Automated and installed at Brisbane Quarter, a signature development in the Brisbane CBD, Ambience roller blinds have demonstrated their flexibility and effectiveness.

Brisbane Quarter is an impressive piece of urban revitalization. Covering a full city block, adjacent to the Brisbane River on 300 George St, the three-stage development by Multiplex includes seven levels of underground parking, a 41-storey Commercial Tower (known as 300 George), the 35-storey W Hotel, and an 82-storey residential tower (The One).

Now complete and fully operational, the three towers present as welcome additions to the cityscape; buildings that integrate effortlessly, not just with each other, but with the surrounding environment and the broader Brisbane community.

Verosol Ambience motorised roller blinds

“Situated across from the Law courts and overlooking the Brisbane River, the towers provide a view of the cultural heart of South Brisbane,” says Jason Turner, Director of Turner Arc Shading Systems, a valued commercial partner of Verosol.

Keen to make the most of this view and aware of the need to control the inevitable heat and glare associated with towers of this scale, Jason turned to Verosol, a manufacturer of high-end performance fabrics and window shading systems, for assistance. Verosol blinds were subsequently selected for both the W Hotel and 300 George.

After consultation with the various stakeholders, the decision was made to install Verosol Ambience motorised roller blinds, featuring Verosol’s Earth Screen fabric throughout the buildings. Part of Verosol’s core collection, this material has been developed to the highest quality standard. PVC Free and featuring woven screen-like construction, its list of certifications includes Greenguard Gold, Oeko-Tex, Global GreenTag EPD, GreenTag GreenRate | Level A, and GreenTag PHD PlatinumHEALTH.

“The W Hotel features the Ambience roller blinds throughout its corridors… then in the common areas and function spaces we have installed larger customised, double drop (Twin) motorised blinds,” says Jason Turner.

Automation & custom fabrication

In the commercial tower, Jason and Verosol joined forces with Somfy to deliver a fully automated window covering system. “We supplied, integrated, and commissioned the blind control system to control and manage the blinds utilising Somfy Sonesse 40 WT motors,” says Joel Gray, Somfy’s Projects & Services Manager.

According to Joel, by including Somfy KNX blind control products in the installation, the building has been effectively future proofed. This means that now, or at any time in the future, individual tenants will be able to activate lighting control Integration, AV integration, BMS integration, timed operations, or even automated sensor control.

Asked if the project presenting any challenges, Jason Turner pointed to a particular design feature of the office tower. It is situated on a busy corner and includes two distinct tight radial corners that help highlight this corner location.

Because these corners feature windows (and therefore required blinds), the products chosen had to be versatile. Luckily enough, Ambience roller blinds proved they were up to task. While it was necessary to undertake on-site custom fabrication to accommodate the linked uni-joint brackets and motorised blinds, which are concealed within the pelmet space, everything went to plan and the final fit was perfect.

“Then, at the highest levels, the 5-metre-high double-height glazing posed a unique challenge. We upgraded the standard hardware to Ambience motorised heavy duty roller blinds to ensure the fabric would descend flawlessly to the floor,” says Jason. “Thankfully, with the support of Verosol, we were able to successfully install the blinds from scissor lifts, creating a visually striking impact on the upper levels.”

Combining best practice with performance – and ensuring vision out regardless of whether they are open or closed – Verosol’s Earth Screen blinds are helping deliver all those lucky enough to visit these impressive new towers one of the best views in town.

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