The installation of 157 motorised Weinor Folding Arm Awnings in Sydney’s Walsh Bay precinct represents the biggest single order to date for German awnings specialist Weinor. Undertaken by Australian distributor Blinds by Peter Meyer and supplier/installer Erebus Shading, with help from leading motorisation supplier Somfy, the project was a complex but skilfully executed operation. As Blinds by Peter Meyer Managing Director Simon Meyer recalls, his company’s involvement in the upgrade of one of Sydney’s most prominent waterside landmarks through the addition of Weinor awnings was fortuitous.

‘We were working with a consultant on a business development project relating to our new Weinor awnings and as it happened he came to our office. The purpose of his visit was to see the products and discuss how we get national market distribution partners to give consumers access to the Weinor products, and also support the Weinor brand’s penetration into the market,’ says Meyer. ‘It just happened that he was also involved in the Walsh Bay project. He was commissioned to help them find the perfect awnings to replace the aging awnings that were already on site.’

‘Weinor awnings and our Weinor partner Erebus Shading went through a tender process and won it, beating off two other products in this prestigious location,’ he says. ‘The job was then installed by Erebus Shading, who tackled this project and difficult install with precision and ease.’

‘We were only on the scene late in the piece; the tender project had already been going on for 12+ months and the boys from Erebus Shading had been tasked with bringing three options to the table. Weinor’s superior arm strength, sleek award winning design, integrated LED lights, Dyneema long life tape in the arms and durable scratch resistant powder coat finish were all part of the reason the Cassita 2 awnings won the project. We were not the cheapest awning on the project but we were not far off. With the awnings installed onto the Pier 6/7 and Shore 6/7 and Shore 8/9 buildings in the Walsh Bay precinct, the client got the best possible price for a superior German quality awning.’

Erebus Shading director Martin Melrose adds that certain specifics of the project meant the awnings’ unique design was another plus in terms of selection. ‘Many of the balconies at the Walsh Bay development don’t have a lot of height, so lack of headroom presents a challenge. The elegant, low profile design of these awnings was well suited to this project.’

Among the issues to be overcome in expediting the project was the freighting of 157 awnings in a timely manner, Meyer confirms. Another challenge was operating the awnings ‘with 157 motor signals bouncing around, and wind sensors’.

‘Weinor overcame the freight time frame by producing 157 awnings in just over two weeks. Then, with sea freight, the awnings managed to get here within 9–10 weeks from the date of the order. Somfy helped provide a way to ensure that the project operated perfectly and was protected with RTS wind sensors. All awnings are being operated via Somfy RTS motors and control systems and are using Weinor’s own exclusive range of solution dyed acrylic fabrics.’

Martin from Erebus Shading comments that the installation of the awnings has enhanced the look and feel of the whole development at Walsh Bay.

‘The pier and surrounding buildings have been in situ for some time and were turned into a residential development by Mirvac over a decade ago. Previously the awnings were fairly basic, open style products and looking at the development from Sydney Harbour, the overall impression they gave was a bit higgledy piggledy. The addition of the new awnings has certainly enhanced and elevated the overall aesthetics of the development, as well as offering vastly improved functionality.’

petermeyerblinds.com.au