SHY UK’s 14 years of motorisation experience came in useful when the company was commissioned for an unusual application...

Motorisation continues to be an increasingly popular way of controlling blinds whether they are big/high level or you just want the convenience automation brings. And, of course, to get the real energy-saving benefits of blinds, automation is essential.

The majority of SHY (UK)’s production of commercial roller blind systems are motorised and, with 14 years of development and manufacturing expertise under its belt, SHY (UK) knows a thing or two about blinds, motors and controls.

This expertise was recently put to the test to create a 14m FTS Rooflight blind to run horizontally along vertical glazing at the renowned Ashmoleum Museum in Oxford.

Explaining this latest challenge, SHY (UK)’s managing director Martin Dibben said: “We know our FTS systems work perfectly well horizontally and vertically and even when fitted to a slope but we had never turned one on its side before for a window as large as this. As with all unusual requests we prove the concept will work first and this is exactly what happened for this project. We designed and tested the blind to prove to ourselves it would work effectively. We then invited our customer, the main contractor and their architect to see the mock-up of the blind working in our factory, securing the order and clarifying the fitting and commissioning requirements to all concerned.”

Any of SHY (UK)’s commercial roller blind systems can be motorised and with maximum sizes up to a colossal 70m2 and shaped systems available too, most glazing challenges are covered.

The company has seen a significant increase for its original Zip Screen system for home cinema and AV suites. These types of applications are typically high end and high spec and a bank of traditional blinds with standard motors whirring away is not what the client expects. SHY (UK) now uses the Somfy Sonesse 40 quiet motors as standard on blinds for these types of applications, where size permits.

When it comes to controlling motorised blinds, the choice is virtually endless from simple switches to seamless integration with building management systems, AV systems, lighting controls or environmental sensors.

And all of this is no longer that complicated either. SHY (UK) has extensive experience with motorised blinds and is happy to pass this knowledge on through its regular SHY school held at the company’s manufacturing facility in Hitchin.

• Shy UK