ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Leviat delivered critical expertise to realise the sculptural and award-winning design of the Phoenix Central Park Gallery in Chippendale, Sydney. A fusion of architecture and art, the private gallery of philanthropist Judith Neilson pushes structural boundaries with a façade that dimples, twists and curls in three dimensions. Behind this visually striking brickwork lies a bespoke stainless steel support system, engineered and manufactured by Leviat.
The result of a rare architectural collaboration between John Wardle Architects and Durbach Block Jaggers, and delivered by FDC Construction with brickwork specialist Favetti, the project demanded advanced technical solutions to translate the architects’ complex vision to life. Leviat’s contribution was critical in enabling the masonry skin to follow the flowing contours of the design without compromise.
To address the project’s unique requirements, Leviat supplied and fabricated the following in grade 
304 stainless steel with a 2B finish:
- Over 600 special multi-adjustable wall ties
- 168m of bespoke Ancon MDC and LDC bracket angle support systems and cleats
- 2,000 Ancon SDB wall ties
- 613m of Ancon 25/14 channel and wall ties.
Invisible yet essential
Masonry restraints and support systems often go unnoticed once installed, yet they are vital to a building’s structural performance. At Phoenix Gallery, Leviat’s systems provided essential connection points between the brickwork and the structural steel and concrete frame. Given their permanent load-bearing role and inaccessibility for maintenance or replacement, stainless steel was the only suitable material to meet the integrity, durability and performance expectations.
Stainless steel offers numerous advantages in these applications:
- High corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity in exposed environments
- High strength-to-weight ratio for secure load transfer
- Non-combustibility and hygienic surface properties
- Sustainability benefits, including up to 90% recycled content and 100% recyclability at end of life.
These properties make stainless steel an ideal solution for applications where structural reliability and long-term performance are critical.
Engineering the extradordinary
The complexity of the Phoenix Gallery’s façade demanded close collaboration between Leviat, Favetti,
and the design team. One of the most challenging aspects was the O’Connor Street façade, featuring the large ‘dimple’ detail where masonry deviated significantly from the underlying frame. Leviat responded with a bespoke multi-adjustable wall tie, specially tested at Newcastle University and tailored to mechanically engage with the brickwork, delivering both flexibility and strength.
Elsewhere, Ancon MDC and LDC angle supports were profiled to follow the façade’s undulating plan while maintaining a level bearing surface. Ancon SDB and SD25 wall ties and 25/14 channels were deployed across the gallery to restrain masonry vertically and horizontally.
The striking ‘torsion’ corner detail required another custom stainless steel solution, again designed, engineered, and manufactured by Leviat’s Sydney-based team. Their local manufacturing capabilities allowed for fast turnarounds and on-site adaptability to meet evolving project demands.
Stainless steel supporting iconic architecture
The Phoenix Gallery is a shining example of how stainless steel strengthens and protects a structure while enabling architectural creativity and innovation. Leviat’s precision-engineered systems made the project possible, enabling complex forms to be executed with confidence and long-term performance assured.
As stainless steel continues to gain recognition for its sustainability, strength, and design versatility, its use in iconic structures highlights its essential role in modern Australian construction.
Photo credit: Favetti.
This article was featured in Australian Stainless Magazine 82.
