Arguably one of Sydney’s best views, Bennelong restaurant has long been a premier dining venue in one of the world’s most recognised buildings. With its aspect to Sydney Harbour, the restaurant views are breathtaking but also very exposed to the low Winter sunlight. To enhance the comfort of patrons and moderate the internal temperature, automated blinds were specified for the upper dining space.

Recognising the unique challenges of this landmark setting, Tilt aimed to create a bespoke solution that would provide comfort and protect the integrity of the architecture. Its heritage value meant that permanent fixings or holes could not be used to attach the blinds. The blinds needed to integrate seamlessly into the windows, offering sun shading while maintaining some transparency when closed to enhance the dining experience.

The project’s scope offered an exciting design opportunity for Tilt to meet all the project objectives and create a highly functional series of blinds. Tilt developed a series of custom sun shading blinds with a sleek profile and made of high-quality shade material that perfectly complements the restaurant’s elegant interior. Connected to smart automation technology, the blinds are easily adjusted through a central system, enabling staff to quickly adjust the interior light as the sun moves throughout the day.

• Project Consultation and stakeholder engagement
• Detailed Design inc. CAD, structural engineering review and certification, construction documentation, detailed electrical design
• Fabrication inc. shop drawings and procurement
• Installation, site documentation, user manuals and handover
• Project Management

Tilt’s bespoke blinds showcase the potential of considered design to enhance the hospitality experience. By addressing the aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations, a design challenge has been turned into an opportunity for innovation in this heritage building. The blinds deliver enhanced comfort while preserving the harbour views, maintain interior thermal performance and provide an elegant aesthetic that aligns with this iconic setting.

Kieran Barker, the lead designer for the project, said, “We love solving design challenges for our clients, and this was a very special opportunity to work within such an iconic landmark. Our internal process involved rigorous prototyping and refinements to ensure we created a beautiful and highly-functional solution. The outcome is ideal for this space.”

As a Design Manager at Tilt, Kieran’s keen eye for refined design and honed technical expertise ensures that every part of each project is considered and thoughtfully designed. Kieran’s notable projects include:

• Lighting Bar, Phoenix Gallery
• Lanterns, Baptist Care
• Kulbardi Season, Public Transport Operations Control Centre.