Blind-ingly brilliant

Colourful roller blinds from Luxaflex.
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There is a whole lot more to window dressings than simply shutting out the light. Finding the right product can add style, bring in a technical touch and help you to drastically cut down on your carbon footprint

While window dressings may once have just been a way to add a stylish finishing touch, or inject some privacy into an interior design scheme, these days, selecting the right product can do a whole lot more.

With the Gulf region now fully awake to the need to minimise its carbon footprint, and increase the energy efficiency of its buildings, for interior designers looking to cut down on energy usage, window dressings are the perfect
place to start.

A recent study by the European Solar-Shading Organisation (ES-SO) calculated that if sun protective shutters and blinds were adopted in buildings throughout the EU, a potential 31 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved in heating energy requirements. The potential savings in cooling energy were even more staggering: the study calculated that the right window dressings could lead to an annual reduction in EU carbon dioxide emissions of 80 million tonnes.

In the Middle East, where the baking sun constantly streams through the windows causing us to crank up the air con, the need to employ eco-friendly solutions is particularly pressing.

“Sustainability is very important right now in this region, especially with the introduction of LEED and Estidama certification systems for old and new buildings,” said Abdo Aoun, manager of Gulf operations for Somfy, a specialist in home automation solutions. “Although these two rating systems are still optional, many developers are seeking to differentiate their companies and their projects, and to attract sensitive investors and end-users, as well as to be more socially responsible.”

 As an energy saving solution, Somfy has designed a flexible automation system for window dressings called ‘Animeo’. Automated shadings and openings on the facades of commercial buildings are integrated with sun and weather sensors.

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“Depending on the position of the sun and the time of the day, the building can protect itself from external heat gains, in hot areas like the GCC, or preserve the heat inside the building, in cold areas like Europe,” explained Aoun.

“On the other hand, when the facade is not exposed to direct sunlight, the interior of the building is able to enjoy the daylight coming through from the high light-transmittance glazing.

“The impact of this is that it reduces energy consumption in the building from cooling and lighting. Not to mention the possibility of using natural ventilation, and the energy savings from this, as well as the impact of such a system on the internal environment of the building, thus improving comfort levels and productivity.”

Shady business

Hunter Douglas has also developed an integrated system for energy saving in commercial interiors by using solar shading. Enduris Glass Core technology contributes to sustainable design by protecting interiors from solar heat, diffusing incoming natural light, enhancing interior comfort and so increasing occupant productivity.

The product uses internal blinds which have been tested to eliminate up to 64% of heat from solar radiation. “The result is that you get a more pleasant indoor environment, with temperatures reduced by as much as 5 to 15°C, contributing to energy savings such as cooling load reductions of 40 to 60%,” explained Yvonne Tobien, sales executive, Hunter Douglas.

“The screen fabrics also provide excellent protection against UV radiation. All shades made with these fabrics offer excellent aesthetics, the highest strength and durability to maintain those looks, and performance characteristics that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable indoor environment.”

If the right materials are chosen, simple blinds can drastically lower energy usage. German company Verotex has spent the past 20 years developing a range of fabrics for use in blinds made from a highly innovative, eco-friendly coating, which reflects up to 88% of light coming through the window.

“Energy-conscious blinding is important for reducing energy costs and thus the environmental impact of the building,” said Holger Scholz, technical director, Verotex Gulf. “The weak points in terms of the energy technology in a building are the windows or the glass façade. Verotex fabrics reflect up to 88% of light, thus being able to reduce enormously the energy budget. At the same time, a transparent external view should be safeguarded in order to avoid a ‘black box’ feeling. To overcome this effect, Verotex has developed screen fabrics which are vaporised with a Nano mirror effect.”

Thanks to their capacity to save on energy while still letting light into the room, Scholz describes the fabrics as a “textile technical masterstroke”.

Window dressing company Luxaflex also offers energy saving blinds and fabrics. “Sustainability has become more and more important for the interior architect,” said Tobien. “Silhouette shades – one of our products – is made of a strong but light polyester fabric that doesn’t fade or tear, combining the best features of curtains and blinds in one unique design.”

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