v for vision

ALL THE RETAIL units on the ground floor share a distinctive look: aluminium louvres above the doors that reduce the harsh glare of direct sunlight and add vital architectural interest to the building.

Wilson Liyu of Sunblade, the company that manufactured and installed the louvres, says the louvres are an excellent way of introducing variety and movement to a modern high rise.

"It's a powerful look that brings horizontal lines, shadows and interest to the exterior. A row of deciduous trees nearby means that the look will change in winter as the louvres become more exposed."

Each bay of louvres has 13 blades of architectural grade extruded aluminium, with a six-metre span. The design has provision for thermal movement, to allow the metal to expand and contract along with diurnal and annual fluctuations in temperature.

The fixed louvres are pitched to the optimum angle for shade from the sun's rays. The louvres feature a die-cast end cap a feature that Sunblade used to place fittings out of sight.

With such a wide span, the blades were manufactured off site in two sections and then pinned together to make handling on site easier. The sections were then bracket fixed rather than end fixed. This allowed the louvres to be projected out at the required angle and means that the whole structure appears to be floating.

For more information, contact Sunblade, PO Box 51862, Pakuranga, Auckland, phone (09) 273 8866. Email: round@sunblade.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas