Protective Glass Coating: Sydney Metro, Australia
Project Overview
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Project: Sydney Metro
- Project Type: Public transport infrastructure
- Application: Glass roof and canopy protection
- Glass Area Treated: 6,000 sqm / 64,583 sq ft
- Surface: Glass canopies across above-ground stations
- Architectural Design: Hassell Studio
- Specification Partner: Empire Facades
- Application Method: Factory-applied glass coating
- Solution: EnduroShield protective glass coating for glass roofs and canopies
Protective Glass Coating for Australia’s First Fully Automated Metro
Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully automated rapid transit system and one of the country’s largest public transport infrastructure projects. The system opened in May 2019, introducing a high-frequency metro service designed to support the future of public transport in Sydney.
As part of the project, EnduroShield protective glass coating was specified and applied to glass roofs and canopies across key above-ground stations. These station canopies form a major architectural feature, creating a clean, modern and highly visible design while allowing natural light into the station environment.
The permanent* coating helps protect the glass against the deteriorating effects of brake dust, pollution and weather, while making cleaning and maintenance simpler.
To support long-term maintenance and keep the glass cleaner between scheduled cleans, EnduroShield was applied to 6,000 sqm of glass canopy across the above-ground stations.
The Challenge: Maintaining Glass Roofs in Public Transport Environments
Glass roofs and canopies in transport infrastructure are exposed to demanding conditions. Pollution, brake dust, weather, dirt, water staining and environmental contaminants can build up on the surface, making glass harder to clean over time.
For Sydney Metro, the key challenges included:
- Protecting 6,000 sqm of glass canopy across above-ground stations
- Reducing buildup from brake dust, pollution and weather exposure
- Helping keep glass roofs cleaner between scheduled maintenance
- Supporting simpler cleaning and long-term glass maintenance
- Preserving the appearance of multi-faceted architectural glass roofing
- Integrating protection before installation through factory application
Because station canopies are highly visible and difficult to access once installed, long-term maintenance planning was an important consideration from the start.
The Solution: Factory-Applied Protective Glass Coating
EnduroShield was applied in-factory before the glass panels were delivered to site and lifted into place. This helped ensure the glass canopies were protected before exposure to site conditions and ongoing public transport operations.
The team worked with Empire Facades on the specifications for treating the futuristic, multi-faceted glass roofing designed by international urban architects Hassell Studio.
Factory-applied protective glass coating is particularly valuable for infrastructure projects because it allows protection to be integrated into the build process before installation. This supports consistency, quality control and long-term performance across large glass areas.
Key functions of the coating include:
- Helping protect glass roofs and canopies from environmental buildup
- Reducing the ability of brake dust, pollution and dirt to bond to the glass
- Making glass easier to clean during scheduled maintenance
- Helping keep station canopies cleaner for longer
- Supporting safer, more efficient maintenance planning
- Protecting glass before installation through factory application
Supporting Long-Term Transport Infrastructure Maintenance
Public transport infrastructure requires durable, practical and scalable maintenance solutions. Once glass roofs and canopies are installed, access can be difficult, cleaning can be time-consuming, and visible buildup can affect the overall presentation of the station.
EnduroShield protective glass coating helps simplify ongoing maintenance by creating an easy-clean surface on the glass. This supports facility managers and maintenance teams looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce cleaning difficulty across large-scale infrastructure assets.
For Sydney Metro, the coating helps protect the glass against the deteriorating effects of brake dust, pollution and weather while making cleaning and maintenance simpler.
Results and Long-Term Benefits
With EnduroShield applied to 6,000 sqm of glass canopy, Sydney Metro benefits from long-term glass protection designed to support easier maintenance and preserve the appearance of above-ground stations.
The factory-applied process also helped ensure the glass was protected before installation, supporting consistency across the station canopy system.
Key Benefits
- Protected 6,000 sqm of glass roof and canopy surfaces
- Helped keep glass cleaner between scheduled maintenance
- Reduced the impact of brake dust, pollution and weather exposure
- Supported easier cleaning of difficult-to-access glass roofing
- Protected multi-faceted architectural glass before installation
- Supported long-term performance for public transport infrastructure
- Delivered a scalable solution for a major Australian infrastructure project
Why Infrastructure Projects Choose EnduroShield
Infrastructure projects often include large areas of glass in high-exposure, high-use environments. Glass roofs, canopies, façades and station glazing need to maintain appearance while supporting practical long-term maintenance.
EnduroShield protective glass coating is used globally across transport, commercial, architectural and public infrastructure projects to protect glass and reduce cleaning demands.
Suitable applications include:
- Glass station canopies
- Glass roofs and skylights
- Transport hubs and terminals
- Rail and metro stations
- Airports and public infrastructure
- Commercial glass façades
- Exterior architectural glass
- Factory-applied glass coating programs
By protecting glass from the beginning of the project, EnduroShield helps reduce long-term maintenance challenges and supports better asset performance.
Relevance for Architects, Specifiers and Facility Managers
For architects and specifiers, protective glass coating can be integrated early into the project design and specification process. This helps ensure glass surfaces are easier to maintain once the project is complete.
For builders and façade teams, factory-applied EnduroShield allows the coating to be applied under controlled conditions before installation.
For facility managers, the benefit is long-term: easier cleaning, reduced buildup and improved maintenance efficiency across high-value glass assets.
At Sydney Metro, EnduroShield was selected to support the performance and appearance of glass canopies across a major public transport project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a protective glass coating?
A protective glass coating is an advanced treatment applied to glass surfaces to reduce the ability of dirt, pollution, water and contaminants to bond to the surface. This creates an easy-clean effect and helps maintain the appearance of glass over time.
How do you protect glass canopies from pollution and dirt?
Glass canopies can be protected with an easy-clean protective glass coating that helps reduce the ability of pollution, dirt, brake dust and weather-related contaminants to bond to the surface. This makes the glass easier to clean and helps keep it cleaner between scheduled maintenance.
Why is factory-applied glass coating useful for infrastructure projects?
Factory-applied protective glass coating allows the treatment to be applied before installation under controlled conditions. This supports quality control, consistency and protection before the glass is exposed to construction or operational environments.
Is EnduroShield suitable for glass roofs and canopies?
Yes. EnduroShield protective glass coating is suitable for glass roofs, canopies, skylights and exterior architectural glass exposed to weather, pollution and environmental contaminants.
For Glass Roof, Canopy and Infrastructure Projects
From metro stations and transport hubs to commercial buildings, glass roofs and architectural canopies, EnduroShield protective glass coating helps protect glass and reduce ongoing maintenance demands.
For architects, specifiers, builders and facility managers, EnduroShield provides a practical solution for improving glass performance across large-scale infrastructure projects.
Speak to our team about your next glass canopy or infrastructure project →
*Independently tested and certified for durability to simulate a lifetime of 10 years on interior and exterior use by TÜV Rheinland, German