the arbitrary nature of the feature screens.

The light and shadows play with the lines and edges creating an optical illusion that more colours are used than just the two.
Two very distinct shapes make up the patterns.

The south side of the building uses horizontal louvres. It overlooks the parking spaces for the buses.  The horizontal lines making it easier to see through these to monitor the movements of the buses coming and going, while still allowing the colour and striation to make a visual impact.

The space created is bright and spatious, lending to a pleasant area to spend breaks.
Sunshine bright even under cloudy conditions.

The north side of the building has an outdoor seating area that uses vertical louvres as a fence like barrier. They vary in height to follow the incidental theme, making the area less formal and lending more interest.

Quick Solutions

G.James Joinery or Light Metal Fabrication Department won the tender through Adco to coordinate the design, manufacture, production and installation of the louvres.

Barely discernible except on closer inspection, the louvre joints have a small gap to allow for expansion and contraction.
QuickAlly’s aluminium mobile scaffold was used to access to the top of the posts and higher louvres.
The QuickAlly ute happened to be parked in front where their customers were at work on the bus depot.

The on site installation was sub contracted to a company that utilise the QuickAlly aluminium mobile towers scaffolding system. They used this to access the top of the posts and higher louvres (or higher end of the louvres in the vertical areas). It was an ideal situation for the mobile scaffolds, as their height is adjusted simply to meet the level of the work area. They are lightweight and able to be manoeuvred easily along the louvres providing a safe, secure platform to do the installation from.

Creating atmosphere

The finishing touches, to make the place welcoming and user friendly, were provided by Gossi Park & Street Furniture. Gossi’s products were specified by the architect, Nettleton Tribe, and were coordinated through Penfold Projects.

An area is provided for breaks, where it is easy for large groups to gather.
4 of these are used – two in each area for recycling and general waste.
Using Aluminium with a timber look gives you a longer lifespan with a consistent finish.

21 settings are scattered in two areas, using Access Tables and Parkway Seats. Access Table are disability compliant, and positioning of the Parkway seating allows enough space for wheelchair use.

The “planks” of the furniture have been powder coated a reddish brown for a timber look – a colour called Headland. The frame and legs are powder coated Shale Grey – a matt metallic look. Using aluminium planks provides a longer lasting, low maintenance product, and the powder coat will allow it to retain its original look. Please note, these products are in shaded areas. Using powder coat in the sun can cause the products to heat up to uncomfortable levels.

There are four BCC waste bin enclosures to house garbage bins provided – two to each area for recycling and general waste. They are ideal for concealing waste, and easy to empty. They are the preferred bin used by the Brisbane City Council for their ease of use and stylish design. The furnishings and landscaping of the area exudes a pleasant vibe for professionals to take time out and congregate.

The light and reflections enhance the vibrant feel.
Flanked by horizontal louvres on the south side, the alcove is flanked by G.James glass through to Gossi Park furniture and the vertical louvres on the North side.
G.James products are used by many companies, and we dont know where all the product ends up, unless we see it.

A glass choice that is no surprise

On site another sub contractor has independently chosen our product for use in the buildings glazing. The overall impact of all the products that have come together under separate circumstances is a delightful find. It is good to know the quality and professionalism of G.James service and products are utilised and appreciated by many, and can come together in jobs such as these for some spectacular results.

Interactive Map: Building Brisbane

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Brisbane construction projects by G.James Glass & Aluminium

Brisbane, being the location of our Head Office, sees many fine examples of G.James workmanship.   Here, we outline some of the biggest and best projects undertaken to showcase our capabilities in recent times.

The interactive map is designed so you can take a tour of some of our most recent and notable works.  Either at your desk looking out a CBD window, taking a stroll around town, and driving past a building or through an area you have always wanted to know more about.

Brisbane

G.James has contributed widely to what Brisbane looks like today.   There are buildings that have added to Brisbane’s sky line and to the diversity of looks and uses that are designed for the various parts of this fair city.  On some buildings, there are unique features that make them distinctive.  For example –

  • the ribbons of M&A,
  • the splash of red across the Australian Federal Police building,
  • the glass wall of Sir Samuel Griffith Centre,
  • the towering Aurora and Riparian plaza.

There are many buildings that have achieved the coveted green star energy efficient design,  some interesting artwork on glass designed by local artists – its worth a visit to the Anthropology Museum at UQ to see the ceramic printed window alone. Some of the buildings have specialised glass systems to suit the works being done, like the Translational Research Institute and the ABC headquarters.

There are projects that have altered the face of a tired old façade, so if you look at an old image of QIMR, you won’t recognize it.  And then theres the Suncorp Stadium which gives you a glimpse inside a place where state pride and competition is on the line.

