TF Sampson says it is proud to have supported the iconic OrbisEnergy building, a £9.3m innovation and business centre at Lowestoft in Suffolk

TF Sampson designed and installed specialist high performance sloping blinds providing important control over elements such as glare, light and heat yet without reducing the impact of the stunning sea views.

So how did it all happen? The East of England Energy Group introduced the company to the building and invited it to tender for the job of installing performance blinds. Once awarded the £12k contract TF Sampson set about producing guidelines for the unusual sloping windows where the blinds had to be locked in a special manner.

Kevin Stannard, who has been with TF Sampson for 37 years, project managed the work at Orbis: “We had to find a solution to shade people working in the building and save energy yet also have a working environment where people could still see out. We recommended a Verosol roller blind system for the large sloping windows which operate on a sprocket to lift the blinds up and down on the easy-to-operate control chain. In terms of energy saved by this system, you get your money back in two years and it has massively reduced the carbon footprint while at the same time complying with the latest Building Regulations.”

In order that TF Sampson could assess the correct grade of fabric required, it carefully analysed the thickness of the glass in the windows and the orientation of the building. That enabled the company to calculate the precise grade of see-through, aluminium-backed fabric and thus achieving the ultimate deflection and energy savings.

So there is a calculable energy and cost saving ratio using this method. By providing a better and more natural working environment this system also increases productivity and higher retention of staff.

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