CLIMATE IS RIGHT FOR COATING INNOVATIONS

VERTILUX
Among the many developments affecting the fabric coatings the commercial space,” says Hessenberger. “Obviously, they have been used residentially as well but we find that domestically people tend to choose cheaper alternatives without realising the consequences of such choices.”

In fact, the prevalence of inferior comparisons undercutting the market to secure specifications continues to be an ongoing market challenge, she adds. “An opportunity countering that is the increasing popularity of curtain and window walls, as they add design interest to architecture, as well as allowing for maximum light within a building’s space. Our three fabrics reflect heat and UV whilst preserving the outside view.”

Worth noting is that Vertilux offers the widest width available on the market at 2850mm, she adds.

Brisbane City Hall is a project that demonstrates the effectiveness of Vertilux blind fabrics, says Hessenberger. “Blinds were installed there a number of years ago but still look like the day they were installed.”

The project required the integration of contemporary roller blinds within heritage architecture. Large blinds, both manual and motorised, were installed, many of them with five metre drops. For the manual blinds, Vertilux used a 4:1 ratio clutch for ease of use when operating. As the site didn’t allow for blind boxes to be part of the renovation, the decision was made to retro-fit Vertilux Fascia Kassett System, to hide the blind componentry.

Window coverings requirements on the scheme included around 135 manual Airlift roller and motorised roller blinds using Trevira CS Euroscreen, Euroscreen Metallised and EuroBloc fabrics in a range of colours. Fascia Kassett and Fully Enclosed Kassett Systems were installed in eight custom colours.

LIFESTYLE BLINDS
Since releasing the Inflector Screen at Super Expo 2019 in June, Lifestyle Blinds has had a positive response to its thermal window covering solution.

“Whilst there are a variety of quality metallised backed sunscreen fabrics, both the domestic and commercial markets are seeking more effective thermal blind solutions to improve the interior comfort of homes and buildings. Inflector Screen is highly efficient in reducing heat gain and heat loss through windows all year round.”

Inflector Screen is not a sunscreen and is constructed of micro thin layers of dielectric coatings with high and low refractive indexes, combined with micro thin layers of highly reflective aluminium. The metal is coated to a polyethylene sheet, laminated to a sheet of carbon graphite PVC which is then perforated, embossed and laminated to a sheet of clear UV filtering polyester. Through reflection, absorption and insulation, provided by these layers, Inflector Screen is designed to address domestic and commercial requirements for interior comfort as well as providing savings on energy costs by reducing energy usage.

“Australia has one of the driest and hottest environments on earth and yet many regions also face harsh, cold winters. Our diverse climate provides a challenge for window coverings to be able to function thermally in all conditions through summer and winter. Inflector Screen meets the challenge by considerably reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, as well as blocking up to 90% of harmful UV radiation and solar glare.”

“Householders, developers, builders, commercial entities and all levels of government alike are moving towards energy neutral solutions for homes and commercial buildings. They are seeking new products to meet their needs, and require improved performance compared to what has been available. We are definitely seeing a very strong growth in this part of the market and see the opportunities as an exciting new direction for window coverings in Australia.”