VANTAGE Windows & Doors
Roofing Industries
ALTHERM Window Systems
Dimond Roofing
Juralco Aluminium
SPAX
Nuralite
Case Studies
GreenStuf
MiTek New Zealand Limited
Located in Methven, Kakariki View Residence is a high end residential home designed by Chilton + Mayne Architecture in collaboration with Studio 4 Architects. Metro Performance Glass played a key role in the project, delivering bespoke glazing for the lift and balustrades to create a striking entry feature.
The brief: Light, accessibility and a lift that doesn't dominate
The clients wanted the entry of their home to be a bright and welcoming space with lots of natural light. They also wanted to incorporate a lift alongside the main staircase to ensure the home would remain accessible over time. With a prominent position in the main entrance, a standard lift would obstruct light, and detract from the overall design which includes a schist feature wall that connects the interior to the exterior. The designers looked for a more bespoke solution, engaging lift supplier Powerglide Elevators and Metro Glass to design a unique fully glazed lift shaft that would itself become a feature of the home.
The challenge: Meeting two standards at once
Using glazing meant the lift needed to be compliant with both AS/NZS 1735 (lift design & installation) and NZS 4223 (glass & glazing). To achieve this, a high level of collaboration and problem solving was required. The Metro Glass team worked with Powerglide Elevators and the designers to develop a glazing specification that would comply with structural and safety requirements and integrate with lift hardware and operational systems. Metro Glass’ 15mm Tempafloat Toughened Glass was chosen to provide the durability required, with Metro Glass providing a PS1 to ensure smooth consenting through council.
To create a cohesive look in the space, glazing was also used for stairway balustrades, with Metro Glass' SafeLite 17.52mm SentryGlas laminated glass specified. This glass delivers high structural strength and superior post-breakage performance to keep occupants safe. Balustrades were fixed to stairs using Metro Glass' MB50 double disc system, with Posiglaze channel used for the top landing. Together these systems ensure minimal visual obstruction and a high-end contemporary aesthetic.
Installation: Tall panels in a tight space
With limited space in the entry for manoeuvring large glazed panels, the Metro Glass installation team needed to take extra care during install. “Getting the glass in was a very challenging job for all concerned because the panels were so tall,” explains Dave Mcleod, Builder & Project Manager, Snowfed Builders. “The tallest panels were about six or seven metres tall, so trying to get those in around the steel and stairwell was a bit of a balancing act. We all worked in to make that work.”
Dave appreciated the care the Metro Glass team took throughout the project to achieve a successful outcome. “The Metro Glass team worked in well with the lift people, sorting things like clearances around glass, and taking measurements on site to make sure everything would work well. They also helped to make sure we had everything right for the fixing of the glass balustrades.”
The close collaboration between the designers, Powerglide Elevators and Metro Glass, and attention to detail from all parties, has delivered a unique glazed lift solution that successfully meets multiple compliance standards. The finished fully glazed lift and staircase provide a strong architectural focal point in the entrance, complementing the surrounding material palette while hitting the clients’ brief for accessibility and natural light.
“It’s brilliant,” says Dave. “Metro Glass have done a top job. It was a challenging build for our small company with a lot of steel work and glass. There was a lot of forward thinking to make sure everything worked, and it’s worked out really well.”
SentryGlas® is a registered trademark.
Popular Products from Metro Performance Glass
Posts by Metro Technical
Most Popular
