Perhaps not technically a blind — but at approximately 80 metres long and 7 metres wide, it may be one of the largest projects we’ve ever delivered overhead.

Melbourne Central, one of Melbourne’s most iconic shopping destinations, has engaged Maben Group to construct two additional floors above the existing building, while the shopping centre below remains open and operational. Sitting above the existing top floor is an enormous glazed skylight, approximately 80 metres long × 7 metres wide. With construction taking place directly above, a solution was needed to protect while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment for the thousands of shoppers and visitors below.

Blind Concepts was engaged to design and implement the solution.

While not a conventional skylight blind, we developed a custom fit using German-engineered, high-tensile industrial fabric, fabricated in large sections with welded seams, reinforced edges, heavy-duty eyelets and Velcro connections. The selected fabric also met the required fire-performance specifications for the project.

From final confirmation, the job was designed, manufactured and delivered within 10 working days. The finished installation provides assisted protection while sitting discreetly within the building’s architecture. Its dark, reflective appearance works particularly well with the existing glazed structure, helping maintain the visual character of the space below while major construction continues overhead.

 

A very different application for Blind Concepts — but exactly the sort of project where our in-house capability, supply chain partners and experience with large, technically challenging shading solutions come into its own.

Designed and manufactured in Melbourne.