Designed by award-winning architecture practice Paul Brown & Associates, Eden View brings over 100 one and two-bedroom apartments to Mount Eden, Auckland. Located on a large 3,000m² site, Eden View has been designed to maximise light and space, with the atrium between the West and East blocks playing a critical role in letting natural light into apartments. While the atrium itself is fairly narrow, the architects thought big when it came to balustrade design, specifying a sinuous, curving balustrade in white to add visual interest while reflecting light within the courtyard.

A key challenge for the courtyard balustrade was creating the seamless aesthetic of the horizontal curved design. 

To meet the tight radii required, Unex came up with an innovative proprietary method for manufacturing the aluminium panels to produce the effect of a continuous rail. Further enhancing the flowing aesthetic of the balustrades, they also developed a solution for minimal visible fixings. With a single mechanical screw fixing at each corner set flush into the panel and adhesive fixing of the perimeter, they were able to minimise the appearance of joins to provide a sleek sinuous look.

Another key design challenge was ensuring the custom curved balustrade met seismic requirements. “The two wings of the building are seismically separated, but at the same time connected with stairs and balustrades running across the two, so we needed the balustrades to perform their function during seismic events — to stop people falling — while also allowing for movement of the two wings of the building,” explains Peter. “The challenge was how to resolve that in an aesthetically pleasing manner.”

Unex took initial designs from PB&A and developed them further in order to resolve this issue. The solution involved fabricating telescopic sections of balustrade to enable the buildings to move in relation to each other without opening up gaps in the balustrading, all while maintaining the attractive flowing aesthetic.

In addition to the 500LM of custom balustrade for the atrium, Unex supplied a range of other systems for the building. Unex Siena balustrades — a semi-framed glass balustrade that eliminates the need for a bottom railing — were specified for apartment balconies providing a sleek contemporary look, with intertenancy screens added to some balconies for added privacy. And in common areas, balustrades, screens and Leada stainless steel handrails have been used to ensure safety, privacy and style.

The end result is a sleek architecturally designed building with clever detailing that balances privacy, safety and style -with added wow factor from the stunning central balustrading.

The UNEX engineering team continually provides unique, one-off solutions for architects who are looking to push the boundaries of ‘standard’ design.