XO Church - Invercargill

Project Overview

The Cornerstone/XO Church refurbishment project leveraged advanced glazing technologies to achieve a sensitive yet striking architectural transformation - aligning thermal performance, aesthetics and heritage preservation. Metro Performance Glass played a pivotal role in the supply and delivery of high performance glass systems that met both contemporary building standards and the project's strong visual narrative.

Unique Project Requirements

A key upgrade involved the removal of the existing steel framed windows, which previously featured a mix of obscure, single glazed glass types. These were replaced with full sized, high performance double glazed units incorporating Max™ Low E glass, dramatically improving thermal insulation and interior comfort. The use of Max Low E provided enhanced solar control and energy efficiency, supporting the church’s goal of long term sustainability and operational efficiency.

To honour the building's original character, digitally printed colonial bars were incorporated within the IGUs - successfully replicating the period aesthetic while delivering the performance benefits of modern glazing. This careful attention to visual detail ensured the heritage language of the building was preserved, while introducing clean, high transparency viewing areas that foster openness and natural light.

Safety and compliance were integral to the design and delivery process. All glazing was manufactured and installed in accordance with NZS 4223, seismic loading considerations, and relevant façade standards.

The project’s success relied on close collaboration between Metro Glass, the architect and the main contractor - from early stage design consultation through to site specific installation logistics. Metro’s capability to custom produce digitally printed double glazing, combined with responsive coordination and adaptive delivery within a compressed programme, was critical to the seamless execution.

The result is a transformed worship and community space that celebrates light, connection, and history - underpinned by glazing solutions that unify aesthetic intent with high performance, future ready design.