The multi-million dollar expansion of Eastland Shopping Centre completed in October 2016 has successfully taken this already expanded urban shopping centre to the next level as a destination to not only shop but also eat, drink and meet.

​With the vision of transforming Eastland into one of Melbourne’s most progressive and exciting urban leisure destinations, in addition to the revamped retail experience, a new town square lined with signature restaurants, contemporary al fresco dining and a generous public space was incorporated into the project.

​Paramount to the al fresco dining was marrying the indoor and outdoor environments which required an extensive use of glass. Probuild (tier 1 builders) opted for Glassworks’ LoĒ³-366 ® low-emissivity (low-e) glass for a number restaurants exposed to direct sunlight at certain times of the day. Because LoĒ³-366 delivers the ideal balance of solar control and high visibility, it was the perfect choice for restaurants such as Mexican street food eatery Paco Taco, cafe Brioche and steak restaurant Hunter and Barrel.

​Historically, tinted glass would have seemed the only solution for an almost all glass front exposed to direct sunlight, although this would not have spoiled the view from inside and compromised visibility from outside. LoĒ³-366’s pioneering triple layer of silver actually far outperforms tinted low-e insulated glass units (IGU), achieving a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of only 0.27 compared to 0.67.

​On the aesthetic side, it was also chosen for its low reflectivity, producing an exterior reflectance of just 11% compared with 17% of a regular low-e IGU, as well as the ability to stay clean naturally thanks to the added Neat® easy-clean coating which harnesses the sun’s rays to lift the dirt so the rain can wash it away.

​The best aspect of LoĒ³-366 is enjoyed during the hottest months as its sun blocking ability means less reliance on air conditioning for enhanced occupant comfort and energy savings.

​Learn more about LoE³-366® low-E glass