Raise Your Glasses
Glass solutions can offer designers great aesthetic freedom in both domestic and commercial refurbishments. In this case study, we look at the General Havelock hotel in South Australia.
The Project
Established in 1862, the General Havelock has undergone a few facelifts. The discovery of some long forgotten Art Deco elements inspired the hotel’s latest refurbishment. Floor to ceiling columns, clad in Viridian’s white Seraphic glass, were inspired by earlier renovations and the desire to incorporate long lost elements of the building in this State Heritage listed property.
Challenge and Approach
Architect Ken Milne explains that “it was difficult to work out the original layout, however, we consulted with the Heritage Branch early in the process, which gave us some desired elements for retention. As a result, the columns, beams and lintels represent walls that were long ago removed and now form a vaulted grid that is a ceiling and lighting feature.” The space underneath the stairs was enclosed with ultra clear low-iron vertical glass panels, backed with a red translucent film. Moving upstairs, the creative approach to glass continued with its own distinct identity. The space was given a ‘club’ feel with a centrepiece black and white glass bar. The black bar top has white leaves, a theme repeated on adjacent columns, while the glass panels under the bar feature black leaves against an illuminated white background.
Benefits of Performance Glass
“One of the major benefits of glass is the design freedom it offers”, explains Ken. “It also provides a sense of depth which is something we were looking to achieve and, of course, it is durable and easy to maintain which is vital in a hotel environment.” Six millimeter clear toughened glass was used to create decorative glass wall panels that line the ground floor bar. Brightening the interior and reducing glare were also project priorities. An atrium was created to provide a great wash of light to the ground floor. Lining the side of the void is a 10m high ground to roof wall, created from Viridian Seraphic glass in red. A light coloured bar made from glass and stainless steel also helps to brighten the space. The white vinyl backed glass is backlit with LED lights to illuminate the bar. Upstairs, the bar is enclosed by cobalt blue transparent glass, while the back of the bar is clad in Viridian Seraphic glass in the same colour. The contemporary range of performance Glass products allows projects such as the General Havelock to break new ground, encourage new patronage and still maintain a link to heritage design features.
Read the full case study on the Viridian website here and tell GlassTalks about your refurbishment project and glass experiences.
