In North Wānaka’s Northlake Commercial Project, UNEX Systems worked with Cook Brothers Construction to deliver customised aluminium balustrade and handrail solutions for a complex, mixed-use development. With site-specific engineering, innovative fixing designs, and close collaboration with local partners, the result combines striking architectural style with lasting performance.
Set against the backdrop of North Wānaka, the Northlake Commercial Project redefines what’s possible in modern architectural design. Led by Cook Brothers Construction, with UNEX Systems as the balustrade engineering partner, this development is a showcase of precision planning, technical expertise, and innovative thinking.
UNEX Systems: Expertise in Every Detail
At UNEX, we’re known for engineering aluminium balustrade systems that deliver on both performance and design. For this project, our Hampton, Finline, and Topline styles were tailored to meet the unique aesthetic and functional needs of the development - without compromising compliance or quality.
Bespoke Balustrades: Style Meets Practicality
The brief called for a balustrade system that would enhance the architecture while being practical and straightforward for our Commercial Supply Partner to install. We developed a customised Hampton Style variation, modifying the bottom rails to create seven unique designs with site-specific PS1s. This allowed us to maintain a consistent visual theme while meeting the architect’s vision.
Tackling a Complex Brief
This mixed-use space required a complete set of balustrades and handrails, each designed to meet precise aesthetic and functional goals. That meant going beyond our standard designs, creating solutions tailored to the project’s architectural requirements.
Designed for Efficient Installation
To simplify fabrication and speed up installation, we introduced a new bottom rail design. Partnering with local engineering firms streamlined production and ensured the large-scale fabrication ran smoothly -without compromising quality.
Innovative Fixing Solutions
Some substrate fixings were far from straightforward. We developed custom angle brackets for the solid bottom rails and designed concealed fixing channels to maintain a clean, modern finish. Where exposed fixings were necessary, they were carefully hidden to protect the project’s visual integrity.
Safety and Aesthetics in Harmony
Inset Leada handrails were installed on the external stairways—adding safety, durability, and a refined finish.
Collaboration from Start to Finish
This project was a true team effort. UNEX provided the design expertise and technical guidance, while our Commercial Supply Partner and local fabricators brought the plans to life on site.
Streamlining Fabrication with Local Partners
Our systematic collaboration with local partners combined unique skill-sets and synergies, optimizing results. UNEX provided overarching design and technical expertise, while our Commercial Supply Partner managed on-site aspects with efficiency.
A Lasting Addition to the Community
The completed Northlake development is proof of what’s possible when technical skill, innovative design, and strong partnerships come together. Blending performance with visual appeal, it’s a space that will serve the Wānaka community for years to come.
Viewtec, an authorised UNEX installer based in Wānaka, managed the fabrication and installation. To see more of their work, visit their website.
