Recreation quarter

As retailers seek new ways to entice shoppers into their stores, large, frameless glazed shopfronts are becoming the norm, says Grant Nicoll of Commercial Glass and Glazing.

"It was a popular look for the retailers opening stores in the Westfield Manukau City extension," he says. "Most retailers wanted an open, clear and clean look that showcases their products."

The company worked with 11 retailers on the project, supplying and installing heavy glass plates many of them wider and taller than normal, and some weighing up to 450kg. The largest panel was 4.9m high and 19mm thick.

Commercial Glass and Glazing used toughened plate glass, designed to meet national glazing standards and cope with seismic activity. The task, completed under tight timescales, required stand-out technical and communication skills, says Nicoll.

"Once toughened, the sheet of glass becomes virtually impossible to use for any other space than the one measured for. We measure down to the millimetre and to achieve that level of precision, our staff need to have a good working relationship with the builders and shopfitters," he says.

The company also worked on the Westfield Albany project, supplying and installing glazed shopfronts for 15 retailers. Most retailers specified frameless glass, although one retailer required timber joinery.

Commercial Glass and Glazing supplies and installs framed and frameless glass shopfronts, entrances, pool fences and balustrades. The company also specialises in toughened glass structural features, frameless showers, mirrors and splashbacks. Sister company Commercial Aluminium supplies and installs commercial aluminium joinery, and AGI (Architectural Glass Industries NZ) supplies toughened, laminated and safety glass wholesale.

For more information, contact Commercial Glass and Glazing, 2 Crum Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland. Phone (09) 827 1940 or 021 898 272, fax (09) 827 1951. Email: grant@cgg.co.nz or visit the website: www.cgg.co.nz. Commercial Aluminium Ltd, phone (09) 257 3222. Architectural Glass Industries NZ Ltd, phone (09) 257 3232.

Story by: Trendsideas