Clear Advantage

Local, independent balustrade and pool fencing specialist Provista Balustrade Systems has added a new cover channel option to its successful, New Zealand-made Vista Frameless Glass Channel balustrade solution—and there are more, innovative products in the pipeline, says General Manager Noel Priestley.

With a multitude of projects completed since the release of the Vista solution three years ago, this stylish product is now complementing the deck structures of many new and renovated homes, townhouses and multi-unit developments across New Zealand—and has even been used as a successful and elegant pool fencing solution on numerous projects.

“Our Vista Frameless solution is a side- or face-fixed design, featuring a modern rectangular aluminium channel design,” says Noel. “At just 120mm high x 70mm wide, it is one of the smallest channel profiles on the market, allowing for installation on a wide range of deck structures, including timber, concrete, steel and typical combinations of each.”

However, its diminutive profile doesn’t mean a compromise in strength, as the Vista Channel meets all required New Zealand regulations and is suited to A, B, E and C3 loadings for residential and commercial applications. The range is also uniquely engineered for use in extra-high wind zones as a standard specification—ideal for coastal and alpine conditions. Provista also uses a T6 temper-grade alloy for all its aluminium components, which provides an approximate 20 per cent increase in strength over typical grades—such as T5—readily found in the market.

“The new Vista-Plus covers offer a slightly taller profile, with an outer cover that features a reducing angle toward the top where it meets the glass. This allows it to be used as a frameless glass solution on decks with an upstand, where the balustrade is mounted to the inside of the upstand. The key point to the design of Vista-Plus is that the angle on the cover channel avoids it creating a climbing point, which is important when it comes to safety and compliance," he adds.

Constantly innovating, Noel says that Provista is on the verge of releasing a new, top-fixed version of the Vista frameless channel to suit applications where only a top-mounted solution can be specified.

“Where this application really comes into its own is for pool areas, where there is often nowhere to side-fix the pool fencing, making a top-fix method the only viable solution,” he says. “Top-fix applications probably account for 20–30 per cent of the market—so we wanted to introduce this type of solution into our range so that we can offer our clients an option for every situation.” We also already have both side and top-fixed post-based balustrade and pool fencing solutions, so it’s a logical progression to add the same with our frameless channel offering.

Noel sees this new range of top-fix hardware as complimenting their side-fix solutions, making Provista a one-stop-shop for architects, designers and specifiers looking for a cohesive look, as well as a single company that can deliver an end-to-end solution.

The entire range of Provista cover channels and fixings can be either powder-coated or anodised in all available New Zealand colours, including the Dulux Duratec powder coating range for high-corrosion zones. The channels can also accept 12mm and 15mm toughened safety glass, along with 13.52mm Sentry, laminated safety glass, which provides a true frameless glass balustrade option.

A matching, interlinking rail is available for balustrade applications that use 12mm glass, which can be specified in a stainless steel finish or powder-coated to match the channel. And, to achieve an ultra-clean and lineal look, all Provista face-fixed solutions feature completely hidden fixings and joins.

"We are a strong and growing business, with 20 per cent year-on-year growth. Our products are aimed at everyone from ‘mum-and-dad’ homeowners through to large developers—especially in urban areas, with all the new apartments and townhouses being designed and built-in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and now other regional centres.

“All of our teams work very hands-on—the person that comes to site for the measure up is the same person who will be involved in the fabrication and install, as well as signing the job off—so you get a very personal service with us.”

Learn more about the innovative glass balustrade fixing systems for residential applications.