Product
LowE Plus with Clear for highest clarity and visible light transmittance – while also excellent Insulation performance (low U-Value).
Specification
- Outer: 6mm Clear Toughened
- Spacer: 12mm Argon Gas
- Inner: 6mm LowE Plus Toughened
Site Address
Clayton, VIC 3800
Architect
Fabricator
Builder
Challenge
As part of Monash University’s ongoing transformation of its Clayton campus, Building 63 – home to the Faculty of Information Technology – underwent a major internal and external upgrade to create a contemporary, light-filled learning environment aligned with the university’s future-focused research and teaching model. Designed by Searle x Waldron Architecture, the redevelopment required a careful balance between architectural transparency and strict performance, compliance and user-comfort requirements across a complex three-storey building.
“A key priority for the Monash Faculty of IT was reconnecting the building to the evolving Clayton Campus. New façade insertions punctuate the existing blonde brickwork, with large-panel high-performance glazing framing openings and walkways – both improving campus visibility and putting the internal IT research activities on display,”
said Suzannah Waldron, Director, Searle x Waldron Architecture.
The project involved the installation of new façade glazing, including windows at the second-level elevation, as well as the construction of a smoke chamber designed to separate the ground, first and second levels in the event of a fire – significantly improving the building’s overall fire-safety performance.
The brief called for a glazing solution that could rejuvenate the existing façade, support clear sightlines and increase natural light penetration while delivering measurable improvements in thermal efficiency, acoustic control and long-term durability. The live campus environment added further complexity, with challenges around staging, restricted access and the integration of new systems within an ageing structure.
Internally, the design incorporated specialised acoustic partitions, smoke-sealed lift lobby glazing and a significant number of automatic door systems to support accessibility and intuitive circulation throughout the building. Externally, new façade insertions – including a large second-floor viewing window – required high performance double glazing capable of meeting stringent wind-load, clarity and compliance requirements.
Solution
In response, SMB Glass Windows & Doors partnered with Australian Glass Group to deliver a comprehensive glazing package centred on Insulglass LowE Plus® clear double glazing, ensuring architectural intent and technical performance were achieved across both internal and external applications.
“The glazing was fundamental to transforming how the building functions and feels,” said Juzer Dawood, Sales and Project Director at SMB Glass Windows & Doors. “Our role was to ensure the new façade and internal glazing delivered transparency and light while fully complying with the university’s performance, safety and regulatory requirements.”
Insulglass LowE Plus® clear double glazing was selected for its ability to enhance both visual quality and thermal performance. With high clarity, a low U-value and balanced solar heat-gain coefficient (SHGC), the glazing significantly improved the energy efficiency of the refurbished façade while supporting the crisp, contemporary architectural language proposed by the design team.
The upgraded glazing increased daylight penetration and delivered improved thermal stability across teaching, meeting and collaborative spaces – critical outcomes in a high-occupancy education and research environment.
Acoustic performance was another key consideration. The double-glazed units, integrated with acoustic partition systems, helped maintain sound separation between IT laboratories, staff offices and student collaboration areas, directly supporting occupant comfort and productivity.
From a construction perspective, the façade upgrade required careful coordination due to varied substrates, complex interfaces and the need for precision installation within the existing building envelope. Australian Glass Group worked closely with SMB Glass Windows & Doors to manufacture glazing units to exact site-verified dimensions. This was particularly critical for the oversized second floor viewing window, which was craned into position and installed using the AWS 426 FrontGLAZE™ aluminum system with Insulglass LowE Plus® to achieve strength, clarity and compliant performance.
“Given the scale and complexity of the glazing elements – particularly the large second-level window – precision was essential,” Dawood said. “Every unit was purpose-manufactured to suit site conditions, allowing installation to proceed safely and efficiently while meeting all structural and performance criteria.”
Internally, the glazing scope extended to smoke-sealed lift lobby enclosures formed from heat-soaked toughened glass with certified smoke-rated silicone. Accessibility was addressed through the installation of approximately 20 automatic door systems, including telescopic sliding operators and low-force top-hung sliders, ensuring seamless circulation throughout the building.
Across all applications, the glass complied with AS 2208 and AS 4666 while the Total System glazing satisfied the rest; AS 1288, AS 2047 & AS 1170.2, while meeting Monash University’s energy performance requirements under AFRC protocols. These outcomes were recognised when the project received a Highly Commended Award for Victoria at the AGWA Design Awards 2026.
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