2026 Archive : Staib

Project Details

Fabric 1

Weathermax 80
Producer/Manufacturer: Contender NZ Ltd.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabrication Company
Auram Engineering

Please describe the project specifications

The purpose of this project was to provide effective weather protection while maintaining the natural light and aesthetic appeal of the home. The client requested an awning solution that would keep rain off the window sill without obstructing light entering the interior spaces.
A key requirement was for the design to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture and colour palette of the home. The finished awning needed to be functional, subtle and understated, while still enhancing the overall appearance of the property.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project presented several unique design and installation challenges. The home featured a large curved second-storey window, requiring a custom curved frame that was both difficult to manufacture and challenging to cover accurately with fabric. The client also requested a non-traditional awning shape, wanting the awning to project straight out and curving down each side of the window, rather than following a traditional design. This required custom fabrication and careful detailing to achieve the desired appearance while maintaining structural integrity.

The installation process was equally complex due to the plaster-over-steel-frame construction of the house. We knew it was plaster, but didn’t know about the steel frame until we got to site with the frame to start installation. Locating suitable fixing points behind the plaster exterior proved difficult, as conventional stud finders were far less effective than on a standard timber-framed home. In addition, the window was positioned on the second floor above a small roof area, creating restricted working conditions. To safely complete the installation, the team laid plywood sheets across the roof surface to spread the load and protect the structure while providing a stable working platform for the installers.

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