A new student accommodation building in Brisbane is set to be graded a "High Distinction" from its new occupants, given its stunning modern design, community feel, and construction from high quality componentry. Located in Glen Road, Toowong, the Blue Sky tower was completed in early 2018 and features products from Alspec’s comprehensive window and door framing ranges.

The 15-level building has been designed to cater for the growing number of international students travelling to study in central Brisbane. The 540 bed facility comprises a mixture of one bedroom, twin rooms and shared living accommodation, as well as leisure spaces at ground level and on the roof top, aimed at encouraging student interaction. 

The building’s distinctive "saw tooth" shaped façade has produced well-lit rooms with views of the surrounding districts and the nearby Brisbane River. Alspec’s ProTilt High Performance Awning and Casement windows were one product selected due to their superior weather protection and excellent acoustic and thermal qualities. Well-suited to multi-unit residential applications such as this, the ProTilt features multi-point locking options, a high quality winder, and integrates with Alspec’s Hunter Evo and McArthur commercial framing systems. The Hunter Evo 101.6mm and 150mm single glazed flush framing also provides excellent weather and thermal protection, while the versatile McArthur 101.6m Centre Pocket glazing system can accommodate a range of glazing sizes.

In addition, other configurations of awning windows were installed, including the 50mm and 35mm Awning sashes. Both feature superior insulation properties and robust construction, with overlapping internal and external seals to ensure excellent weather performance. The addition of chain-winders to top hung awning windows ensures safe and secure window openings on all levels for occupants.

Inside the building, the popular Swan Evo 45mm Single Glazed Commercial Doors were utilised. The versatility of this product (able to used hinged, pivoted or sliding) makes it the preferred option for this type of development, while the centre pocket glazing adds improved security, appearance and lower manufacturing costs.

To facilitate the open feel of the communal spaces at ground and roof levels, Hawkesbury Commercial Multi Fold doors were selected. Hawkesbury doors feature specially designed commercial door stiles, making them durable and easy to operate. The advantage of multi fold doors is their ability to provide light, airy spaces, encouraging the flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. When closed, their sealing technology ensures rain, wind and cold air are kept where they belong.

With the building now occupied, all that remains is for the students to make the most of their comfortable surrounds and study hard with the hope of achieving their own High Distinction academic performances.

Architect: Hayball Pty Ltd
Builder: McNab Construction
Fabricator: Queensland Glass

Alspec Products Used:
Awning and Casement Window
Hawkesbury® Commercial Multi-Fold Door
Hunter Evo 101.6mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
Hunter Evo 150mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
McArthur Evo 101.6mm Centre Pocket Framing
ProTilt® High Performance Awning/Casement Window