Product
LowE Plus with Clear for highest clarity and visible light transmittance – while also excellent Insulation performance (low U-Value).
Specification
- Outer: Clear Toughened
- Spacer: Argon Gas
- Inner: LowE Plus Toughened
Site Address
Coledale, NSW 2515
Architect
Fabricator
Builder
Photos courtesy of
Australian Glass Group
Challenge
On the northern Illawarra coast, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design and material selection can create a flexible, sustainable addition to an older coastal home. Located only 150 metres from the ocean, the original three-bedroom home is typical of its era. Architects Takt Studios developed a two-stage plan, with the first stage – Coledale Surf Studio – delivering a two-storey extension that accommodates a self-contained studio upstairs and a functional workspace below.
Eventually, the new structure will become part of a complete rebuild of the existing cottage, reflecting the owners’ commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and coastal living.
Extending an older beach house with a distinctly different design aesthetic was a key challenge. Cement sheet cladding, hardwood windows, and plywood interiors had to contrast yet complement the original structure. Meanwhile, the cold coastal winds and salt spray demanded durable materials that ensure comfort, weather resistance, and energy efficiency.
Maximising natural light without overheating and providing ample insulation were also priorities, especially given the owners’ desire for a low-impact footprint. Finally, the upstairs studio had to function as a short-term rental while maintaining cohesiveness with the future master plan.
Solution
The decision to emphasise timber was central to the project’s sustainability objectives and aesthetic. Plywood linings and a birch ply kitchenette foster a warm, organic feel, while hardwood-framed windows unite durability with strong thermal performance. Timber window fabricator Windoor Joinery played a crucial role in achieving these aims.
“The Coledale project presented several interesting challenges from a window and door performance perspective,” explains Windoor Joinery’s Cristian Melia. “The coastal location was our first consideration. The property is exposed to harsh marine conditions, which demand materials that can withstand salt spray and strong winds while maintaining their integrity and performance over time.
“From a thermal performance standpoint, we needed to meet specific requirements across different window and door types. We manufactured double-glazed elements using AGG Insulglass LowE Plus® glass in Blackbutt timber frames, which allowed us to achieve the required minimum U-Values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) for each group: U-Values of 2.6 or lower with SHGC around 0.50 for standard elements and sliding doors. AGG LowE Plus exceeded this while looking like regular clear glass.
“The design called for a balance between thermal efficiency and aesthetics. Using Blackbutt timber framing was a deliberate choice that complemented the architectural vision while providing excellent thermal properties. The timber also creates a warm, natural aesthetic that connects with the coastal environment.
“Orientation was another critical factor we addressed. Understanding the building’s exposure to sun paths throughout the year helped us optimize the placement and specifications of different glazing elements to maximize natural light while minimizing unwanted heat gain or loss.
“Perhaps our biggest achievement was delivering high-performance elements that enhance the building’s energy efficiency without compromising on the stunning views that a cliff-side property in Coledale deserves. The sliding doors and fixed glazing, in particular, required careful consideration to maintain large viewing areas while still meeting the thermal requirements.
“Throughout the project, we worked closely with the architects and builders to ensure our window and door solutions wouldn’t just meet the technical specifications but would truly elevate the overall design and functionality of the home.”
Builder David Komandina of DotKom Carpentry notes, “In coastal projects, you must be precise about everything from hardware finishes to framing details. The owners wanted a robust, cost-effective solution that could endure wind and salt spray without losing its natural appeal. Our coordination with Takt Studios and Windoor Joinery allowed us to maintain tight tolerances and deliver a refined result.”
Solar control was managed with external fixed louvre blades to reduce heat gain, while upgraded insulation minimised cold drafts in winter. Double glazed AGG LowE Plus clear glass further boosted energy efficiency, meeting the owners’ sustainability targets. The result is a comfortable interior with open views, ideal for both a functional office and a guest studio.
With this first stage complete, the owners now benefit from a revenue-generating studio. As future works tie the extension fully into a rebuilt home, Coledale showcases adaptable, sustainable design in a demanding coastal locale.
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