Techne Architects had a definite theme in mind for this project when they briefed WOW Architectural for steel windows and doors. They wanted flexibility to operate within all seasons of Melbourne weather, to maximise internal natural light, and at the same time, they must maintain the Victorian heritage values of the building. All this on a tight budget.

WOW utilised a range of window types to address these challenges, including a combination of operable sash movements, louvers and fixed glazing. We integrated fixed bench seating into the shopfront glazing in order to promote street activation and to capitalise on the operable facade during warmer seasons. It features a side lane facade of Green Tea coloured steel louvers and a counterweighted steel window frame that lifts up and engages the new cafe with the streetscape.

WOW Architectural worked with designer Insu Kim to produce a raw, antiquated natural looking steel shop front for a new Korean Restaurant in the hub of the Melbourne CBD.

The client of 301 Elizabeth St wanted a minimalist frame and we treated the steel with a blackening process, then burnished it with wax to give it a lovely natural feel.

Construction of the St. Ali North cafe in Melbourne was a complex process – one that required the combination of expedited building phases and a varied set of steel window and door modules.

WOW Architectural worked closely with the builder to allow construction to move ahead of the traditional sequence by installing a set of steel sub-frames on site that ensured the millimetre-accuracy required for installing steel doors was met.

With this process, the wide variety of units including fixed lites, bi-folding, casement and awning windows and a set of highly articulated doors were fabricated to Windows on the World exacting standards.

The newly transformed Prahran Hotel in Melbourne’s inner urban stretch is the latest example of a commercial venue that has embraced the unique design aesthetic of steel windows and doors. The builders and architects involved in the project say they had an imperative to tie in the modern renovations with the classic 1940’s façade and working class history of the public bar. Steel windows and doors delivered on the brief across three floors.

The works for the Prahran Hotel required a wide range of door and window units. The client’s budget meant that these units were to be constructed from composite standard steel profiles for a very cost-effective solution. The schedule included multi-panel sliding doors, a single 4500mm long counter-weighted servery window, standard fixed lites and round porthole windows.

Of particular note are the unusual 2240mm diameter circular windows fitted to the large concrete culverts on the building’s façade which achieve their remarkable effect very simply with a rolled 50 X 50 mm steel angle constructions and 30mm ‘t-bar’ transoms and mullions.

The door and window units WOW Architectural was commissioned to build for Baby Pizza were required to live up to the wear and tear of a frenetic city restaurant, while maintaining an air of sophistication in a very stylish precinct of inner Melbourne.

The standard steel sections are welded into a composite structure to cost-effectively eliminate water-ingress and unwanted drafts. By utilising custom folded steel panels inserted into the base of each unit, bullet hinges on the awning windows and powder-coated peg stays, the units allow for cross ventilation while imparting a sense of solid sophistication. The double powder-coat finish in a subtle grey ensures that the frames at Baby Pizza will retain their robust function for years to come.

This was another highly successful collaboration with design firm Projects of Imagination.

The design firm for this residential renovation in the Melbourne inner suburb of Elsternwick was 'Black Milk'.

The brief required a narrowline front profile with the ability to hold a double glazed unit. WOW Architectural achieved this using a 50x10 mm solid steel door profile - all on edge. The bespoke design included one very large sliding door, with the track set up into the ceiling cavity, which was very small.

This project came up a treat with a very happy client who is now able to open their large living/kitchen area onto the backyard outdoor area and enjoy an al fresco lifestyle in a truly beautiful setting.

A SUBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WOW TEAM ON THE ONE HOT YOGA PROJECT

One Hot Yoga & Pilates is situated in the affluent and picturesque Sydney suburb of Potts Point. 

We were approached by esteemed Melbourne Architect, Rob Mills to provide an interior outfit for a new Sydney office, and he and his wife’s ‘One Hot Yoga’ studio.

We first spoke to Rob Mills in late November, and it was an urgent job due to be completed by 18 January – over the holiday period. Despite the complexities and timing, WOW delivered.

It was an exciting project, starting with Sydney builder, ‘The Building Guild’ removing an entire segment of the roof structure so that all the studio equipment, mirrors, doors and windows could be craned up through the roof and dropped into the building. There was a 50mm margin of error – and they only just managed to pull it off before the bottom of the boom of the crane hit the building!

It was a great day because all the planning and hard work came together, and it was a resounding success. The WOW architectural custom made products, in collaboration with Rob Mills’ decor was just superb.

This was a very fulfilling project completed on schedule, over the Christmas break. Delivering and installing brass shelving and glass and steel display cabinets as well, made this job particularly unique.

The photos speak for themselves.