DELIVERING CURVED ARCHITECTURAL PRECISION AT SURRY HILLS VILLAGE, WITH EXPRESSION™ BY NO.1 ARCHITECTURAL PANELS

No 1 Roofing and Building Supplies shares their latest article as part of their partnership with ArchiTeam.

Delivering Curved Architectural Precision at Surry Hills Village, with Expression™ by No.1 Architectural Panels

By Marcio Da Silva, GM of Architectural Specifications - No.1 Roofing & Building Supplies
 

How Collaboration, Craftsmanship, and Expression™ Interlocking Panels Brought an Ambitious Façade to Life

The Surry Hills Village redevelopment presented an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible when architectural ambition meets specialist capability. Engaged during the construction phase, Marshall Roofing was tasked with delivering the façade cladding for key areas of the precinct—most notably a continuous, refined curved façade that served as a defining architectural statement. Working collaboratively with the builder, façade engineers, and SJB Architects, the team was responsible for the full sequence of supply, fabrication coordination, and installation.

A Clear Architectural Intent

SJB Architects’ vision centred on creating an elegant, uninterrupted curvature that would unify the building’s form and contribute meaningfully to the broader streetscape. Their design brief emphasised high‑end finishes, precise alignment, minimal visible fixings, and absolute consistency in colour and geometry. The façade needed to both perform and communicate—expressing craftsmanship and durability while balancing heritage sensitivity within the evolving urban fabric of Surry Hills.

Material Selection with Purpose

Manor Red® COLORBOND® steel was selected for its ability to deliver warmth and contextual depth, complementing the longstanding brick and masonry palette of the neighbourhood. Beyond colour, the metal architectural panel system chosen offered the adaptability required for curved surfaces and detailed junctions. No.1 Roofing & Building Supplies supplied Expression™ Interlocking Panels, a system widely recognised for its crisp express lines, concealed fixing, and suitability for complex geometries—making it an ideal technical and aesthetic match for the project’s ambitions.

Navigating the Challenges of a Curved Façade

Curved walls introduce a unique set of technical challenges. Maintaining consistency of alignment and managing tolerances across varying radii demanded precise set‑out and highly skilled installation. Custom fabrication was carried out in close coordination with SCA Engineering Pty Ltd to ensure each panel was shaped to exacting specifications without compromising structural integrity or finish quality. Fixing methods and installation sequencing were refined to ensure the panels followed the curvature seamlessly, free of distortion.

Coordination, Craftsmanship, and Quality

Regular coordination meetings allowed the team to manage interfaces between structural elements, cladding, and adjacent trades while preventing clashes and maintaining program continuity. Progressive inspections, curvature verification, and alignment checks ensured each stage met both performance and aesthetic standards. The experience of the installation team—particularly in Tier 1 commercial projects—was instrumental in navigating the technical complexities of the façade.

A Successful Architectural Outcome

The finished façade now stands as a defining element of Surry Hills Village: warm, fluid, and meticulously detailed. The strong curvature, flawless colour continuity, and clean interlocking lines demonstrate a level of craftsmanship that was acknowledged by both the builder and SJB Architects. Their feedback highlighted the precision of execution and faithful delivery of the design intent.

Lessons for the Industry

The project reinforces several key principles for curved façade work: early design coordination, accurate set‑out, meaningful collaboration with fabricators, and the value of experienced installers. As architectural expression becomes more prominent in urban developments, systems like Expression™ Interlocking Panels will continue to play a vital role in enabling both technical performance and design ambition.
 

All images supplied by Marshall Roofing Pty Ltd.

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If you need to know more about No 1 Roofing and Building Supplies, or if you need to discuss a project, please do not hesitate to contact any of the below.

Marcio Da Silva
GM of Architectural Specifications
m:0404 685 531
e: marcio.dasilva@no1roofing.com.au 

Website:  No 1 Roofing and Building Supplies