Project Overview

Client: Figurehead Construction Location: 22–26 Gordon Street, Victoria Fire Engineer: Omnii Designer: MIM Design At the heart of Cremorne’s urban renewal lies Everlane, a striking 10-storey office building that blends architectural sophistication with rigorous safety standards. Located at 22–26 Gordon Street, this project demanded innovative solutions to meet the stringent fire safety regulations of the National Construction Code (NCC) without compromising design excellence. Greene Fire contributed significantly to the project by supplying and installing Aluflam AF70 fire-rated windows and frames, elevating the building’s safety profile while maintaining its architectural integrity.

Aluflam AF70: A Seamless Integration of Form and Function

The Aluflam AF70 system, used for Everlane’s external windows, represents the pinnacle of fire-rated glazing technology in Australia. Engineered to deliver a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of -/120/120, these windows provide two hours of integrity and insulation. This ensures that the glazing remains intact, prevents flame penetration, and limits heat transfer to adjacent spaces during a fire. This was especially crucial for Everlane, where several external openings were positioned within three metres of the allotment boundary. NCC compliance requires that such openings mitigate fire risks to neighbouring properties. Greene Fire’s installation of the Aluflam AF70 system fulfilled these requirements, offering robust fire protection while maintaining the building’s clean and contemporary façade.

Mastering the Challenges of Fire-Resistant Design

Installing fire-rated windows in a commercial building like Everlane goes beyond meeting compliance metrics, it demands precision engineering, thorough planning, and expert execution. Greene Fire’s team worked closely with project stakeholders, including architects, builders, and fire safety engineers, to ensure the Aluflam AF70 windows were tailored to the unique requirements of the site. The Aluflam AF70 system uses toughened fire-rated glass set within slim, non- combustible aluminium frames. These frames are not only aesthetically appealing but also specifically designed to withstand the pressures of a fire event. The installation process required meticulous attention to detail, particularly in sealing the joints with fire-resistant materials to prevent smoke and flames from penetrating through gaps.

Elevating Aesthetics with Advanced Fire-Rated Solutions

One of the hallmarks of Greene Fire’s Aluflam AF70 system is its ability to harmonise safety with design. The slim aluminium profiles allowed for expansive glass panels, creating a façade that optimised natural light and provided unobstructed views. This thoughtful design enhanced the visual appeal of the Everlane building, ensuring bright and inviting interiors for occupants. Moreover, the minimalist appearance of the Aluflam AF70 windows concealed their advanced fire safety features, ensuring the building retained its sleek and modern aesthetic. Each window was finished to seamlessly integrate with the building’s exterior, demonstrating how fire-rated systems can complement architectural vision without compromise.

Comprehensive Compliance with NCC Standards

The success of the Everlane project hinged on meeting the NCC’s stringent requirements for fire safety. The Aluflam AF70 windows, with their certified FRLs, played a critical role in this effort. In addition to providing integrity and insulation for 120 minutes, the windows were rigorously tested to meet AS 1530.4 standards, which assess the fire performance of building elements. Each window was installed with fire-rated seals capable of withstanding thermal expansion and structural movement during a fire. This ensured that the system would remain effective throughout its rated duration, maintaining occupant safety and reducing the risk of fire spread. Greene Fire also ensured that every window complied with documentation and tagging protocols, as mandated by the NCC. Each installation was tagged with essential information, including its FRL rating, to facilitate future inspections and maintenance.

Beyond Compliance: Enhancing Safety for the Future

While meeting today’s fire safety standards is a baseline requirement, Greene Fire’s work at Everlane reflects a commitment to future-proofing. The Aluflam AF70 windows not only address current fire regulations but also contribute to the building’s long-term sustainability and safety. Their durability and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective solution for the lifecycle of the building. Additionally, the high-performance insulation properties of the Aluflam AF70 system enhance the building’s energy efficiency, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. This aligns with modern construction practices that prioritise sustainability alongside safety.

Greene Fire’s Expertise in Action

Greene Fire’s role in the Everlane project underscores the importance of expertise in fire-rated glazing. The installation of the Aluflam AF70 windows required not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of how fire safety systems integrate with architectural design and building operations. By working closely with Figurehead Construction and the broader project team, Greene Fire ensured that every aspect of the installation process was executed to the highest standards. This collaboration resulted in a seamless blend of safety, functionality, and aesthetics, setting a benchmark for fire-rated glazing in commercial construction.

Conclusion

The Everlane project stands as a shining example of how modern architecture can meet and exceed stringent safety requirements without compromising design. Greene Fire’s contribution, through the installation of Aluflam AF70 fire-rated windows, exemplifies this balance. These windows not only provide exceptional fire protection, as mandated by the NCC, but also elevate the building’s visual appeal and energy performance. Greene Fire’s work at Everlane is more than just an installation; it is a statement of how advanced fire-rated systems can redefine the possibilities of contemporary construction. By blending innovation with expertise, Greene Fire has set a new standard for safety and design in the industry.