Clean Lines, Seamless Style - Introducing the Henley Fin Balustrade
The Henley Fin Style Balustrade from UNEX Systems combines architectural sophistication with robust compliance. Featuring 40 x 16 mm front-mounted aluminium fins on balustrade rails and posts, Henley delivers a continuous, grid-style aesthetic with no visible posts, making it ideal for contemporary residential and commercial applications.
Designed with architects and specifiers in mind, the Henley system offers top-fix or front-fix installation, as well as the option to install using DKG2 gutter brackets—the perfect solution for side-mounting a balustrade to the face of a deck while accommodating an external gutter. This flexibility allows installation to a wide variety of substrates, including balconies, decks, mezzanines, and other elevated spaces. The front-fixed fin design enhances visual continuity while seamlessly complementing a broad spectrum of modern architectural styles.
Key Features
- Vertical 40 x 16 mm fins mounted to the front of support rails and posts for a bold, architectural style.
- Top or side fix options for timber, concrete, or steel.
- Concealed fasteners for clean, weld-free joints.
- Grade 316 stainless steel fixings for improved corrosion resistance.
- Fully compliant with NZ Building Code.
- Installed nationwide by UNEX authorised fabricators.
- Backed by technical support from NZ’s leading balustrade specialists.
Henley Fin Style Balustrade at Northbrook Retirement Village, Wanaka
Northbrook Retirement Village in Wanaka is a premier development by Winton Properties, offering luxury later living in one of New Zealand's most picturesque towns. The first stage of the village includes 32 meticulously crafted apartments, featuring two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences, Grand Residences, and a Residents’ Lounge. The development is designed to provide residents with a five-star lifestyle experience, focusing on refinement and enabling them to continue their active and dynamic lifestyles.
A recent installation at the Northbrook Retirement Village in Wānaka highlights the Henley’s ability to deliver refined architectural outcomes.
Expertly installed by Viewtec, a UNEX Authorised Fabricator, the Henley balustrades were paired with 2.0m high Safa Slat intertenancy privacy screens, providing both safety and privacy in line with the project’s design requirements.
Architectural Design and Compliance
The architectural design of Northbrook Wanaka emphasises modern aesthetics and functionality. The Henley Fin Style Balustrade was selected for its sleek, grid-style appearance and robust compliance with New Zealand's building standards. The system was designed to meet B1/VM1 compliance with reference to AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for occupancy type A (Other), covering external residential balconies and similar applications.
Installation and Collaboration
UNEX Systems collaborated closely with local fabricator Viewtec and architect Three Sixty Architecture to ensure the balustrade system met the project's design and compliance requirements. The Henley system's front-mounted fin design provided a seamless aesthetic, while its flexible installation options allowed for top-fix or front-fix mounting to various substrates. UNEX assisted with site-specific Producer Statements (PS1s) for council compliance, streamlining the consent process for the project team.
Outcome
The installation of the Henley Fin Style Balustrade at Northbrook Wanaka has enhanced the development's architectural appeal, providing residents with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. The balustrade system's compliance with New Zealand's building standards ensures safety and durability, contributing to the overall quality and success of the project.
Compliance and Technical Assurance
Like all UNEX balustrade systems, the Henley is engineered to meet the stringent requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. A generic PS1 will soon be available, and in the meantime, UNEX provides site-specific PS1 producer statements to ensure smooth council approval and peace of mind for both specifiers and developers.
Backing this compliance is UNEX’s comprehensive library of technical resources, including specification tools via EziSpec, detailed engineering support, and a Masterspec work section that makes integrating the Henley into project documentation straightforward and efficient.
More Than the Sum of Our Parts
At UNEX, we understand that architects and specifiers need more than just a balustrade supplier. That’s why we combine engineering expertise, design knowledge, and compliance support to deliver complete, end-to-end solutions. From initial concept through to council approval, our team supports your project every step of the way.
Our nationwide network of UNEX Authorised Fabricators ensures that every system is installed to the highest standard, backed by our comprehensive product warranty. This collaborative approach, combined with our values of integrity, teamwork, and solution-oriented service, makes UNEX a trusted partner for projects of all scales.
Bring architectural vision to life with a system designed for safety, style, and compliance. For technical details, specification assistance, or project consultation, visit the Henley product page or contact the UNEX team at info@unex.co.nz or 0800 333 777.