Many ‘intelligent’ devices can be fitted into the home and office, where functions such as heating, lighting, ventilation, entertainment and security can be controlled automatically. Now home owners, property developers and architects can add another essential function – automatic operation of Venetian blinds sealed into insulated glass units

They can be operated electronically or pre-programmed to operate automatically. By reacting to temperature differentials, sunlight and glare levels, and individual security, colour and mood preferences, Pulseline provides easy operation and security while delivering a bespoke architectural element to any property.

Today’s hectic lifestyles mean many are spending more time away from home. Programmable Venetian blinds can increase security by creating the impression that someone is at home.

They can also have an effect on energy conservation. Solar gain and heat loss can be controlled automatically, resulting in reduced air conditioning and heating costs – especially in buildings with large glazed areas.

Sunlight can fade soft furnishings and floors, and after spending thousands of pounds on home cinemas and plasma TVs, the experience can be ruined by the sun. What better way to control this than by adjusting window blinds automatically or at the press of a button?

For those with physical limitations, blinds that can be opened, closed and adjusted electronically are a great help, especially if there are several to open at one time.

In commercial and institutional buildings it is not unusual to find many blinds in one area. To raise or lower these on a daily basis is tedious and impractical, leaving automisation as an ideal solution

Available in white, cream and silver the blinds have been designed so that their drives and motors are integral in the insulated glass unit. Silent in use, there are no unsightly wires, switches, pull chords or magnets and as they are fully enclosed, the blinds never need dusting or cleaning.

The imaginative use of lighting can add atmosphere or change the mood of any room. Pulseline units are also available with the option of a sealed low voltage LED light strip. Red, green, blue and white LEDs or a mixture of these can be specified – instantly adding a touch of magic to any room. A multitude of colours and intensities can be created to calm, stimulate or thrill the senses

Flexibility of technology means that many levels of automation are possible with a wall mounted, desk top or hand held controller capable of operating a single blind or groups of up to 256 blinds and lights

Bluetooth two-way communication means that the controller can communicate with all blinds and lights, sending back the current status. The ambient light in any room can be adjusted by automated blind control which reacts to changes in sunlight and room temperature by slowly raising, lowering or tilting the blinds, maintaining pre-set levels at all times. Pulseline units can also be programmed to close the blinds at dusk and/or open at a chosen wake-up time

A memory facility means that up to three favourite blind height and tilt scenarios can be created and stored. Several blinds, in different rooms can be linked to operate at the same or different times and each operation can be manually overridden.

• Birchdale Glass T: 01895 208971