The Interactive Map

The map is aimed to give you a glimpse into the depth the G.James knowledge base and provide an overview of the types of works that G.James is capable of.  It highlights projects done by various departments in the company, including:

  • Commercial departments
  • Residential departments
  • Gossi park and street furniture
  • Glass department

You can have a look at the map and plan out a scenic drive, or target specific jobs, or just get an idea of what we have produced, in your area.  As you can imagine, there are too many jobs to make this an all-inclusive list, but we aimed to include a range of jobs reflecting different styles and features.

A brief dossier on the project is included – a photo of what to look for, basic job data and links to further information on the project.  G.James can help you with any further information required for the jobs represented.

Explore Here…

Enjoy the exploration, and keep an eye on this space. Other areas will be released as our database of projects rolls out – Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, as well as other areas to be where you can find G.James fingerprints…

Until then, enjoy this insight into the River City.

Key:

 G.James Projects

 Gossi Designs

51 Alfred St – Efficiency in commercial design

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51 Alfred St A green star accredited office block constructed in one of Brisbane’s growing commercial areas, 51 Alfred St comprises of a ground floor retail space with 8 levels of office space above.

51 Alfred St, Fortitude valley was constructed by Blackwatch Projects, to the design of Willis Greenhalgh Architects. The sustainable design intended to minimise its carbon footprint was a urban friendly solution to council and the community. It includes a smart foyer, featuring floor to ceiling full height glazing on two street frontages, and superb views to the city above level 2.

G.James Role

Development of the project went from initial “design in principle” early drawings to installation of the finalised glazing products. The project had a short time frame, and lead times for manufacture and installation had to be carefully managed.

Known for its location, the street number is prominently positioned.
The south western face has vertical sunshades, composite cladding and a two tone spandrel area.
On the corner of Alfred and Julia Streets

The building incorporates shopfront glazing from ground floor to level 1 that used the 850-500 and 650-500 series framing systems. Hinged doors are 475 or 476 series, with 445 series sliding doors (as on some upper levels, also). G.James picked up the cladding package for the ground floor columns, which was made and fitted by the G.James Joinery department. QuickAlly, G.James scaffolding division assisted with providing access to entry the shop front entry glazing.

Upper levels utilizes the 651-500 curtain wall suite. The design had to allow for the addition of randomly placed aluminium horizontal and vertical fins that use different shapes in keeping with the difference in direction. There are also composite cladding positioned irregularly across the southern face, and frames the edge of the eastern face.

All of the differences in cladding and sun shading incorporated into the curtain wall, made for a wide variety of specialist panels.  This required coordinating the transportation and installation of the panels to be highly organised. Careful design, preparation and on site works were given particular attention at the corner feature to achieve the seamless angled cladding and glazed finish that spans the full height of the buildings office area.

The north face has horizontal sun shade louvres.
The reflection gives you an idea of the view from the building.

Glazing selection

IGU’s were used in the vision areas of the tower to combat city noise and provide sufficient thermal and solar efficiency to achieve the green star accreditation.

The spandrel area uses a colourlite backing on clear glass to achieve the opaque finish. Charcoal and White were used to keep in theme with the buildings monochromatic scheme that highlights the slash of copper that makes the corner feature stand out.

Installation

There was no tower crane available for this job, so all of the framing hoisted into the floors from a crane on the street below.  Including the “Spider Hulk”, the name of the lifting crane that positions the panels into place.

51 Alfred St

“Spider Hulk” is the name of the machine that lifts the panels into position on the building.

Early design intended the framing to be fixed into cast ins – a quick and minimal fixing method that utilizes the concrete structure to enclose and support the framing. Later changes, however, meant that the frame fixings were redesigned and engineered to be fitted with bolts into the concrete.

The ground floor was site glazed as the size of the glazing was so large. There was also a curtain wall panel that needed to be site glazed. This requires extra safety measures and some specialised techniques to carry out.

Blackwatch had a tight program which was run like clockwork. It enabled overall job satisfaction with the resulting installation of the work performed by G.James, and we look forward to working on further projects together.

Access all areas with QuickAlly, G.James’ scaffolding business

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QuickAlly, BrisbaneQuickAlly Access Solutions is an expanding branch of the G.James family. It manufactures and provide solutions in a wide variety of scaffolding equipment and specific custom designs, geared and engineered for unique purpose. The quality is of the highest industry standard, with safety, usability and best practise at the heart of its design.

QuickAlly – Height of Safety

History

QuickAlly Aluminium Scaffolds

The quickally scaffolding system was developed around the turn of the millenium by experienced Gold Coast scaffolder David Dart. Having been in the scaffolding business for about 30 years, David’s frustration at being unable to find a simple, high quality aluminium scaffolding system led him to develop, manufacture & start selling his own system. The benefits of the system were obvious to others in the industry, leading it to be quickly adopted by a number of scaffolding businesses.

G.James Access Equipment

G.James developed a simple mobile scaffolding system to use, primarily for in house jobs, in 1991 (developed in 1991, testing complete in 1992) and a Trestle Safety System in 1998. Custom products were also being made from this time.

