Rose Bay House

Scope and Unique Challenges

The Rose Bay House project presented unique challenges, primarily due to its ambitious architectural design and the need for high-performance glazing solutions. The centerpiece of the project was the expansive glass installations that allowed for views across Sydney Harbour, and integrated indoor and outdoor spaces. One of these installations was a statement window overlooking the pool, which required meticulous planning and execution.

The Trust Factor

Builder Shane Ellis, from Ellis Constructions, chose Trend Windows and Doors for this project due to his long-standing relationship with the brand and in particular, Commercial Business Manager, Mike Palin. Shane’s confidence in Trend’s expertise and Mike’s ability to deliver high-end results was a key factor in this decision. “I have a lot of respect for Mike. He knows how to get results, and how to communicate,” Shane noted, emphasising the trust built over years of successful collaborations.

Design and Technical Collaboration

Trend’s involvement began at the design stage, having their technical team work closely with the architect to ensure the glazing met aesthetic and performance requirements. The project required custom solutions, particularly for the large glass elements that were a focal point of the design. “When you have a $15,000 piece of glass that you have to crane in and put into place, and that you can’t access later, you have to put forethought into it,” Shane said. He goes on to say that “you have to consider aesthetics, durability, and the economics of it. And Trend was able to deliver on all these metrics.”

With the window overlooking the pool, Mike was able to deliver a slim line horizontal joint that was hardly noticeable from the inside view, in keeping with the design aspirations of the architect and homeowner. He also noted that there was a concern that the window light would cause fading to the high-end timber used inside the house. In order to mitigate this, Trend facilitated a custom laminate on the glass “to knock out as much UV light as we could. The laminate knocked out 99% of the damaging UV light, so that was pretty critical.” From a safety perspective, the glass was also customised to ensure it was thick enough to withstand breakage, especially important because of its positioning on a stairwell overlooking the pool.

Execution and Installation

The installation process was complex, involving the craning of oversized panels into position. Mike notes that “the streets were quite narrow so it was tricky to get trucks in.” However, Shane had a tower crane on site the whole time and this allowed Trend to have the manufactured glass delivered straight to site and then lifted from the front of the house to the back. Mike personally oversaw the installation of the glass window over the pool, saying they also needed to contend with gale force wind while lifting the glass into place. Trend’s expertise in managing such logistical challenges was crucial. The team ensured that the glass installations were delivered and installed without incident.

Quality Control

Trend’s commitment to quality was evident throughout the project. The team employed rigorous quality control measures to ensure every element met the highest standards. Mike was on site three to four days a week to personally oversee all elements. With a background in research and development, he also “spent hours making sure the pool window was glazed properly because of the exposure to water.” This meant focusing on the joints and repeatedly doing water blast tests to guarantee it was waterproof.

The project also required no visible fixings. Mike explains, “So where we’re joining two windows together in the corner for example, and we put an aluminium piece over it, there had to be concealed fixings so they looked nice and finished.” His presence on site ensured that these high-end installation requirements were adhered to.

Trend’s commitment to quality control extended beyond the installation of their own products, encompassing all elements of the project. As Mike noted, “Everything had to be protected. There was protective foam throughout the whole house. You could almost not see the house underneath all the protection.” This level of care was critical, especially given the high value of the materials involved.

Flexibility and After-Sales Service

Being a residential build, the project also involved a lot of variation work as the owners adjusted their vision for the home. Mike says, “I met with the builder and with the architect multiple times on site to go through details. We actually changed a lot of the product on the fly as the project was going.” This ability to be flexible is a critical part of high-end builds and it was a challenge that Mike relished, admitting it was a valuable lesson in finding the best way to make changes, including thinking through the implications of such changes.

Trend’s dedication to Rose Bay House extended beyond installation, with a strong focus on after-sales service. The team remained available to address any minor issues, ensuring the long-term satisfaction of the homeowner. This commitment to service reinforced Trend’s reputation for reliability and professionalism.

Outcomes

The Rose Bay House stands as a testament to Trend Windows and Doors’ ability to deliver high-quality solutions using their commercial expertise in a residential context. The project not only met but exceeded the expectations of all stakeholders, with the window overlooking the pool becoming a defining feature of the home.

In particular, the project highlighted Trend’s expertise in managing complex architectural projects in a collaborative environment. The importance of teamwork in achieving seamless project execution on projects like the Rose Bay House is essential with Shane saying, “Teams build projects like this. The architect has the vision, I put it together, and then we need the specialist, professional advice, and Mike from Trend fulfills that requirement and is able to deliver.”