Loxley Apartments, Takapuna - over 500 lineal metres of UNEX balustrade and screening systems across two five-storey buildings, coordinated from design through to installation by JK Glass & Aluminium.
A consistent, compliant balustrade and screening solution for multi-residential living
Located in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore, Loxley Apartments is a boutique multi-residential development comprising two five-storey buildings and 53 freehold residences. Designed for modern apartment living, the project includes shared amenities such as a rooftop balcony and BBQ area, along with private decks and patios and multiple circulation zones - all requiring compliant balustrade and screening systems.
To meet the demands of a project of this scale and complexity, a fully coordinated balustrade and screening solution was required - capable of delivering consistency, compliance, and efficient installation across all areas.
Project Scope and System Coordination
More than 500 lineal metres of aluminium balustrade and screening systems from UNEX Systems were supplied and installed across the development. The scope spanned a wide range of applications, including:
- Internal stair balustrades
- Hampton balustrades to decks and patios
- Arena-Points frameless glass balustrades to rooftop areas
- Walkway balustrades
- Heavy-duty car park barriers
- Vertical louvre screens between decks
- Gates, handrails and fencing
This diversity required multiple system types, fixing methodologies, and engineering considerations - all coordinated under a single delivery framework.
Given the repetition across two buildings and multiple levels, systemisation was key. Each solution was designed to be efficiently replicated while maintaining consistency in both performance and finish.
Compliance and engineering
The project incorporated a range of loading conditions in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant standards. Early engagement with the design team allowed for clear alignment on fixing details, substrates, and structural requirements.
Key considerations included:
- C3 loading for fall-risk areas such as stairs and rooftop spaces
- F loading for car park and high-impact zones
- “A: Other” classifications for general balustrade applications
Multiple Producer Statements (PS1s) were provided to support compliance across the various systems and interfaces.
Fabrication and installation
All systems were fabricated and installed by JK Glass & Aluminium, an authorised UNEX fabricator. Given the scale and repetition across the two buildings, consistency in detailing and installation was critical - both for quality outcomes and programme efficiency.
Working with a single system supplier and a single authorised fabricator meant interfaces between system types were resolved early, and site coordination remained straightforward throughout the build.
The result
Loxley Apartments demonstrates the value of a coordinated, system-based approach to balustrade and screening design. The combination of engineered UNEX products, early design engagement, and experienced fabrication and installation delivered a consistent, compliant solution across every level - from car park barriers and stair balustrades to deck balustrading, gates, handrails and frameless glass at the rooftop.
For developers and designers working on multi-residential projects, this project is a strong example of what's possible when the specification, engineering, and installation are aligned from the outset
