22 venetian blinds with sun tracking allow daylight adjustment at Turanga library

Shade Factor was engaged to provide an external venetian blind solution for the Turanga library in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Designed by Architectus & Schmidt and Hammer Lassen Architects, the new public library adjoins the historic Christchurch Cathedral in the city centre and is part of the new face of Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake.

Shade Factor was required to provide an effective venetian blind system for the extensive north facing glazing on the building. The blind system tracks the sun’s path all day via a building-wide Siemens integrated services platform.

The architects selected Warema flat edge venetian blinds in a special colour formulated for the project to match the dark anodised façade. The blinds retract into an integrated recess and are cable guided using Warema high load cables, stabilised on bespoke dark anodised bracketing to the façade designed by Shade Factor, and integrated with the façade extrusions.

The precision movement of Warema venetian blinds coupled with sun tracking provides the careful daylight adjustment required for the daily functions of the library.