A stunning new architectural feature at one of Australia’s most istmportant landmarks has showcased the unique flexibility and performance of Quanex company Edgetech’s Super Spacer® technology.
‘The Oculus’ skylight at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a striking, nine-metre-wide glass and steel structure forming the centrepiece of the Memorial’s new entrance foyer.
Designed by Sydney-based architects Studio SC, the Oculus mirrors the form of the Memorial’s iconic copper dome, creating a powerful visual and symbolic connection between the original building and its new underground spaces.
Achieving the project’s extraordinary, curved geometry was a feat of precision engineering and international collaboration. Spanish glass bending specialist Cricursa was tasked with producing 32 intricate, double-curved insulating glass elements, some weighing up to 350 kilograms, that had to fit perfectly within a steel framework manufactured 17,000 kilometres away in Australia.
For such complex, heavy, and highly curved units, maintaining the integrity of the insulating glass edge seal was critical. The solution came in the form of Super Spacer® TriSeal™ Flex, Edgetech’s warm-edge spacer system specially engineered for demanding curved and structural glazing applications.
Mike Moran, Vice President of Sales at Edgetech/Quanex, said: “The Oculus is an exceptional example of what’s possible when architectural vision meets the right technology.
“Super Spacer® TriSeal™ Flex provides the flexibility and resilience needed to accommodate complex geometries while ensuring the edge seal remains airtight and durable, even under significant mechanical and climatic stress.”
Super Spacer® TriSeal™ Flex combines the proven thermal performance and durability of Super Spacer with enhanced structural strength and flexibility. Its ability to guarantee a permanently tight insulating glass edge seal even with complex geometries made it key to the success of the Oculus.
“With highly complex glazing, there is no room for compromise,” added Mike. “Super Spacer® absorbs stress, compensates for tolerances and ensures the edge seal remains intact, even in the toughest conditions. We’re proud to see our technology helping realise such a meaningful and technically remarkable project.”
For more information, call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk
