Spectrum's Clearspan Face hung Fin balustrade is a practical solution to the desire for attractive balustrades that comply with modern building methods. With the resurgence in trends for steel look balustrades and fins/battens on buildings, the Clearspan Fin balustrade overwhelmingly meets that requirement. Fins are attached with a proprietary bracket system to the face of the handrail and lower rail. This means from the exterior, that all vertical fins are in the same plane. Posts are hidden behind the fins. In a typical situation the posts would be face fixed and fins hang over the face of the deck, hiding the deck structure from view.

Customisable system

Unlike most balustrade systems that are limited in design changes, the Fin balustrade system is remarkably flexible. Fin spacing is customisable depending on the level of privacy desired. The development in Hobsonville was specified with 40mm gaps, while the max is 100mm. The fin size is also customisable. The standard fin size is 40 x 20mm, but almost any other size fin is possible, or even a combination of sizes, spacing and colour is possible to create a customised look. Other substrates such as perforated sheet or timber slats can be attached to the frame via the proprietary bracket system. The ability to customise puts the power back in the hands of the designer and homeowner to create a look that they desire at a reasonable cost.

Privacy screen / Façade feature / Pool fence

As well as being an attractive balustrade, the Fin system can be used to create other architectural items. Fins on the Balustrade can be extended up vertically past the handrail to create privacy screens. This creates a visually appealing screen which is seamless from the outside, and by varying the number of fins, can create a level of privacy to suit the homeowner. Decorative façade screens also look great with this product, with the main benefit being that it can match balustrades on the build and fin fixings are concealed. The Fin system can also be used as a pool fence if manufactured at 1.2m high.

Construkt Architects liased closely with Spectrum and specified the Clearspan Fin balustrade system on a number of their projects at Hobsonville Point, Auckland. The design and installed product more than met the expectations of the architect and builder/developer.