NCC adds complexity and cost to Renson project

The project, completed by Renson at Watermark Chatswood, a luxury retirement resort in Chatswood NSW, presented unique challenges for the company.

Alexander Hannosette, Business Development Manager at Renson, explained that Watermark Chatswood is a premium development encompassing 19 residences, strategically designed to blend luxury with eco-friendly initiatives. The building is 100% solar-powered, with a distinct focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

“Efficiency is key in our solution for the building, which is 100% powered by solar energy. Our solution seamlessly integrates with this environmentally friendly image,” Hannosette said.

“The penthouse, situated on the fifth floor, required high-quality, retractable, motorised shading solutions to protect against intense sun and wind without compromising the architectural aesthetics or views.”

“The curving of the concrete roof was already a challenge, especially when it comes to installing blinds. Additionally, being on the fifth floor meant dealing with strong winds, so a sturdy solution was necessary.”

Renson provided 55 exterior blinds covering 19 balconies, using innovative solutions to meet compliance and functional requirements. Each blind averages between 2 to 4 metres wide with a 3.4-metre drop, demonstrating the scale and intricacy involved.

With strict NCC and fire regulations, the materials had to be rigorously selected. 

“The frame for the external awning is an important component and is made of non-combustible materials, mainly aluminium. The wired side guides, made of stainless steel, provided an unobstructed view, meeting both aesthetic and safety criteria,” Hannosette said.

Renson utilised Vistaweave 95 fabric, balancing transparency and sun protection. The fabric meets stringent fire safety standards, maintaining a low flammability and spread of flame index, and significantly enhancing energy efficiency.

The installation featured the “Connect and Go” system, significantly reducing installation time and improving maintenance efficiency.

“The Connect and Go system is a male and female connector that easily clicks into the head box. It has saved us, on average, one day of installation for five people,” explained Hannosette. 

“If maintenance or fabric replacement is needed, it’s simply unscrewed and new fabric can be put in.”

Complexities and initial cost implications of the NCC added around 40-50% cost to the project, however Hannosette believes that future similar projects are anticipated to streamline towards a 5-10% increase, reflecting enhanced processes and expertise gained.

Changes made to the NCC in 2018 that saw an exemption clause for awnings and blinds relating to fire regulations deleted.

Those changes mean that technically any blind or awning fitted to any building on the upper floor of Class 2 – 9 buildings does not comply. 

Companies installing blinds and awnings on these floors are required to seek a ‘performance solution’, a professional assessment undertaken by a qualified fire engineer who provides an opinion that the generalised ‘performance requirements’ stipulated in the code are met.

Members of the Window Shading Association are able to access a standard template for the “Performance Solution”  free of charge which, provided a checklist is satisfied and the materials used comply with stringent results of AS 1530 part II and III fire tests, can be applied with delegated approval to these particular projects.

Renson Watermark Chatswood project Specs

• 55 Renson exterior wire guide blinds divided over 19 balconies.
• Framework: All non-combustible material (aluminum and stainless steel)  
• High wind rating on the product
• Size average between 2000 – 4000mm width and a 3400mm drop.
• Fully enclosed cassette system
• Special designed Base Rail – with additional weight (wind)
• Connect&Go to make installation easier (on average 1 day saved in installation time)
• Fabric Vistaweave 95 in one color 
• All motorized solution (Somfy RTS)