Brisbane CBD Commercial Louver Array
Architectural vertical sunshade arrays featuring aerofoil louver blades and Somfy solar tracking automation installed on a commercial office block facade in Brisbane.
Project Gallery
Structural connection detail
Profile assembly detail
The Engineering Challenge
The facade of a commercial office block in Brisbane CBD suffered from heavy afternoon solar heat loading. The building owners required an automated sunshade system capable of tracking solar positions throughout the day while surviving extreme wind pressures and wind-tunnel effects (45 m/s design wind speeds) experienced at a height of 35 meters.
TS Aluminium Custom Solution
We fabricated vertical aerofoil louver arrays (200mm width) extruded from 6063-T6 architectural alloy. The hollow aerofoil geometry provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resists twisting under dynamic loads. To withstand severe wind shear, each louver is pivoting on custom-milled M8 stainless steel rotating pins embedded within heavy structural framing channels.
Somfy Automation & Weather Protection
The automated rotation is driven by Somfy smart tracking actuators connected to local wind sensors. During storms, the louvers automatically rotate to a closed position. Co-extruded EPDM gaskets compress together, forming a solid weather shield that channels rainwater down to integrated vertical gutter channels, protecting the glass facade below.
| Parameter | Target Rating Value |
|---|---|
| Max Span Limit | 4.5 meters (Without center support) |
| Blade Profile Material | Aluminium 6063-T6 (AA15 anodized) |
| EPDM Sealing Tensile Limit | >12 MPa (AS 1646 compliant) |
| Wind Deflection Limit | L/180 or 15mm max deflection |
Project Metadata
- Location: Brisbane CBD, QLD
- Alloy Grade: 6063-T6
- Standards Met: AS/NZS 1170.2, AS 1866
- Fabrication: 100% In-House (QLD)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the quality of our Project 2 system verified?
All our Project 2 components undergo strict Vickers hardness indentation testing and dimensional tolerance checks in compliance with AS/NZS 1866:1997 standards.
What warranties apply to our Project 2 range?
We provide a 10-year structural warranty on all architectural profiles in the Project 2 range, backed by Dulux accredited powder coat finishes.
Are CAD drawings available for Project 2?
Yes, we provide 3D models (STEP format) and 2D CAD layouts (DWG/DXF) to support builders and designers during the project planning stage.
Related Projects & Case Studies
Slacks Creek Project 2 Installation
Engineering and assembly of high-strength Project 2 framework designed to satisfy local Region B wind ratings.
Gold Coast Commercial Project 2 Project
Volume supply and custom CNC processing of Project 2 profiles matching QBCC structural regulations.
Request Engineering Specification
Submit your project dimensions, wind zone parameters, or target specs. Our Slacks Creek team will review and reply within 24 hours.
Detailed Case Study Technical Report & Site Performance Log
Every structural installation managed by TS Aluminium is supported with full project documentation. A primary challenge in Queensland is designing connection points capable of resisting high uplift forces during summer storms. During our design phase, we evaluate localized wind shear variables and terrain categories (Category 2: open terrain with few obstructions, to Category 3: suburban areas). Ground anchors are engineered to match site soil conditions, which are classified from Class S (stable clay) to Class H (highly reactive clay) based on geotech reports.
For concrete footing anchorage, our teams core-drill vertical holes into concrete slabs to receive post bases, or install structural steel baseplates. Baseplates are secured using M12 high-tensile chemically anchored studs embedded at least 110mm into 32 MPa concrete. Fastener connections are tightened using calibrated torque wrenches to target torque limits (e.g., M12 Grade 8.8 bolts tightened to 85 Nm), preventing thread strip issues under load cycles.
Once the structural assembly is complete, we perform deflection checks on vertical posts and horizontal rafters using dial gauges, verifying that structural deflection matches our design limits under dead loads. Water penetration tests are conducted on window suites and louver gutters to ensure EPDM compression seals form a watertight barrier, protecting the building envelope against wind-driven rain ingress.