Specifying window shrouds for architectural projects just became crystal clear
Written by
11 June 2024
•
4 min read
The architectural industry always seeks innovations to shape how buildings look and perform. One such innovation that is making waves is McKinna Group's Sunblade Shroud series.
These systems are not just about adding visual appeal to buildings; they integrate sustainability and functionality, filling a significant gap in the market.
"Traditionally speaking, window shrouds were often made lacking uniformity and the details required to fulfil compliance and installation," says Alex Cox, Commercial Projects Manager at McKinna Group.
"We’re trying to reverse the conversation in the industry and provide education on how to maximise the benefits while imparting knowledge in well-documented new shroud systems."
What are the benefits of window shrouds?
Cox explains that McKinna Group's approach centres on educating specifiers about the full potential of window shrouds, listing four main benefits:
- Enhanced aesthetics: A sleek and stylish profile that neatly trims the façade edge, creating a visual feature in the process.
- Inviting openings: Create a delineation between the inside/outside boundaries of an opening by using the shroud profiles.
- Solar shading: Deeper shrouds improve building energy performance in peak summer and can be used to further a sustainability rating.
- Privacy: Create uninterrupted views within the home while maintaining a level of privacy.
McKinna Group aims to provide comprehensive information and easy-to-specify products that empower architects to make informed project decisions – that stretch beyond aesthetics. "We aim to educate the market, to see shrouds as more than just a beautiful frame for an opening. Depending on the specific product, window shrouds can offer privacy, wind protection, solar shading and reduce sun glare," says Cox.
Cox continues, "As we shift towards buildings with green star ratings and environmentally conscious frameworks in Victoria and New South Wales, we believe window shrouds will support these requirements."
Sustainability is a crucial consideration in modern architecture within Australia. McKinna Group's Sunblade Shrouds are designed with eco-friendly materials, providing solar shading and enhancing building sustainability.
Empowering architects and transforming exteriors
Before McKinna Group's innovation, Cox remarks that the market lacked a comprehensive system for window shrouds. Without structured designs and information, architects and builders often needed further clarity before specifying window shrouds on a project.
“After consultation within the industry, we saw that no one had gone to the extent of packaging up a system for architects and builders. Most of our effort has been spent engineering and preparing this product range to facilitate specification and ordering with simplicity,” says Cox.
“We're excited to offer a broad selection that includes best-in-class production quality and warranty,” Cox adds.
The Arc series is our most customisable as we believe architects will always desire choice. The series ranges from standard and corner designs to curved forms.
Simplifying the specification process
According to Cox, McKinna Group's Sunblade Shroud range exemplifies this innovative approach. The range includes the desirable Arc series, designed for maximum customisation and catering specifically to architects' needs for variety and flexibility.
"The Arc series is our most customisable as we believe architects will always desire choice. The series ranges from standard and corner designs to curved forms. There is a clear mandate to enhance open spaces and window frames," says Cox.
The ease of specifying and ordering McKinna Group’s new range of Sunblade Arc, Air, and Box Shrouds is a game-changer for the industry. Its streamlined process provides clear information and a user-friendly ordering system.
"Previously, if an architect had a new project and wanted to incorporate window shrouds, the process to understand the options available to them and have these products made was not clear," says Cox.
"No one's been able to confidently present the shape options, the specifications and the colours. Now that we have packaged the product, offering a better experience in designing, ordering, and working with a manufacturer who is an expert in the field is the icing on the cake," Cox adds.
McKinna Group celebrates 70 years of manufacturing building products in Australia. "Our business is more focused than ever on understanding customer needs, providing innovation and packaged solutions where specifiers can design and build their orders with trusted products," says Cox.
McKinna Group's window shroud range takes a sought-after architectural feature and simplifies the customisation and ordering process. For the specifiers who craft our cityscapes, McKinna Group’s new Sunblade Shroud range offers a sophisticated, sustainable window shroud solution ready to transform the building and design industry.
Focusing on education, customisation, and ease of specification sets a new standard for what window shrouds can offer architects.
View McKinna Group’s extensive range of window shrouds on ArchiPro or contact them today.