External Venetian Blinds in an Otago Bay Home | Shade Factor

Shade Factor is a leading Australian specialist in custom-made, high-performance, and long-lasting shading products for residential and commercial buildings. For this residence at Otago Bay in Tasmania, Shade Factor supplied Warema external venetian blinds to deliver solar control while preserving views across the River Derwent.

The house designed by Topology Studio is a bold geometric response to a dramatic Tasmanian landscape. Curved walls and rooflines choreograph a spatial journey from enclosed thresholds to expansive living spaces that open towards Timtumili Minanya (Mount Wellington) and the water beyond. Bedrooms and terraces are embedded into the rocky terrain, creating sheltered retreats, while a colonnade along the northern façade provides shade and protection from prevailing winds. A deep west-facing soffit frames terraces that hover above the shoreline.

Inside, spaces expand and contract beneath an undulating ceiling, creating moments of contrast that mirror the rhythms of the surrounding landscape. Material details reinforce this connection: suspended masonry, recessed windows, and built-in seating mediate between enclosure and outlook. The design balances openness with protection, carefully framing views while offering refuge from wind and sun.

Solar control was essential in a home oriented west towards the afternoon sun. To address heat and glare without compromising the outlook, programmable external venetian blinds were integrated into the façade. Supplied by Shade Factor, these systems allow blades to tilt for controlled daylighting or retract fully to provide unbroken views of the river and sky. Their adaptability supports seasonal and daily adjustments, giving the owners precise control over comfort and privacy while maintaining the architectural clarity of the façade.

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