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Surreal Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrade
Description

A true glass and aluminium hybrid, the Surreal reduces the height of each intermediate post to obscure less of the view at a sitting height, making it the most frameless-comparable style in our Semi-Frameless range.  Available with or without rails, the Surreal boasts a continuous span of glass and a top edge glass protrusion to create a unique and modern look.

Key Features
  • Designed for standard heights up to 1200mm from finished deck level
  • Wide range of finish options — can be powdercoated or anodised in all standard NZ colours
  • Standard specifications available for top or side fixing to both Timber and Concrete substrates
  • Specifications for non-standard situations may be provided by Unex Systems upon request
  • Screws together with minimal, if any, welds required
  • Installed only by Authorised Fabricators, available nationwide
  • Post option available for side-fixed situations to conceal screw fixings
  • Designed for wind speeds up to 64m/s (ULS)
NZ Made
NZ Made
NZ-Owned Business
NZ-Owned Business
Scope of Use

The Surreal 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.

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.

Limitations on Use

Unex designs for residential situations, office, and work areas, as well as for areas with moving people, however, cannot be used for 'C1/C2', 'C5' or 'D' Loadings. In these applications, Unex recommends the use of its Extreme Barriers range of styles which has been specifically developed for these higher loadings for crowd and public situations.  

The standard Unex top rails comply with the handrail profile requirements of D1/AS1 for 'Private' and 'Common' stairways (with the exception of the #ARC and #ART top rails), but do not comply for 'Accessible Stairways or Ramps'.

Where a top rail of a balustrade on a stairway does not comply with D1/AS1, Unex recommends an auxiliary complying handrail is mounted to the side of the balustrade posts.  

There are certain risks to consumers associated with glass balustrades where no other form of top rail exists.

For certain buildings (such as architectural sky rises (over 3 stories high), light commercial, and high pollution areas) a higher grade powder coat powder must be specified.  

NZS 3604 Wind Zone Extra High suitable
Extra High Wind Zone
NZS 3604 Wind Zone High suitable
High Wind Zone
NZS 3604 Wind Zone Low suitable
Low Wind Zone
NZS 3604 Wind Zone Medium suitable
Medium Wind Zone
NZS 3604 Wind Zone Specific Design suitable
Specific Design Wind Zone
NZS 3604 Wind Zone Very High suitable
Very High WInd Zone
Statement of Building Code Compliance

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.

In-Service History

UNEX specialises in designing and manufacturing architectural balustrade systems throughout Australasia having done so since 1981.

These semi-frameless styles have been incorporated in Unex’s range since the early 2000s. There have been enhancements made since this time – in particular during 2008, when the building code changed to incorporate AS/NZS1170 which meant that the required balustrades loads effectively doubled. Unex Systems then redesigned a number of their balustrade extrusions to ensure these loads were adequately met.

B1 Structure compliant
Structure
B2 Durability compliant
Durability
E2 External Moisture compliant
External Moisture
F2 Hazardous Building Materials compliant
Hazardous Building Materials
F4 Safety from Falling compliant
Safety from Falling
F9 Restricting Access to Residential Pools compliant
Restricting Access to Residential Pools
Documents
NZ Building Code of Compliance
Producer Statement
Brochure
UNEX Loading Classification
CAD/PDF Details
Filters
Fixing Specs
Assembly Specification w/NO Side Rail

AS.36.00

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/VRT Side Rail

AS.36.04S

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/ART Side Rail

AS.36.05S

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/PRR Side Rail

AS.36.06S

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/VRE Side Rail

AS.36.08S

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/VRR Side Rail

AS.36.12S

NZBAL-C12.0

Assembly Specification w/LRR Side Rail

AS.36.14S

NZBAL-C12.0

Dry Timber, Side Fixing, Screws, 90mm Edge Joist

FS.1S.04.03

Dry Timber, Side Fixing, Bolts

FS.1S.06.03

Dry Timber, DKG2 Fixing, Screws, 90mm Edge Joist

FS.1S.07.03

Dry Timber, Top Fixing, 65mm CRS

FS.1T.01.00

Dry Timber, Top Fixing, 90mm CRS

FS.1T.02.00

Wet Timber, Side Fixing, Screws, 90mm Edge Joist

FS.2S.04.03

Wet Timber, Side Fixing, Screws, 135mm Edge Joist

FS.2S.05.03

Wet Timber, Side Fixing, Bolts

FS.2S.06.03

Wet Timber, Top Fixing, 65mm CRS

FS.2T.01.00

Wet Timber, Top Fixing, 90mm CRS

FS.2T.02.00

Concrete, DKG2 Fixing, Expoxy-set Anchors

FS.3S.07.03

Concrete, Side Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors

FS.3S.19.03

Concrete, Top Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors, 65mm CRS

FS.3T.01.00

Concrete, Top Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors, 90mm CRS

FS.3T.02.00

Concrete, Post Built-into

FS.3T.12.03

Masonry, Side Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors

FS.4S.19.00

Masonry, Top Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors, 65mm CRS

FS.4T.01.00

Masonry, Top Fixing, Epoxy-set Anchors, 90mm CRS

FS.4T.02.00

Steel, Side Fixing, Bolts

FS.5S.06.03

Steel, Top Fixing, Inline Bolts

FS.5T.00.00_75

Steel, Top Fixing, Inline Bolts

FS.5T.00.00_90

Steel, Top Fixing, Bolts, 65mm CRS

FS.5T.01.00

Style Specification w/NO Side Rail

SS.36.00

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/VRT Side Rail

SS.36.04S

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/ART Side Rail

SS.36.05S

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/PRR Side Rail

SS.36.06S

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/VRE Side Rail

SS.36.08S

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/VRR Side Rail

SS.36.12S

NZBAL-C12.0

Style Specification w/LRR Side Rail

SS.36.14S

NZBAL-C12.0

BIM
Surreal Style (Side Fix)

BF.36.16S

1.0

Surreal Style (Top Fixed)

BF.36.16T

1.0

UNEX are a trusted partner in creating beautiful, secure outdoor living spaces, with high-performing balustrade solutions.

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