Custom Protection in a Residential Glazed Walkway

Located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the coastal town of Rye is known for its beaches, native bushland and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Set amongst this is a Rye residence where a glazed walkway and stair connection link the existing home with a new extension. 

During the design process, the glazed stairway presented a challenge, requiring a compliant screening solution suitable for a BAL-FZ (Bushfire Attack Level Flame Zone) environment while maintaining the openness of the space. Nivek Group was engaged to provide a custom Amplimesh SupaScreen solution, delivering a result that satisfied both the homeowner and the project requirements. 

The project required detailed site measurement and fabrication, with large-format panels developed to suit the walkway and stair connection. 

Director Aaron Kryger said Amplimesh SupaScreen provided a proven solution for the project. “When we were approached for this project, the homeowner had already reached out to several fabricators seeking a solution,” Kryger said. “Many were unable to proceed due to the BAL-FZ requirements. Amplimesh SupaScreen has been tested for use in bushfire-prone areas and, when installed in accordance with AS1530.8.2 and used with a compliant window system, can be used in BAL-FZ applications. That testing gave us the confidence to deliver a solution for this project.” 

Kryger also said the scope of work required a tailored approach. “It required a level of customisation that many fabricators were not willing to take on,” he said. “We were able to work through those requirements and deliver a solution that suited both the performance requirements and the design intent of the home.” 

Amplimesh SupaScreen was selected for its suitability in BAL-FZ compliant applications, while also delivering the everyday benefits of security, ventilation and visibility. Manufactured from 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh, SupaScreen provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it well suited to coastal environments such as Rye. 

Rather than enclosing the space or interrupting the design, the fine stainless steel mesh allows natural light, airflow and views to remain largely uninterrupted. The result is a walkway that continues to feel open and connected to its surroundings while providing an additional layer of protection and security. 

Nivek Group adapted the system to suit the custom-framed, large-format panels, integrating Amplimesh SupaScreen into a key feature of the home. Their design, fabrication and installation capability ensured a compliant and precise result across the walkway and stair connection. 

Today, the completed walkway provides confidence that the home is better protected against bushfire risk while maintaining the openness and connection to the surrounding landscape that defined the original design.