Louvre Window Integrated into North Sydney Apartments to Address High Density Living Challenges

Louvre Window Integrated into North Sydney Apartments to Address High Density Living Challenges

Located on Berry Street in North Sydney, Polaris Apartments is an impressive 24-storey development that stands out on the city’s skyline. Combining luxurious style and architectural beauty, the unique design by Allen Jack and Cottier Architects has factored in several technical challenges associated with the site – particularly, the need to provide maximum sunlight to the building and its neighbours in an already heavily built up area.

All of these factors were critical in the decision to incorporate Safetyline Jalousie louvres in the design of Polaris, with the product addressing the aesthetic requirements as well as safety and functional challenges.

Being balustrade compliant and offering floor to ceiling capabilities and spans of 1.4 metres wide, Safetyline Jalousie louvres were able to deliver plenty of natural light to the main corridors and complement the overall glazing and its crystalline theme. Beyond the aesthetics, the louvres also functioned as a smoke relief solution in compliance with Australian Standards as they were fitted with fire rated drives. In the event of a fire, smoke sensors will trigger the louvres to open and naturally evacuate smoke from the building, enabling residents to have better visibility to access the fire stairs as well as lower the risk of smoke inhalation.

Builder Parkview Constructions had successfully used louvre windows in previous projects, and was confident about using them again. In addition to aesthetics and smoke protection, these louvres also stood out for their performance, which was an essential requirement in high rise towers.

The advantages of this louvre windows include best in class ratings of 800Pa water penetration and wind ratings of 9500 ULS/ 4000 SLS; ability to provide up to 87 per cent free air, making them the perfect ventilation solution for tall buildings; louvre blades made from laminate glass will not break into little pieces when damaged, increasing safety in high rise towers; and strength testing to 550kg of force, helping meet all safety and security factors required in tall and super tall structures.

Louvre Windows Perfect for High-Rise Apartments

Wide spans, strict RailCorp regulations and an impressive acoustic performance were three of the main reasons Architectural firm PTW recommended Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows to Meriton for their Luna Apartments project in Lewisham, NSW.

Architect Michael Yip was particularly impressed with the neat look of the larger span and the ability to customise the width to suit the overall building aesthetics. 

Strict DA conditions were imposed to protect the railway lines adjacent to the apartments from items being dropped from the building.  Safetyline Jalousie’s ability to limit the opening size of the window was key to meeting those conditions.

The close proximity to the railway line also meant that windows with a strong acoustic performance were required. Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows achieved a weighted sound reduction index of Rw (C;Ctr) = 32dB (0;-1) in tests carried out at the National Acoustic Laboratories, in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1191-2002.

Aqua Apartment Bondi Junction

Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows have also recently been specified for the Aqua Apartments in Bondi Junction, NSW. 

Designed to maximise sun, air and views, architects KANNFINCH in association with DC Studio and interiors by Koichi Takada Architects selected louvre windows to complement the overall glazing component of the building, achieve efficient cross flow ventilation and meet regulatory safety standards.

Key features of Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows are:

• Spans - extra wide spans up to 1.4 metres
• Security - inbuilt & impenetrable
• Seals - weatherproof with superior acoustic, wind & water performance
• Screens - removable, internal screens