BRIEF
The entire media room was to be clad in motorised louvres. When fully closed, they would conceal the structure whilst plunging the occupants into total darkness. Reversing the process, entire sections of the louvres walls were to hinge away in order to fully open and reveal the structure. The open setting would present occupants with unencumbered views of Lake Hayes and the stunning local landscape.
There was also a requirement for 4 panels of operable roof and 7 panels of operable louvres to be designed and fitted to the lodge.
KEY CHALLENGES
The system had to be simple to operate whilst hiding the complexity away from plain sight. Motorised louvres had to be synchronised, the opening and closing of them becoming a performance, that little bit of showmanship to be watched and admired.
Every wall required assembly and testing at Insol and transporting each piece to the site was to be a unique logistical challenge. There were just a few centimetres of space left (height & width) along parts of the route, along with any complications from vibrations or unexpected bumps.
OUR APPROACH
We designed and engineered the entire structure, utilising a hydraulic power pack to operate the hinges section of the wall. Each wall measured 9mx4.5m and used the aurora rear pivot louvre system. In total, 10 electrical actuators and 8 hydraulic rams were used.
Once assembled and tested to satisfaction, the walls were carefully lifted by crane onto a truck for the journey from Invercargill to Arrowtown. The process was reversed when on site, each wall being carefully maneuvered into place by crane.
RESULT
Fully integrated with the lodge building management system, the whole facade transforms via touch screen control. This metamorphosis compelling to watch and offers occupants a number or easily controlled variations to suit their mood. From music which can escape and float away into the alpine air, to total darkness for motion picture immersion, it is a perfect place for relaxation and enjoyment.
