“We are seeing more standard blinds with motorisation now” Martin Dibben, SHY UK’s managing director tells Blinds & Shutters. Why is this trend taking shape?

He says a significant part of this trend is the requirement for automated blind systems, either as a link to audiovisual controls for presentation areas, theatres or boardrooms or interfacing with environmental controls and building management systems to ensure blinds are operated to best effect to help manage the internal building environment. However, the ability to prevent unauthorised use of blinds is also a key benefit of motorisation in applications such as schools and other public areas.

And this trend is not just in the commercial sector. “Some homeowners are requesting automation not only in home cinema environments but to other areas for both privacy and to reduce heat and light gain and this trend is growing year on year” commented Martin. All three of SHY’s commercial roller systems are available with low or mains voltage Somfy tubular motors. Through extensive testing and innovative design features most applications are catered for up to a maximum width of 6.8m and drop of 13m. These exceptionally large sizes are available for both window and rooflight applications.
When it comes to blind operation radio control has quickly become the most popular method for either single blinds or groups and they are easier to commission as limit switches can simply be set from a radio handset. However, in some situations a traditional hard-wired solution is still required and so SHY offers these systems as well.

Martin says SHY’s technical team are on hand to help dealers with the correct specification of their systems and can provide wiring diagrams to ensure that electrical contractors provide the appropriate feeds and connections. SHY UK’s dealers have completed installations to all sorts of buildings to meet all types of applications but perhaps one of the more unusual has been the shading to a domed rooflight. Here the blinds were not only electrically operated due to the height but had to be shaped to successfully shade the curved glazing.

• Shy