Taking the initiative

Sustainable design initiatives influenced the choice of furnishings throughout the new Westpac head office, including the window coverings. SP Blinds, a specialist blinds manufacturer, was approached by Jasmax to provide blinds that would control light in work environments on six floors of the office.

SP Blinds director Priel Segev says the blinds needed to reduce glare at workstations while maintaining enough natural light to create a comfortable work environment and minimise the use of artificial lighting.

"In addition, the fabric needed to enhance the interior design elements in terms of colour and transparency, and allow a good view," Segev says. "This was all to be achieved with a fabric that would contribute to the building's Green Star rating."

The solution was a roller blind manufactured from Ecoview Met Taupe fabric from SP Blinds' Ecotech Sunscreen range. This fabric, which is exclusive in New Zealand to SP Blinds, is manufactured without the addition of harmful substances, such as PVC, CFC, formaldehyde or other organic solvents. The aluminium backing on this fabric significantly reduces heat gain, thus reducing air conditioning costs.

In addition, motorised blockout blinds were installed in the cafeteria, to allow for projector screenings. These blinds are linked to an AV system for ease of operation.

Segev says SP Blinds has set a benchmark in New Zealand, being the first manufacturer to use fabrics from a European supplier awarded the internationally recognised ISO14001 the Implemented Environmental Management Standard.

For more information, contact SP Blinds, 37 Leslie Ave, Morningside, Auckland, phone (09) 379 6727. Website: www.spblinds.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas