Unex Systems’ Glass and Aluminium Balustrade Solution for The Link Apartments

The Link is an impressive apartment block situated in Whangaparaoa, Auckland. Nearly four hundred metres of balustrade were required for the apartments.

Challenge

There were a number of complications which had to be taken into consideration. A half-height, membraned parapet on the residential decks created legal implications with toe-holds and waterproofing, as well as multiple non-standard balustrade fixing details. Visual obstructions also had to be kept to a minimum. In addition, a custom solid infill balustrade and screen had to be designed for privacy reasons on the breezeway areas.

Solution

Unex Systems worked closely with Woodview Construction and the Unex fabricator, Designer Stainless, to overcome these challenges and provide a solution. 'Vetro' semi-frameless glass balustrades were adapted for the residential decks. The glass protruded past the top of the posts, meaning a seamless top edge and less visual obstructions for the view. The breezeways were a successful merge of a Unex Framed Glass Style with Eclipse VRR top rail, with a custom perforated sheet infill. Designer Stainless became involved from the outset, having had extensive experience with such jobs. Rigorous testing and engineering for the custom perforated infill was undertaken by Unex in order to provide a compliant balustrade that provides privacy as well.

The team at Unex Systems also specifically engineered the multiple non-standard fixing details, providing the relevant site-specific specification and documentation to ensure it complied with all building code requirements.

Results

Completed in September 2014, the end result is an impressive solution and a display of the balustrade expertise that the Unex Systems team is able to offer. Blending their knowledge of balustrades with the custom infill solution has produced an outstanding result which enhances the functional and visual appeal of The Link Apartments.

Avon Framed Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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Ideal for modern architectural homes, the Avon offers any combination of rail type and numerous potential finishes to suit your unique style.

NZ-Owned Business

The Avon Framed Glass style by UNEX can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences.

Unex Systems’ balustrade brands – namely Aluma, Eclipse Vogue and Arena – are designed to and comply with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

There is a wide range of fixing options available to fix to the top and sides of both timber and concrete substrates. The Unex Systems DKG2 gutter bracket system is designed for membrane decks with gutters and waterproofing considerations. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

The standard powders used by Unex Systems (the Interpon powder coat range) can be used right down to sea level, provided the care and maintenance instructions are adhered to.

Unex Systems has designed its range of balustrade styles in the Aluma, Eclipse Vogue and Arena brands to comply with the B1, B2, E2, F2 and F4 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the Unex Systems website.

For non-standard situations not covered by the specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by Unex Systems upon request.

Vetro Semi-frameless Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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The Vetro’s recessed channels and absent top rail offer a crisp, clean-lined support that is significantly more economical than frameless glass.

NZ Made

NZ-Owned Business

The Vetro Semi-frameless Glass style by UNEX can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences, etc.

UNEX balustrades are designed to and comply with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office, and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

A wide range of fixing options are available to fix to the top and sides of both timber and concrete substrates. Unex's DKG2 gutter bracket system is designed for membrane decks with gutters and waterproofing considerations. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

The standard powders used by Unex (the Interpon powder coat range) can be used right down to sea level, provided the care and maintenance instructions are adhered to.

Unex has designed its range of balustrade styles to comply with the B1, B2, F2, F4, and F9 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the UNEX website.

For non-standard situations not covered by Unex's specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by UNEX upon request.

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