Cotswolds Private Residence

Automated external blinds bring comfort back to modern living space

This ultra-modern, two-storey detached home in the Cotswolds, is light, spacious, and benefits from all-round garden views. The huge windows and rooflights in the south-west facing dining room did however create a “greenhouse” effect, making the open-plan living space uncomfortably hot.

Guthrie Douglas worked with the blind contractor, CD Blinds to identify the shading problem the owners faced. The brief was to come up with a technical solution that would allow them to use this main living space all year round in comfort.

After taking technical readings of the glass and completing heat and light tests, Guthrie Douglas advised that external shading would be the best option for the 24m² of glass panels.

The TESS^TM400 series was selected, which is specifically designed for external applications. Invisible when not in use, thanks to the weather-proof headbox, the aluminium brackets were powder-coated in Anthracite Grey to match the window frames, providing continuity of design and an elegant, clean look.

For this project, the fabric selected for the tensioned blinds was a grey 3% open external grade fabric, allowing the homeowners to enjoy views of the garden from inside the house. This fabric also ensures a significant reduction on the internal solar gain to the property, allowing the occupants to sit directly behind the glass without glare or excessive heat, and minimising the need for air conditioning.

Working with Somfy, who specialise in smart homes solutions for blinds and shades, the system was made to be fully automated.

If you have a residential project where you are considering blinds and would like a technical approach contact us today.