30 | NuLook Northland T T Karen Phelps Striking glazing a transformation The glazing transformed the light and atmosphere of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dargaville. “It was a project that required real precision, organisation, coordination and timing and shows the high standard of workmanship we achieve.” REGIONAL A complex glazing project that has transformed the light and atmosphere of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dargaville has earned Nulook Northland recognition as a finalist in the 2026 Window & Glass Association NZ Awards. Nulook Northland was one of three finalists in the Design - Commercial North Island category and achieved a highly commended for the project which involved replacing the church’s ageing tōtara framed curtain walls with a modern aluminium glazing solution. Owned by Nikki and Mark Lawton, the Whangārei-based business delivered the project in collaboration with Taylor Long Construction, Metroglass and AliGlass. “It was a project that required real precision, organisation, coordination and timing and shows the high standard of workmanship we achieve,” says Nulook Northland project manager Aaron Kerr. Located on Hokianga Street in Dargaville, Aaron says the project presented a unique set of challenges. The original curtain walls had reached the end of their serviceable life, but the replacement needed to respect the building’s original proportions and maintain the sense of light and reflection that defines the interior space. Rather than simply replacing windows the project focused on protecting the atmosphere and architectural intent of the church. The new glazing solution needed to meet modern Building Code requirements, accommodate seismic movement and provide a low-maintenance result that would last for decades. Nulook Northland worked collaboratively with the Altus® Window Systems Technical team and used the Atlantic48 high-performance aluminium system and a stacked joint methodology to manage the building’s complex geometry including window heights reaching up to eight metres and extensive raking angles following the roofline. Aaron says the approach allowed the large curtain walls to be installed in carefully controlled stages, improving accuracy and reducing risk throughout the project. The aluminium frames were fabricated at Nulook Northland’s Whangārei premises before being transported to site in carefully planned stages. He says one of the most technically demanding elements was the coloured glazing. “The original glass design was carefully mapped and recreated using laminated safety glass incorporating a decorative PET interlayer with each panel precisely manufactured to maintain the richness and character of the original design,” says Aaron. “The finished glazing allows coloured light to filter into the church, enhancing the spiritual and community-focused nature of the space and providing improved thermal, acoustic and safety performance.” He says that for Nulook Northland the project represents the importance of combining technical expertise with careful craftsmanship. The business, which supplies and installs aluminium joinery throughout Northland from Wellsford to Kaitaia, has built its reputation on delivering quality solutions for residential and commercial projects. “We have a team of experienced joiners and sales staff with many years’ experience between them supporting customers, builders and architects with practical advice and tailored joinery solutions. Our team is at the heart of everything we are able to achieve,” says Aaron. He thinks that the Sacred Heart Catholic Church project demonstrates the capability of local businesses to deliver highly specialised work that balances heritage, design and modern performance requirements. “Standing inside the completed church it is clear the glazing does far more than just enclose the space. “It animates it, allowing refracted colours to lift the eye and create moments of quiet focus and connection.”
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