New Complex Reflects Faith in Queenstown’s Future

Altherm commercial window systems were used on a new Queenstown complex which has nudged the town’s retail centre-of-gravity a little closer to the Skyline gondola and the CBD’s steep, forested, Ben Lomond backdrop.

The development is called ‘Upper Village’, in a reference to Whistler ski resort’s hamlet of the same name, in Canada. The 3,300m² in hilly Brecon St features two buildings separated by a central, external mall with an eye-catching Altherm glazed canopy above. The 25m-long roof structure was made from APL glazing bar profiles and is one of the biggest canopies built by local Altherm manufacturer, Design Windows Central Otago Ltd.

The opening of Upper Village reflects strong faith in Queenstown’s post-Covid future by Brisbane developer Engage Group, who have previously completed projects at Frankton. Tenants include a mix of local and international food, hospitality and entertainment operators, one of whom has employed 60 staff.

A spokesperson for Engage Group said that the disruptions due to the Covid-19 lockdowns and complications had made the planning and construction process a challenging one, but the group was confident that once borders were fully open Queenstown was going to be a busy tourist destination again.

Materials used in the development, which was designed by BSPN Architecture, in Brisbane, include natural stone, timber cladding, timber soffits, painted structural steel and concrete.

The main window system used in the project was the APL 125mm Flushglaze Suite, some of which was installed in faceted arrays. Large APL Architectural Series sliding doors are also a feature of the buildings. One door set — 4 + 4 bi-parting sliders — is 8m long and 2.7m high. Other products used included 40mm Windows (Seismic Suite), fixed aluminium louvres and Magnum Hinged Doors. The surface finish was Duratec Matt Black.

Locally-based Cook Brothers Construction were the builders.

A range of overhead glazing bars and roof windows cater for a variety of commercial and residential applications. Bars with a drainage system and condensation collection system are available.

See product details on EBOSS

Sliding doors slide on an outside track and can meet at 90° corners without the need for a corner post. For most configurations a fixed side panel is required. However, a bypass slider option is available where two or three panels move.

See product details on EBOSS

The 40mm series is a diverse range of window products designed for versatility — as strip windows, hopper and pivoting windows, seismically framed windows and curtain wall applications.

See product details on EBOSS

1 of 1

The glazed pedestrian canopy measured 25m long by 3.7m wide

These Flushglaze windows were 3.7m high

1 of 1

Design Windows is a leading aluminium window and door specialist in the South Island, New Zealand with branches located in Nelson, Christchurch, Greymouth, Cromwell and Dunedin.

BSPN Architecture is a national architecture and interior design practice. With a client-centric approach, BSPN designs are functional, driven by value, and focused on creating a unique end-user experience.

Originally formed in Dunedin in 2005, Cook Brothers Construction is a national commercial construction company with regional branches in Auckland, Canterbury, Otago and the Southern Lakes.

More stories

APL Structural Glaze Used in New Rolleston Library

The anchor landmark building for the future Rolleston Town Centre, Te Ara Ātea, featured the APL 168mm Structural Glaze window suite.

Overhaul of NZ Window Industry Standards

Far reaching changes are coming to the window industry with the revisions to the Building Code H1 energy efficiency standards announced by government late last year.

Prefabrication of Vantage Windows in Pre-cast Panels

An unusual prefabrication process was used to install Vantage windows into precast concrete modules for The University of Auckland’s latest student accommodation building in the Carlaw Park precinct in the central city.

New Tauranga Student Accommodation

Tauranga has taken another step towards being a university town with the opening of a sleek, $20 million student accommodation complex associated with the city’s University of Waikato campus.

Finetuning to APL Sustainable Excellence Award

APL’s Sustainable Excellence Award in the Master Builders House of the Year is to be broadened to include a wider list of judging criteria and automatic eligibility for builders.

New Puhinui Station

Auckland’s new, $69 million rail-bus interchange, Puhinui Station, has an eye-catching sculptural design.

Simple yet sophisticated

An award-winning Marlborough wine research facility used Altherm facade systems and thermally efficient windows in a building that NZIA judges described as simple in form but sophisticated in functionality.

Multi-Award-Winning Innovation

A stunning commercial facade that had 270 unique glass panes was the supreme winner at the annual design awards of the Window & Glass Association New Zealand (WGANZ).

Sustainability to the Fore

Comprehensive environmental and social codes are part of the design ethos used by Tennent Brown Architects.

The New Waitangi Museum

Te Rau Aroha Museum on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a building with two contrasting frontages.

2020 Master Builders Award

APL’s ThermalHEART windows and doors were a key part of the prize-winning home that won the national ‘Sustainable Excellence’ award.

Award-Winning Nelson Apartments

Nelson’s large-scale residential development featured Altherm windows and doors from a product palette that allowed individual apartment purchasers to customise their choice.

Striking Early Childhood Centre

“Designing beautiful spaces for children,” is how Auckland architect, Phil Smith, explains his design philosophy for preschool centres.

New Complex Reflects Faith in Queenstown’s Future