Due to requests in the market for a scaffolding product with more features and abilities, G.James looked at ways it could expand its range. Looking at alternatives, QuickAlly impressed G.James with their smart design principles and wide product selection that would enhance the G.James range. The acquisition was completed in May 2010.

QuickAlly Access Solutions

Quickally’s original headquarters were on the Gold Coast.  However with its purchase by G.James and amalgamation with G.James Access Equipment, there were obvious benefits of moving to Brisbane.  The move took place in April 2011, and now positioned alongside G.James’ existing manufacturing facilities.  The two departments compliment each other under the one roof as Quickally Access Solutions.

876 Kingsford Smith Drive – the Brisbane Office and Warehouse
The warehouse holds stock to keep our customers well supplied.
Product manufacturing is done on the far side of the factory in this image.

QuickAlly Today

QuickAlly provides access solutions for hire and purchase, from ladders and step platforms to trestles and planks; scaffolding trailer packs through to multi storey systems. The range includes approximately 300 products – a number that grows with demand. The selection has solutions for everyone into home improvements, construction and maintenance – for the do it yourself types, tradies, builders and industry departments from aerospace to defence and emergency services.

94 Long Street in Smithfield is the base of operations for the Sydney branch.
Sydney scaffold supplies, ready to go.
A part of the large range of scaffolding equipment.

Super Scaffolding Systems

QuickAlly provide complete mobile and systems scaffolding that can be added to with an expanding business. The scaffolding design is based on a triangulated star configuration that provides the ultimate in strength, speed and flexibility on site. The product list caters to gain access to any configuration required. Many safety features make this system attractive to today’s building site requirements. Careful attention to detail and troubleshooting common concerns on site means the systems features are designed to work for you in the best ways possible.

Innovative Custom Products

Their custom designed products are a comprehensive service. The process goes from understanding the needs of the customer, drafting up solutions, manufacture and delivery of product, providing engineering data and safety manuals. Post sales support include maintenance and future design changes for evolving use of products.

A small sample of the colours that the platform come in.
QuickAlly products are presentable enough to minimise visual mess when carrying out internal refurbishments in areas with high customer use.

Expect The Best

All products are thoroughly engineered and rigorously tested to meet or better Australian, New Zealand and international standards. Risk assessments and safety developments are continuously monitored and adopted as business practise. After sales support assist with troubleshooting and continuing product development.

Where You Can Find QuickAlly

Currently, there are hire branches located in Sydney and Brisbane servicing the NSW and SE Queensland areas, and dry hire (product supply only) can be arranged nationwide. Purchase of the QuickAlly scaffolding products are available through G.James outlets anywhere in Australia. Custom access solutions are tailored to the needs of the customer in Australia or overseas, via their new warehouse and processing facility in Brisbane.

The Quick Ally Star.
Scaffolding facets around curved edges of buildings.
The scaffolding is quick and easy to assemble.
The interlocking mechanisms provide a simple and strong supporting web.

Meet the Team

The friendly team members all have many years experience in the industry and are happy to assist with any queries. The dedicated hotline for sales and hire is:

13 25 59

Keep in touch with the team, here:

Project Update: Mackay Base Hospital

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Mackay Base HospitalThe redevelopment of Mackay Base Hospital is a $405 million project designed to meet the needs of the growing Mackay area. The project was designed by Architects Woods Bagot, in association with Sanders Turner Ellick Architects of Mackay. Construction on the project has been overseen by Baulderstone. The redevelopment project is being undertaken for Queensland Health.

About the project and construction

The redevelopment has been divided into three stages of construction. The first stage commenced in 2009 and mostly consisted of early site works. The second stage was completed towards the end of last year and included works on buildings E,F,G,H,J and Q.Mackay Base Hospital Aerial Photo

G.James’ work on the project so far has encompassed the supply and install of a range of glazing and façade products. Our 651 series windows were used throughout the project – the majority of those used contained jockey sashes and Venetian blinds. We also supplied a large number of fixed louvre systems and acoustic louvres. Around a dozen automatic doors were also supplied and installed. There were a number of factors which affected the choice of products for this project, the most notable were section J energy efficiency requirements, acoustic requirements, and the ability to withstand cyclonic wind loads. In light of these requirements our 651 window system, 415 series fixed louvres, 775 series sunshades, and 150 strip window system were chosen for use.

G.James supplied various types of cladding for the project including Alucobond, Nailstrip and Mini Corry. G.James also supplied feature shrouds, sunshades, batten screens and perforated sunscreens in various colours and finishes – though colour matched powdercoat was used frequently.

Mackay Base HospitalThe Alucobond system was a complete design and install. Many aspects of the Alucobond system, shrouds and perforated screens were designed specifically for use in the hospital redevelopment. The solutions were obtained by co-ordination with other parties involved with the project, as well as using the extensive knowledge base and depth of experience within G.James.

Looking Ahead

The close working relationship between Baulderstone and G.James was critical in helping deliver the project. The final stage of construction is due to start July 2013 which will include the remainder of building Q and the whole of building A.