Ambition Achieved

Taming the fierce winds that buffet tall towers is an ongoing challenge. Building an enclosed lanai is one way to keep those gusts out.

Fletcher Construction approached Thermosash Commercial for a design solution for cladding the Stamford Residences, says Thermosash's managing director and CEO David Hayes.

Thermosash designed a unitised curtainwall solution, integrating a structural glass, double-hung, bi-parting opening window for natural ventilation. It was fitted at the factory, then brought on site ready for installation, eliminating the need for scaffolding access.

This involved cutting more than 40 new extrusion die profiles, as well as completing facade testing to NZS 4284 to substantiate system compliance with the project's performance requirements.

The custom-designed windows mean residents can still enjoy the lanai attached to their apartments on the windiest days, and in more tranquil times can take advantage of cross-ventilation.

"The glazing system was designed to meet the engineers' request to make the lanai more usable in high winds. The specifications it met were quite tight," says Hayes.

The curtainwall isn't designed for noise reduction, although it helps. Instead, Thermosash's secondary sliding doors to the inner skin of the balconies are acoustically rated to help control any noise rising from street level.

For details contact Thermosash Commercial, 41 Poland Road, Takapuna, Auckland, phone (09) 444 4944. Website: www.thermosash.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas