European design meets Australian craftsmanship: discover the bespoke internal Venetian blind system made for One Sydney Harbour

A stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, One Sydney Harbour joins these iconic landmarks as an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Situated in Barangaroo, Sydney’s lively new waterfront precinct, One Sydney Harbour is a cluster of three towers, each a coveted address in central Sydney real estate. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, in collaboration with Lendlease, the buildings are elegant and timeless, shimmering on the skyline like a crown jewel. 

Local expertise for the win

With expansive views of the harbour, the luxury apartments are available in one-, two, and three-bedroom configurations. To maximise privacy without compromising on natural light and views, the design team specified a viewing window with an internal blind system between the primary bedroom and en-suite bathroom. 

“The architects specified an internal blind system in the en-suite bathroom, which left them with a couple of options: import pre-made systems or work with a local manufacturer. We’re the only suppliers who design, import and manufacture these window systems locally, with factory trained technicians who are able to offer aftersales service and spare parts. As we also have prior experience working on large projects in the health and education sector, we were the obvious choice for them,” says IG Blinds’ Lido Russo.

The bespoke double-glazed window system features an integrated Venetian blind and fully automated controls, allowing users to easily adjust for light and privacy. Completely air and water-tight, the internal blind remains clean and dust-free; the double-glazing reduces humidity and temperature changes within the apartment — even after a hot, steamy shower. 

Bespoke treatment 

As is the case with any large project, the One Sydney Harbour build encountered a few challenges along the way. 

“We ended up making every single window with custom measurements to ensure they would fit the space,” Lido explains. “Fortunately we were able to tweak and adapt many of the components — something that wouldn’t have been possible with an imported product.”

The internal blinds, designed with Italian and German components, are manufactured to function at high altitudes, ensuring no issues with fluctuations in air pressure. 

Alongside the system’s expert design and sleek appearance, it is also fully automated, controlled by an iPad next to the apartment door or an app on the owner’s phone. This allows the user to open and close the blinds remotely, set a timer to close the blinds during peak sunlight hours or adjust the angle of the blinds without the fuss of a pulley or dial. 

The automation aspect is a fantastic benefit for One Sydney Harbour’s luxury clientele, but equally beneficial for architects specifying the blind system in external windows, Lido explains.

“Architects design these beautiful façades on their apartment buildings and then the owners move in and they all hang different curtains and blinds. The beauty of the internal blind system is that you can have the whole building looking uniform, and set the blinds to a timer so they all go up or down at the same time — even open to a 45-degree angle during peak sunlight hours to protect your rugs and furniture from fading. It’s a great way to help control the temperature inside the apartment, too. Of course, owners can easily override the automation if they’re home.”

One Sydney Harbour is a prime example of the way expertly designed products and finishes can be used to create a living space that is high-end both functionally and aesthetically.  

Learn more about IG Blinds.