Situation

LIDO is a high-density apartment development with a large glazed curtain wall facade and integrated balconies. The architectural intent pushed beyond typical local facade solutions. The design introduced multiple performance risks that required early resolution.

 

Task and Key Challenges

The client engaged Southern Windows to cost engineer and value engineer the curtain wall facade system. The challenge was to deliver a buildable, high-performance facade while managing:

• Water ingress risk at balcony and slab-edge penetrations.

• Construction tolerances and installation sequencing.

• Overheating from high solar gain through large glazed areas.

• Noise transmission into apartments from an urban environment.

• Energy performance expectations without compromising design or cost.

Each risk needed to be resolved within a single, coordinated facade solution.

 

Action and Resolution

Buildability and Water Performance
Southern Windows simplified and strengthened the curtain wall system.

• Engineered repeatable curtain wall modules aligned to realistic tolerances.

• Resolved balcony and slab-edge penetrations with clear, buildable details.

• Integrated drainage and pressure management within the facade system.

• Reduced bespoke detailing and on-site rework.

 

Overheating and Solar Control
Solar gain was addressed at the glazing level.

• Applied high-performance Low E glazing to control solar heat gain.

• Used heat strengthened glass to manage thermal stress.

• Introduced argon gas filled airspaces to improve insulation performance.

• Balanced daylight with thermal control for year-round comfort.

 

Noise Control and Occupant Comfort
Acoustic performance was built into the facade design.

• Used laminated glazing where required to reduce noise transmission.

• Matched glazing performance with framing and seal detailing.

• Reduced noise paths without altering facade aesthetics.

 

Cost and Programme Certainty
Performance was delivered with discipline.

• Ran targeted value engineering focused on buildability and repetition.

• Compared system options against real performance outcomes.

• Locked decisions early to reduce change and programme risk.

 

Result

• A market-leading curtain wall solution tailored to New Zealand conditions.

• Reduced overheating risk in high-glazed apartments.

• Improved acoustic comfort for residents.

• Robust, repeatable detailing at balconies and penetrations.

• Strong cost certainty and smoother installation on site.

 

Southern Windows delivered a facade system that performs as designed, builds as intended, and lasts over time. The LIDO project sets a new benchmark for integrated curtain wall performance in New Zealand apartment developments.