Commercial window furnishings shaping modern environments

In contemporary workplaces where the line between professional and personal life often blurs, employee well-being is paramount. According to the Corporate Wellness Magazine, the design of the workplace can have a significant impact on mental health and productivity. The connection between a well-designed workspace, incorporating colour, ergonomics, plants and natural light, and employee satisfaction is deeply intertwined, demonstrating that the physical environment profoundly influences mood, focus, and overall job satisfaction. 

Vertilux, a specialist in commercial window coverings, believes that design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an experience. 

“In every design, we see an opportunity to shape a space, create an experience, and make a statement. We are not just in the business of making blinds; we're in the business of shaping environments,” explains Debbie Hessenberger, Vertilux National Marketing Manager. 

The company started as a small family-owned business in Melbourne in 1978 and has grown to become a respected name in the Australian window-covering industry. 

Vertilux prides itself on innovation and has a history of pioneering new technologies and cutting-edge blind hardware, including one of the world's first Spring Assist and Multilink Roller Blind Systems. Additionally, the company has extensive experience in managing large-scale commercial projects across various sectors.

“Our strength lies in pioneering blind system innovations that deliver personalised solutions, an extensive range of high-performance sustainable fabrics, and deep-rooted expertise in local manufacturing,” says Debbie. 

Vertilux has also been a trailblazer in promoting sustainability and product stewardship within the window-covering industry. In 2007, the company introduced Greenvision, a high-performance sustainable fabric collection for commercial applications. 

This collection not only offers superior solar optical properties and enhanced aesthetics but also inherent fire-retardant properties that surpass building code standards.

Additionally, Vertilux became the first blind manufacturer in Australia to subject their fabrics to a rigorous life cycle assessment through Global GreenTag's globally recognised product certification scheme. This effort aligns Vertilux products with Green Building Standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Lastly, Vertilux’s commitment to local manufacturing supports the local economy while also aligning with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint. 

1 William Street, Brisbane, a state-of-the-art office tower overlooking the Brisbane River, demanded high-level expertise in fit-out and execution. Effective interior spaces should stimulate engagement with occupants through modulated texture and colour and the use of biophilic design. The interior design needed to incorporate both discrete workspaces and shared areas to promote interpersonal engagement and team collaboration.

Vertilux installed 5,105 motorised roller blinds, making the most of standout features such as the double-vaulted, full-height atrium. This required blinds up to 12.5 metres in height, made from efficient solar fabric to reduce the strain on air-conditioning, as well as the incorporation of new solar technologies into blind motorisation. The building has also been recognised as Queensland’s very first 6-Star Green Star As-Built and 6-Star Green Star performance rated building. 

Named by Green magazine as “Australia’s first truly smart and well workplace, delivering a holistic environment that aims to foster greater efficiencies”, Mia Yellagonga is a 32-level office tower in Perth that can house up to 5,000 workers. The 64,000 sqm campus features the highest Green Star rating possible in Australia (Six Stars), a 5-Star NABERS target rating and a variety of tailored spaces for family, community and wellness. 

Vertilux installed 6,600 manual and motorised blind systems with custom-designed brackets and side channels to facilitate both single and double-blind systems as well as custom side guides, end plugs and base rail to integrate into the SRG Facade System.

For the Hermès store in Singapore, Vertilux supplied 34 custom motorised cedar Venetian blinds with drops up to 4.5 metres. The brief asked to deliver an aesthetic custom blind solution for the refurbishment of this boutique store on Singapore’s famous Orchard Road.

Vertilux identified timber Venetians as a natural choice to provide a rustic look and accentuate the clean lines of this modern design. Given the obscure sizes and shapes of the windows, a motorised system was recommended for safety and ease of operation via remote control. Working with the Paris-based architects, RDAI, Vertilux sent a prototype to France for sign-off. Next, the factory welded steel frames to mimic the unique window reveals to ensure an exact fit before delivery. 

Vertilux’s vision is to further lead the way in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions in the realm of commercial window furnishings. Exclusive partnerships allow the exploration of new design opportunities, materials and practices.

“We envision a future where every window covering we create not only enhances interior spaces but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-conscious world,” says Debbie. 

More from Vertilux on ArchiPro.