West Loop Residence — Dual Shade System

About Private residential client

The client lives in a high-rise building in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The unit is on the 10th floor with prominent southern and western exposures offering views of the patio, South Loop skyscrapers and other historical structures in the neighborhood.

The interior includes highly valuable contents including new wood flooring, historical artwork and a grand piano.

The solar control challenge

This project presented several solar control challenges including providing adequate protection from UV and heat transmission, preserving the views and natural daylighting provided by the exterior window walls, and maintaining a high level of privacy from city lights and neighboring buildings.

The solution

A total of 15 Dual Roller Shade Systems were used throughout the unit. Dual Roller Shade Systems integrate two fabric rolls that can be independently lowered or raised by the specified control system, housed on combined brackets.

The client specified that the shade fabric closest to the window be Mermet KOOLBLACK E Screen Charcoal/Charcoal with 3% openness, and the fabric closest to the interior be Mermet Avila room darkening at 0% openness.

Mermet's KOOLBLACK utilizes a patented technology that allows darker fabrics to reflect solar heat at a much higher rate than typical dark fabrics. The darker fabric also reflects light, reducing glare and preserving the outstanding views. Mermet's Avila room darkening fabric provides complete UV blockage, solar protection and privacy.

The client specified RTS Motorized Dual Shade Systems for high-traffic areas including the living, dining and piano rooms, and Clutch-Operated Dual Shade Systems for the bedroom and office. All were fitted with matching 4" aluminum fascia.

Results

The dual shade systems look fantastic, are easy to operate and are producing measurable results with respect to the light, heat and UV levels in the client's unit.

The client has specifically noted an improvement in energy efficiency — lower energy costs, higher levels of comfort — and UV protection for the valuable interiors.