A set of iconic grain silos have been transformed into sought-after residential apartments with a striking curved façade utilising Alspec’s high performance window and door framing products. The apartments are part of the first stage of the major redevelopment of the former Mungo Scott Flour Mills at Summer Hill in Sydney. Constructed in the 1950s, the silos’ long term place in the suburb’s skyline resulted in their being creatively adapted as the centrepiece of the new development.

A key component of the Wheat Silos building’s exterior is Alspec’s McArthur Evo framing system. Featuring straight cuts and centre pocket glazing, the system delivers a contemporary look while providing superior long term performance. It is flexible, being easily adapted to accommodate sliding windows, awnings and doors. In the curved façade, designers took advantage of this adaptability to include Breezway Altair Louvre windows. Modern louvres such as these provide the apartments with the benefits of natural cooling and ventilation while still protecting from the elements and being easy to clean and operate.

In addition to McArthur Evo framing, the buildings also feature ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Double Glazed Framing, Hunter Evo 101.6mm Flush Glazed Framing and AS85 Awning windows. ecoFRAMEplus is best for known for its energy efficiency properties while Hunter Evo Flush Glazed Framing combines high performance with an attractive flush finish. AS85 Awning Windows provide window openings with superior weather performance, thanks to their overlapping internal and external seals.

Throughout the first stage doors have been selected from the Alspec range as best determined for each situation, including the Altitude Apartment Sliding Door, ProGlide High Performance Sliding Door, Hawkesbury Commercial Multi-Fold Door and the Swan Commercial Door. The Altitude Apartment Sliding door is a stylish option in the Alspec range, providing the ability to span large openings while retaining high performance against the extremes of weather. The ProGlide High Performance Sliding Door comes with a comprehensive range of features and benefits including combinations able to meet height and wind load requirements, double or triple tracks and the ability to accommodate thicker glass and double glazing. Meanwhile, the Hawkesbury Commercial Multi-Fold Doors were selected to provide inward or outward stacking doors as required while the Swan Commercial Doors were the preferred option where hinged or pivoted doors were needed.

With the first stage of the development now complete, subsequent stages are underway continuing the transformation of this once derelict site. On completion, the new community will include nearly 400 residences, as well as retail space, public recreation and park areas.

Architect: Hassell Studio
Builder: Watpac Construction (Stage 1 and 2)
Fabricator: Distinct Aluminium Solutions (Stage 1)

Alspec Products Used:
Altitude® Apartment Sliding Door
ProGlide® High Performance Sliding Door
Hawkesbury® Commercial Multi-Fold Door
McArthur Evo 101.6mm Centre Pocket Framing
ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing
Hunter Evo 101.6mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
Awning and Casement Window
Fixed Louvre