Please turn your device to portrait.
External blind suppliers have a raft of innovations coming on stream, many of them set for launch at the upcoming Super Expo in June. WFA reports.
BLINDS BY PETER MEYER
Managing Director Simon Meyer confirms Weinor Australia recently released the Vertitex 2 exterior roller blind suite of products. “The Vertitex 2 is a stunning European designed exterior roller blind that comes in cable guided, channel guided as well as zip versions. The German powerhouse boasts the smallest cassettes on the market with sizes as small as 75mm available for cable and channel guided models. We also have 92mm and 112mm versions for drops up to 4m and for the Zip versions. The Vertitex 2 comes in an option of two head box and side channel shapes, modern square or rounded versions. Not only does Weinor have the smallest cassette on the market but we can still span wide widths with all three cassettes sizes.”
Meanwhile Kubata Folding Arm awnings will be released mid-2019 onto the Australian market to coincide with the BMAA Super Expo, says Meyer. “After only a short period of being released into the European markets, the Kubata awning is already setting new records. Weinor will have a display stand and also have its International Sales Director Marc Hilgenstock joining for the event. Please come and visit Booth E57 to see all the latest Weinor products. The
Kubata takes on board modern design with the very latest in technological advancements to bring you the perfect awning solutions. The square design is already a multiple award winning design throughout Europe and we are sure it will claim the same accolades down here in Australia!”
Terrazza Pure – Weinor Australia is after some market feedback on the other latest release from Europe. The Terrazza Pure is a stunning modern alfresco add-on with a solid glass roof that can be shaded from above or below and paired with the Vertitex 2 Roller blinds to form a fully enclosed and shaded al fresco area.”
In terms of general market commentary, Meyer observes:
“Weinor is still a reasonably new brand within Australia but we are growing fast and expanding our dealer network in areas where we do not currently have a customer base. From a zero basis Weinor quality and design have seen it already win multiple commercial jobs, including the installation of 157 Cassita Awnings into Walsh Bay in Sydney. We are not new to this category having now been selling exterior products on the Australian market for well over 12 years, we have seen this category grow with Australians loving living outdoors. We have seen product requirements getting wider and wider. Now with awnings and blinds available between 6 to 12 metres wide, one of the main issues we see in our industry is actually finding couriers to transport our goods around Australia. Certainly freight rates have skyrocketed.”
ROLLEASE ACMEDA
Rollease Acmeda will be releasing the new Ultra-lock at the Super Expo 2019 in June, confirms Chief Marketing Officer Adam Licciardi. “It is our latest locking mechanism designed for Zipscreen; integrated within the side channels the new Ultra-Lock will perfectly lock and tension the Zipscreen, while remaining out of sight. It’s now possible to achieve one action lock and tension when used in conjunction with our Automate FT motor, now featuring Arc bi-directional technology. The solution also features self-correcting technology: On our motorised models it will autocorrect when simultaneous locking is not achieved due to unexpected weather forces.”
Anti-jam and symmetrically balanced, the new Ultra-Lock is perfectly in line with the side guides of the system, allowing a smooth undisturbed movement, and a strong secure hold.
A stronger heavy-duty latching pin combined with a hidden integrated design ensures a long lasting and reliable solution, which can be pre-assembled off-site, for a quick & easy installation.
Feng
The uniquely designed Feng is set to be Rollease Acmeda’s new flagship awning. Feng will be released at the Super Expo. Feng features a beautifully designed, rounded aluminium enclosed cassette and can span an impressive 14 metres in width with 3.5m projection. Integrated LED lighting takes this awning solution from day to night use easily, effectively and beautifully.
Frame
New to the range, our horizontal awning solution. Frame will be our first-ever retractable roofing system for sun and rain protection. Frame is set to be released at Super Expo. “Our Frame modular system attaches to existing pergolas or conservatories, creating a perfectly rain-proof enclosure. The frame can be mounted horizontally or vertically and can be pitched to sizes up to 6m x 6m. Frame also features a premium tensioning system, powered by high-pressure gas springs/struts and utilises our signature sideguide technology, zLock. It also perfectly conceals the fabric within a slim square cassette.”
Klip POD
“Klip is one of our most elegantly designed awnings and has proven to be a popular solution for its beautiful aesthetics, durability and slimbuild. New to the range will be the Klip Pod, an optional semi-cassette. The new semicassette perfectly accents the overall design and aesthetics of the Klip whilst also acting as a means for fabric protection against the unpredictable outdoor elements.”
In terms of general market developments, Licciardi comments: “The market seems to be expanding year on year and that presents many opportunities for potential new consumers and trade partners. This is mainly due to land sizes shrinking and the house sizes increasing. To compensate for less land being left vacated in a backyard, many are opting for larger outdoor entertainment areas as an extension of their home in an effort to enjoy the beauty of outdoor living, without having to decrease the size of their houses.”
