Case study
Merchant Place






Application
Outdoor Spaces
Delivery Partner
Blind Solutions
Product
TESS™440
Location
South Africa
Merchant Place, a commercial retail centre in South Africa, required a tailored shading solution for its distinctive oval-shaped central court.
Working closely with our delivery partner, Blind Solutions, Guthrie Douglas provided a precision-engineered solution, to ensure effective solar control across the large, open space while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
THE CHALLENGE
The project presented several technical complexities, including the need for bespoke oversized cable lengths and the integration of rectangular blinds into an irregularly shaped opening. The expansive area required a shading solution capable of spanning long distances while maintaining smooth operation and structural integrity.
THE SOLUTION
To accommodate the extensive span, Guthrie Douglas recommended incorporating a steel profile to support the TESS™440 tension systems. This innovative approach ensured optimal performance while keeping the installation discreet. The result is a seamless, nearly invisible solution when retracted, preserving the architectural elegance of the space.
CONCLUSION
The shading system at Merchant Place delivers both functionality and design sophistication.
The integration of protective headboxes for external applications ensures the longevity of the mechanism, while the precision-engineered solution demonstrates how Guthrie Douglas’ expertise in tensioned shading can meet complex architectural challenges with precision and elegance.