Engineered
Solutions
Engineered solutions that turn complex glazing ideas into reality
Scope of our engineered solutions
- Structural glass walls and fins that maximise daylight and withstand design wind pressures
- Point fixed façades and tension truss systems that remove bulky framing for a floating aesthetic
- Oversized insulated or laminated panels produced to current Australian furnace limits, moved with detailed rigging plans and synchronised vacuum lifts
- Curved and bent glass for shopfronts, balustrades and rotundas that call for uninterrupted sightlines
- Laminated glass floors, bridges and stair treads engineered for public and private use
- Blast, ballistic and severe weather glazing packages that protect critical infrastructure and meet applicable impact standards
- Prototype testing and façade mock-ups that prove performance before full production begins
Advanced design and modelling
Our engineers employ Building Information Modelling and finite element analysis to predict glass behaviour under load, ensuring pane thickness, edge stability and connection strength comply with the National Construction Code and AS 1288. Early digital modelling highlights clashes and refinements so shop drawings flow smoothly through approval and fabrication. Peer reviews by independent engineers give added confidence where required.
Materials and fabrication
We specify heat soaked toughened panes, high clarity low-iron glass, decorative digital printing and structural laminates matched to project needs. CNC edge processing achieves tight tolerances and polished finishes that enhance transparency. Every unit travels in custom stillages tracked by GPS from furnace to site, reducing handling risk and keeping project teams informed.
Compliance and testing
Codes and standards evolve quickly. Express Glass tracks every change to AS 1288, AS 2047 and AS 1170.2 so proposed solutions meet or exceed statutory requirements. Where evidence is essential we arrange static pressure, cyclic wind and water penetration tests at NATA accredited laboratories. Results feed into a comprehensive compliance dossier handed over at completion.
Integrated manufacture and installation
We secure production slots with trusted processors nationwide, protecting lead times even when supply chains tighten. Parallel to fabrication our logistics team drafts lift studies, cranage schedules and traffic management plans. Prefabricated fixing kits arrive labelled and sequenced which shortens crane hours and minimises disruption on congested sites. Senior supervisors verify torque settings, sealant adhesion and glass identification for every panel.
Sustainability and performance
High performance coatings, selective tints and thermally broken brackets help reduce solar heat gain and improve daylight autonomy, supporting better NABERS and Green Star ratings. Offcuts and packaging return to certified recyclers and Environmental Product Declarations are provided when available, helping design teams document embodied carbon.
Project types we support
- Commercial office towers and premium retail façades
- Airports, stadiums and transport precincts
- Universities, schools and public libraries
- Health, research and pharmaceutical facilities
- Heritage refurbishments requiring discrete performance upgrades
- Luxury residential developments seeking uninterrupted outlooks
Our engineered delivery process
- Concept review - We examine sketches, targets and constraints then outline feasible glass options with indicative budgets
- Feasibility study - Structural calculations, sample studies and comparative costings refine scope and confirm viability
- Detailed engineering - Complete finite element modelling, connection design and shop drawings prepared for certifier approval
- Prototype and mock-up - Critical interfaces tested at scale so fit and finish issues are solved early
- Production and logistics - Glass, fittings and support steel fabricated, packed and shipped with live tracking and scheduled arrivals
- Installation - Specialised crews erect frames, place glass using planned lifts and complete sealing guided by Inspection Test Plans
- Certification and handover - Test reports, warranties and maintenance manuals issued followed by a final quality workshop with the client team
Frequently asked questions
-
How large can a single glass panel be?
Maximum dimensions depend on available furnace sizes, handling access and crane capacity. We confirm limits case by case during the feasibility stage to avoid specification changes later.
-
Can structural glass eliminate vertical mullions?
Fin supported or tensioned systems can remove mullions where spans and loads permit. Suitability is confirmed through detailed engineering and peer review.
-
What lead time should we allow for custom curved glass?
Curved or printed units usually require longer furnace scheduling than flat glass. Engaging us early secures slots and protects programme milestones.
Why choose Express Glass for engineered solutions
-
Proven delivery across four decades of landmark projects nationwide
-
In-house engineers, draftspeople and site supervisors provide end-to-end coordination
-
National processor network secures competitive lead times and supply resilience
-
Transparent cloud reporting gives live insight into design progress, production status and installation milestones
-
Safety-first culture backed by ISO aligned systems supports zero incident targets
Ready to realise your ambitious glazing design
Talk to our engineered solutions team about your next challenging façade, atrium or feature stair. Express Glass will translate complex concepts into compliant build sequences that meet programme, budget and performance goals while celebrating the unique transparency of glass.