Customer Insights

IG BLINDS

IG Blinds at One Sydney Harbour     

Architect Renzo Piano

Builder Lendlease

Blinds IG Blinds

Product IG Blinds

One Sydney Harbour, the latest luxury residential development in the heart of Sydney’s Barangaroo South precinct, showcases a synthesis of architectural brilliance and innovative design solutions. Among its many distinguished features are unique window solutions provided by IG Blinds, designed to maximise the stunning harbour and city views.

Barangaroo South, part of a broader urban regeneration project worth over $11 billion, is Sydney’s largest and most significant redevelopment. This vibrant new harbourside district, developed and constructed by Lendlease, transforms a former industrial site into a bustling hub of residential, commercial, and cultural activity.

One Sydney Harbour, conceived by Pritzker Prize laureate Renzo Piano, encompasses three towers and epitomises the pinnacle of luxury and groundbreaking architectural design. This development is at the forefront of sustainable building, achieving a 6 Star Green Star Design certification and contributing to Barangaroo’s carbon-neutral goals.

The Challenge

The design team at One Sydney Harbour, led by Renzo Piano, faced the challenge of maximising breathtaking vistas while ensuring privacy for residents. One specific design challenge was to integrate a viewing window between the main bedroom and its adjoining en suite so occupants could further optimise their Sydney Harbour views, while also providing an option for privacy.

IG Blinds’ Solution

IG Blinds addressed this challenge by installing their bespoke double-glazed units with integrated Venetian blinds. These units, spanning four square metres each, feature Starphire® glass to ensure ultra-clarity and high light transmission without compromising colour fidelity. This glass type is known for its exceptional clarity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space.

The blinds within these glazed units are specially designed and manufactured to function effectively at high altitudes, a necessity given their placement in the top 20 floors of the towers. The inclusion of new technology ‘Air’ system allows the blinds to equalise pressure and operate smoothly, irrespective of the external atmospheric conditions. The blinds can be easily adjusted for privacy or opened completely to capture the expansive views.

The internal blinds were designed in Europe, reflecting the highest standards of quality and design, and the double-glazed units housing the blinds were then assembled and manufactured locally in Queensland, ensuring that the final product met Australia’s rigorous standards for building materials. IG Blinds oversaw the installation of these units, ensuring seamless integration with the overall design and functionality of the apartments.

The IG Blinds system offers numerous advantages, including thermal insulation, UV protection, and noise reduction, enhancing the comfort and usability of the space. The blinds’ internal mechanics are sealed within the glass units, protecting them from dust, dirt, and weather conditions, thereby minimising maintenance needs.

Aesthetically, the blinds are designed to complement the luxurious interiors of One Sydney Harbour, with options for clear, partial, or complete privacy settings. This flexibility allows residents to tailor their environment to their immediate needs, enjoying natural light and unobstructed views when desired and complete privacy at other times.

IG Blinds’ contribution to One Sydney Harbour is a prime example of how tailored solutions can enhance the liveability and luxury of high-end residential developments. By addressing both aesthetic and practical requirements, IG Blinds has played a crucial role in ensuring that the residents of One Sydney Harbour can enjoy their homes in comfort and privacy. This project underscores IG Blinds’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the design of integrated blind systems, setting a new standard in the industry for luxury and functionality.

Glassworks: Innovating with Excellence in Glass Processing

Glassworks Aust. has emerged as a distinguished name in the glass processing industry. Established in 2007, founded by Michael Gleeson and majority-owned by the Schiavello Group, Glassworks has gained a reputation for delivering high-quality glass solutions. This fully Australian-owned company, with over 100 employees, demonstrates the success of assembling the right team focussed on local innovation.

Glassworks operates from a semi-automated 20,000-square-metre facility in Dandenong South, Victoria and has a full product offering and processing capabilities but specialises in energy efficient double glazing and custom laminated products.

Glassworks General Manager Michael Kruger highlights the company's commitment to innovation. "We've grown rapidly and invested significantly in state-of-the-art equipment and technology to improve our efficiencies, have redundancy in our process allowing us to provide a high level of service and quality for our customers," he explains.

He says their main focus now is on the double-glazing market, particularly following the 7 star, National Construction Code changes that will effectively mandate double-glazing for new builds.

Kruger notes this regulatory shift is driving demand for high-performance insulated glazing, including units that utilise a self-cleaning LowE glass on the external lite and a room side coating on the internal lite known as i89. Other emerging trends include the adoption of warm edge spacers for enhanced thermal efficiency.

Glassworks' expertise in handling complex soft coats on glass further supports their ability to stay ahead of market demands. While sensitive and prone to damage throughout the manufacturing process, these coatings require advanced equipment and meticulous automated handling. This precision ensures the highest quality products, making Glassworks a preferred supplier for many residential window fabricators in Victoria.

Kruger highlights the significance of their partnership with Elegant I.G., Australia's leading supplier of insulated glass consumables. This relationship, spanning 15 years, has aided Glassworks' growth and operational efficiency. "Elegant I.G. has been a supportive partner since our early days," Kruger remarks. "As a family-run business, they understood our challenges as we scaled up. They've provided flexibility and consistently accommodated our needs, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic supply chain shortages."

Elegant I.G.'s commitment to customer service mirrors Glassworks' ethos. This shared approach has forged a strong, long-term partnership. Kruger recalls instances where Elegant I.G. went above and beyond, such as air freighting critical supplies during the pandemic. "They don't just aim to profit from every order; they focus on building relationships. They ensure we have sufficient stock, even for unforecasted requirements, and their responsiveness has been crucial in keeping our operations running smoothly."

The partnership's strength extends beyond supply logistics. Elegant I.G. continuously seeks the latest innovations and high-quality solutions in the global market, sharing valuable knowledge and resources with Glassworks. This collaboration has facilitated access to international expertise and cutting-edge technology, enhancing Glassworks' production capabilities and operational efficiency.

Elegant I.G. has proactively adapted its business model to serve its customers better. Their expansion into a Melbourne warehouse has enabled same-day supply, a significant improvement in service for Glassworks and other Victorian insulated glazing manufacturers.

Kruger also highlights the invaluable support from Elegant I.G.'s leadership, particularly in industry association participation and knowledge sharing. "Sandro and his team keep us informed about industry developments and building standards, which is invaluable while we focus on running the business. They provide more than just products; they bring expertise and insights to help us stay ahead."

Glassworks' long-standing relationship with Elegant I.G. exemplifies a synergistic collaboration beyond traditional supplier-customer dynamics, fostering a shared vision for excellence in the glass processing industry. As both companies continue to invest in technology and knowledge, they are well-positioned to meet the market's evolving demands and support their customers' growth.

Glassworks is a 100 percent Australian owned glass processing operation that manufactures and sources quality glass products for commercial and residential clients.
www.glassworksaust.com