Where the sun goes to set: Shade Factor and Techne reinvent reality at the Village Belle Hotel
Published
Shade Factor develops a unique solution for the large windows which adorn a public bar on the corner of Barkly and Smith street.
The Village Belle Hotel is a lovely enigma which combines contemporary ingenuity with the charm of an old-fashioned front bar. Techne Architects + Interior design balanced the restoration of the original Victorian elements of the hotel with the introduction of contemporary technology and design practices such as the fully operational glazing and robust steel framing of the beer garden.
Simple problems often have the most intricate solutions. Techne approached Shade Factor to address a critical need: the huge windows, which face West, required robust screening against the afternoon sun. Creating truly comfortable environments means considering every detail from every angle; and when it comes to patron wellbeing, Shade Factor has everything covered.
The dining area is a stunning space which is enjoyed at all hours of the day. Thankfully, Shade Factor’s Warema motorized vertical awnings provide the perfect level of relief for afternoon patrons. The ZIP guided blinds trap solar heat before it reaches the glass to maintain a cool, glare free atmosphere inside, and the fully tensioned Warema ZIP system keeps the awnings stable even in high winds – despite the immense size of the system.
Guidance for the awnings is discreetly integrated with the façade and includes the includes the innovative Warema Easyzip system, which features filligree guide profiles that are concealed behind the window framing to provide an unhindered view.
The Warema Screen fabric in black coordinates seamlessly with the façade and has an open weave which allows patrons to enjoy the street view in comfort, as well as protecting the interior even with open windows.
Warema products are both elegant and robust at once. The product of masterful German engineering and manufacturing, these Warema awnings are designed to exceed the demands of even the most stringent commercial applications.
All Warema products achieve maximum high-performance functionality and aesthetics through innovative design strategies and technologies such as concealed fixings and fine tolerances. These awnings in particular are turning heads for their sleek aesthetic profile – with completely square, clean cassettes – and their intelligent practicality, which operates silently thanks to friction-reducing thermoplastic.
Longevity is assured with the use of marine grade parts and the choice between several powdercoat effects and durability qualities. The Warema awnings can also be fitted with WMS, centralising control of the blind system and ensuring that multiple or singular awnings can all be programmed and controlled according to the needs of the building.
As its exclusive Australian distributor, Shade Factor works in concert with Warema to bring quality and innovation to Australian projects. All of Warema’s award-winning products are custom-made in Germany and installed in Australia by Shade Factor’s specialists.
Learn more about Shade Factor and the evolution of shade here.
Shade Factor
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