A decorative glass product from Viridian was specified for the awnings of the restaurant at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to create a beautiful glass canopy while accentuating the tropical surrounds of the landmark venue.
The stunning Airways Hotel has been an iconic feature of the Port Moresby skyline for over 30 years. Located on a hillside above Jacksons International Airport, this five-star hotel’s most eye-catching feature is its rooftop restaurant, Vue on the 7th floor.
The restaurant was extensively renovated by local project developers, Lamana Development, who looked to Viridian’s Townsville team to provide expertise and direction on the best glazing solution for the restaurant’s awnings.
“The brief required a decorative glass that offered a stylish aesthetic, but also delivered on performance,” explains Tim Noble, Manager at Viridian’s Townsville site.
“Viridian’s ScalaMirage Tree range provided the perfect solution. This translucent, decorative glass allowed us to integrate an artistic element to the restaurant’s awnings while celebrating the hotel’s botanical setting,” adds Mr Noble.
Featuring an intricate leaf pattern, Viridian’s ScalaMirage Tree added a beautiful detail to the awnings that run around the perimeter of the restaurant.
In addition to the visual appeal, the product’s performance attributes were an important design consideration for the team. ScalaMirage combines high levels of light transmission with a non-reflective, scratch-resistant satin finish, robust durability, and an anti-fingerprint, acid-etched surface for easy maintenance.
“As a toughened and laminated Grade A Safety Glass, ScalaMirage is resistant to the impact of high temperatures, moisture and UV light, making it a reliable option for an exposed rooftop setting in a tropical climate,” explains Mr Noble.
However, the installation at the restaurant was quite challenging since the panels had to be fitted under the steel beams in the awnings rather than above the beams.
According to Mr Noble, with some of the panels weighing up to 220 kilos, the fitout required some delicate manoeuvring.
The Viridian team worked closely with glazing suppliers, FGS Glazing Systems and John Hyde Glass Innovation, combining resources and expertise to ensure an accurate measure and supply, as well as a safe fitout. The result is a striking awning that provides the perfect finish to this iconic rooftop venue.
Image credit: Lamana Developments