“Open-plan living is a continuing trend that’s adding to the outdoor entertainment area trend, especially with the increase in popularity of stackable doors. Architectural design is morphing to invite more of the outdoors in, and external blinds are the perfect way to achieve this.”
“The challenge has been keeping up to date with the new innovations and consumer wants. Many are opting for smart home integrations and motorisation as IoT applications continue to overrun the homes of the future. Our Automate program is doing a great job of keeping the increasing demand at bay with our ever-expanding range of motors and smart assistant compatibilities.”
ICLSA
Peter Monkhouse, Managing Director of ICLSA, confirms the SA based company will be launching two new external blinds at Super Expo; a wire guided blind and a drop awning.
“The drop arm awning features European styling, a semi cassette head box, ease of installation and is motorised for smooth quiet operation, as well as being able to connect to ‘Smart Home’ system.”
“The wire guide awning also features European styling, smooth rounded hardware, and programmable lower/ raise operation. It’s designed to suit most exterior fabrics such as acrylic, shade mesh, canvas or PVC.”
“Both these products have been launched in response to the trend of getting away from the industrial look. It’s about bringing a feminine and elegant touch to the home.”
“In general I feel like the market is dominated by side retention awnings however not all homes lend themselves to that style. We’re offering an alternative with a fabric range that equals anything else on the market and offers versatility with fabrics ranging from canvas to mesh or PVC.”
ZIPTRAK
Jason Battista, Marketing Manager at Ziptrak, confirms the company will be launching “exciting new updates to our outdoor track-guided blind system in 2019, including a brand-new pelmet and bottom bar, enhancing the aesthetics and strength of the system. Enhanced components are developed in conjunction with the Ziptrak network of retailers and authorised fabricators to meet the needs of homeowners, cafes and restaurants.”
“We invest heavily in constant and major improvements to the Ziptrak system, allowing everyone in the network to proudly offer Ziptrak to their customers. We are looking forward to presenting many of these new innovations to customers at Super Expo in June.
In 2019, Ziptrak Pty Ltd will be focused on growing our existing 12 export markets, alongside development in new markets. Our engineering team will be working on product enhancements to meet the unique needs of export customers.”
Battista adds that a core opportunity and marketing goal for Ziptrak in 2019 is to assist Retailers grow their business. That’s why we invest heavily in presenting the Ziptrak brand to the end-consumer, and positioning Ziptrak products as innovative, robust and Australian-made.
“One major marketing activity that achieves this goal is Ziptrak’s sponsorship of the Santos Tour Down Under for the next three years, holding naming rights for both the Ziptrak Stage 1 Women’s and Men’s races, in addition to the daily Ziptrak Spring Jersey. Positioned as Australia’s greatest cycling race, the event offers national and international presence, through significant television broadcast and social media impact.
Combined with our existing online and offline marketing efforts, the Santos Tour Down Under allows Ziptrak to deliver on our promise of partnering with Ziptrak retailers to achieve our goals together.”
LUXAFLEX
Vera Meharg, Marketing Communications Manager, Australian Window Furnishings division of Hunter Douglas, confirms the Evo LiteRise operating system is the latest innovation to be introduced to the Luxaflex Evo Awnings collection.
“This intuitive operating system features a unique spring mechanism allowing you to operate your awning without the need for a motor or crank. Simply raise or lower the bottom rail by hand to the desired height and release gently.”
“With its patented design you can now have all the beauty of the cordless design, ease of operation and instinctive control without the added costs of motorisation.”
“Available in Evo STC Awnings and a wide array of fabrics to match all Australian homes, these solutions are specifically designed for harsh UV and demanding Australian weather conditions, and provide the ideal balance between style and functionality.”
“Maximising living space by creating a seamless indooroutdoor transition is a key trend for Australians, and awnings offer air flow control and sun protection for a more enjoyable entertaining space,” says Meharg.
“Awnings can also create substantial savings on a home’s cooling bills. The harsh climate in Australia combined with large windows in our homes results in increased levels of heat travelling through our windows and doors. Up to 30 percent1 of total heat loss from a home occurs through uncovered windows. External shading from Evo Awnings can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 60 percent2. Stopping the heat of the sun from entering your home in the first place is much better than letting it in and cooling it down afterwards. When radiant energy from the sun touches an object inside, it gets hot, making the room hot.”
Meharg adds that the current trend is to have awnings colour coordinated with the home. “As such, Hunter Douglas is always undertaking research into the most popular shades. We then use these insights to develop and introduce new colours to the next season Luxaflex System 2000 Awnings range that reflect the latest trends in line with Colorbond.
1 Based on information from NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System). Visit www.nabers.com.au for more information.
2 Based on independent modelling conducted by White Box Technologies in conjunction with Peter Lyons & Associates, June 2013. Savings vary based on location, home type and fabric used.
