Unex Systems

21/10/2026

A Palmerston North homeowner took on three decking areas: a main deck around a spa pool, a smaller deck at the back door and another at the front entrance.

The main 18.25m² deck required a customised layout to accommodate the spa pool, a picture-frame border and limited height between the concrete and doorway.

Our team confirmed the dimensions and spa positioning with Rodney before preparing layout and installation plans to guide the build. Using TreadFrame aluminium deck framing and adjustable TreadJacks, he completed all three areas himself. The lightweight, straight framing required no welding, while the adjustable TreadJacks helped achieve the correct levels.

Here's what the homeowner had to say:

“Just wanted to send my thanks for yours and the design teams help in completing my decking projects. I really appreciated the plan your team put together for me. Your product made the framing so easy.” - Rodney, Palmerston North

Send us your plans and we’ll work out your material requirements.

🌐 www.treadtech.nz

06/10/2026

Side-mounting a balustrade on a deck with an external gutter? The UNEX DKG2 bracket handles it.

It sets the balustrade off the deck face so the gutter clears, and the fixing stays compliant. Works with UNEX post-style balustrades on concrete or dry timber, with custom variations available for site-specific designs.

Architects: the parametric RVT file is on our website.

Supplied through our nationwide network of authorised fabricators.

Gutters, clips, flashings and packers aren't supplied by UNEX or the installer. Copper gutters aren't recommended with this detail.

Download the parametric RVT file and get DKG2 details at https://unex.co.nz/technical-downloads/

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

Not every fixing point on a project is a standard one. At Luna Lodge Wānaka, the Juliette balcony balustrades needed to fix back through new AAC façade panels - and AAC carries no compressive strength, so a standard through-fixing wasn't viable.

The connection was engineered instead: timber packing behind the panels, M12 × 220mm coach screws anchored directly into structural framing, load transferred away from the cladding entirely. UNEX's technical support team developed a Site-Specific PS1 for that detail, confirmed against the New Zealand Building Code. The standard deck balustrades ran on a Generic PS1 generated through EziSpec - no custom engineering needed where the fixing method was already standard.

That's the model: fast, standard documentation where the detail is straightforward, and dedicated engineering support where it isn't. Postless Finline's slim 40 × 12mm fins held the sightlines the design called for across both conditions.

Design by Reign Architecture. Built by Smitheram's Building. Photography by Sampford Cathie. Fabricated and installed by UNEX Authorised Fabricator Viewtec NZ

23/07/2026

For this Sentinel Homes Waikato project in Hamilton, the TreadTech Aluminium Framing System went in as the substructure for 20mm, 600×600mm structural tiles around the pool and outdoor entertaining area - set on adjustable pedestals over concrete footings.

65×45mm aluminium joists and bearers, paired with self-levelling joist cradles, gave the Sentinel Homes team an accurate, level platform before a single tile went down. UNEX Systems backed the build with framing layout diagrams and technical support throughout.

Rot-free. Corrosion-resistant. Built for the long haul under a tiled pool deck.

See the full project 👉 https://www.treadtech.nz/blog/post/166947/aluminium-frame-tiled-pool-deck-hamilton/

14/07/2026

UNEX Intertenancy Screening Solutions for Multi-Unit Housing

As higher-density housing continues to shape residential design in New Zealand, intertenancy screening is an important consideration for achieving visual privacy, defining boundaries, and supporting the overall functionality of outdoor living spaces.

UNEX works with architects and designers to simplify external intertenancy screen design through practical aluminium solutions, early-stage technical advice, and support with fixing and structural considerations.

Our Safa-Slat aluminium screen system is a popular low-maintenance option for decks, balconies and shared boundaries, offering flexibility to balance privacy, openness and architectural intent.

If you’re specifying intertenancy screens for a multi-unit residential project, read more below or get in touch with the UNEX team for technical support.

https://unex.co.nz/blog/2026/07/09/unex-intertenancy-screening-solutions-for-multi-unit-housing/

09/07/2026

Balustrades and handrails aren't the same thing - and understanding the difference is key to achieving compliant stairway design.

Our latest guide provides a practical overview of the key New Zealand Building Code requirements for stairway balustrades and handrails, including:

✔ Balustrades vs handrails
✔ Strength and geometry requirements
✔ Handrail profiles and accessibility
✔ Critical dimensions and barrier heights
✔ Child safety considerations

Developed for architects, specifiers and designers, A Quick Guide to Balustrades and Handrails on Stairways is designed to help simplify project planning and specification.

Download the guide via the link below, or contact the UNEX team on 0800 333 777 or [email protected] for technical assistance.

https://unex.co.nz/about-us/marketing-material/

28/06/2026

Love seeing our Authorised Fabricators bringing unique designs to life. This project by Better Views is a great example of how perforated aluminium panels can add both style and functionality to a balustrade.

11/06/2026

Still sketching balustrade layouts by hand?

EziRail is UNEX's powerful online design and quoting software, built specifically for balustrade installers, glaziers, and fabricators.

✔ Drag-and-drop 3D layout builder
✔ Auto-generates a complete UNEX hardware list with pricing
✔ Calculates labour, hardware, and glass costs
✔ Customise dimensions, colours, fixing types, and substrates
✔ Instant cutting lists
✔ Fabrication instructions

EziRail helps you quote faster, reduce errors, improve accuracy, and present professionally to your customers.

Exclusively available to Authorised UNEX Fabricators and Glaziers.

Interested in seeing EziRail in action or becoming an Authorised UNEX Fabricator?

Talk to the UNEX team or visit www.unex.co.nz/ezirail/ to learn more.

📞 0800 333 777
✉️ [email protected]

03/06/2026

Whether you're designing a residential deck, balcony, pool area, or commercial project, our glass balustrade systems are engineered to maximise views while delivering safety, durability, and compliance.

Choose from a range of solutions including:
✔ Arena-Points Circular Standoffs
✔ Panorama Side-Mounted Channel
✔ Metropolis Top-Mounted Channel
✔ GlasStrut Mini Post System

Backed by over 40 years of balustrade expertise, UNEX systems are supplied and installed through our nationwide network of authorised fabricators and supported by downloadable PS1s, BIM files, and technical expertise.

Discover more:
https://unex.co.nz/products/frameless-glass/