Learning Curve

Steel and aluminium elements play a functional and aesthetic role in the building design of Te Whanau o Tupuranga. Able Metal Products was contracted to undertake the metalwork, which includes fixed aluminium sunscreen louvres.

Director Dave Burn says the installation of the sunscreens was a major undertaking, due to their size and the lack of room for a power lift.

"Every one of the aluminium blades was individually threaded onto a stainless steel rod. The entire unit was then lifted into place by screw jacks. With the largest unit weighing 1.3 tonnes, this was a considerable feat."

Able Metal Products also manufactured and installed the galvanised steel mesh beside the stairs on the first-floor walkway. The mesh, which is enclosed within a galvanised steel frame, was then fitted with timber battens to form a distinctive decorative element reminiscent of traditional Maori palisading.

Other metalwork undertaken by Able Metal Products includes handrails and balustrading. Burn says much of the company's work involved numerous smaller specialised metalwork jobs, such as the manufacture of a secure enclosure to accommodate the Infinity gas water heating system.

"Able Metal Products does not focus its work in one area," he says. "Rather, the company is an all-round metalwork specialist working on a variety of jobs."

For more details, contact Able Metal Products (2007) Ltd, PO Box 12-283, Penrose, phone (09) 579 4730, fax (09) 579 6612.

Story by: Trendsideas