15 May EDGE Architectural – a name worth remembering

The impossible suddenly seems possible with EDGE Architectural

For the past five years I have worked with architectural products. I have worked with anything and everything from bathroom products to cladding systems to aluminium windows and doors. With a strong background in architectural specification, product promotion, digital sales and marketing, I have a keen eye for noticing when a manufacturer has that something different to offer.  Standing out from the pack is one of the hardest things to do in any industry. It’s risky, it’s unknown and it’s working in the space that no one else has dared to go. Ai took the risk, explored the unknown and accepted the dare. As a result EDGE Architectural exists.

EDGE brings to the architecture and construction industry U-MAX™, MAX™ and GEN™. U-MAX™ is a thermally broken commercial framing system. Instead of following  thermal break trends from one place, Ai looked to Europe and North America to form a well rounded understanding of the technology available. Ai chose to look towards America in addition to Europe because of the similar climate to Australia (which when you think about it makes a whole lot of sense).  Inspired by the technology present in America and Europe, Ai designed an original thermally broken commercial framing system for the EDGE product range. U-MAX™ is a system designed by Australians for our Australian climate. The more I learn about U-MAX™, the more I come to realise, it is truly unique.

IMAS in Hobart features EDGE Architectural glazing systems

MAX™ is a double glazed frame and is the ideal solution for projects that don’t require the additional thermal performance of a thermal break. When only single glazing is required, GEN™ is the system to specify. Probably the stand out feature of the EDGE range is its compatibility. Within the one project you can switch seamlessly from a thermally broken frame, to a double glazed unit, to a single glazed system. In addition to this you can freely change from flush glazing to centre glazing with only a standard mullion width between the two frame styles. This functionality is something almost every architect I have ever met with in the past has been craving – a collection of systems that fit together as easily as LEGO. EDGE allows you to achieve a true visual unity.

Design freedom increases with features such as a unique watershed technology to prevent unwanted internal leaks, beads that fit to the top or bottom, inside or outside of the sill, and captive edge glazing for ease of installation. The EDGE range answers so many shortcomings of glazing systems from the past because it is thoughtful and purpose built for the Australian design and construction market.

Moving forward with EDGE Architectural

EDGE is ready to be launched fully into the industry. With an impressive project portfolio already underway, including IMAS in Hobart by John Wardle Architects, and Lyons Architect’s Institute for Molecular Science sporting EDGE, the next step is to make sure there is a higher level of industry awareness. I’m excited to drive Ai to focus more on educating and assist architects on their projects from early concept drawings, into documentation and specification phases. Ai will aim to assist builders to locate appropriate subcontractors for the EDGE systems, and fabricators will have the ongoing support network that Ai has always offered. This is an exciting time for Ai and the EDGE range; I look forward to seeing the progression of the EDGE product range and it challenging everything you thought you knew about aluminium windows and doors.

My advice – watch this space!

The Institute for Molecular Science at LaTrobe University features EDGE Architectural glazing systems