About the Client
The residential client lives in a new three-story home in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The client’s home includes prominent eastern and western exposures which offer beautiful views of the patio, downtown Chicago sky scrapers and other historical structures in the Wicker Park neighborhood. The client’s third story is often used for entertaining guests and includes east facing sliding glass doors that open up to a 25′ x 25′ patio.
Solar Control Challenge
The client needed a convenient means to operate the large shades throughout the residence. The shade system also needed to provide adequate protection from UV and heat transmission, preserving the amazing views and natural light provided by the exterior windows. Finally, the shades need to maintain a high level of privacy from the nearby pedestrian traffic and city lights.
Products Used
Control:
– All Motorized Shade Systems were controlled with RTS Somfy 500 series motors.
– All Clutch Operated Dual Shade Systems utilized a specialized CS clutch system with #10 stainless steel bead chain
Fabric:
– Woven mesh used in the project included Mermet E Screen (E 7503) 3% openness in White/Pearl, Mermet E Screen (E 7501) 1% openness in White/Pearl.
– All room-darkening fabric was Mermet Avila 0% openness in Slate Grey
Fascia:
– All 4″ and 7″ fascia made of anodized aluminum extrusions.
IWS Solutions
A total of 21 Illinois Window Shade Company shade systems were used throughout the house. The systems include Dual Motorized Shade Systems, Coupled Motorized Shade Systems, Motorized Single Band Systems and Clutch Operated Shade Systems. Several shade sizes were as large as 60″ x 160″.
Dual Motorized Roller Shade Systems were used in the main bedroom. Dual Roller Shade Systems integrate two fabric rolls that can be independently lowered or raised by the specified control system. The fabrics often paired together include a transparent and room darkening fabric. The shades are housed on combined brackets.
The Dual Shade Systems utilized in this project included Mermet White/Pearl 3%, which is designed to expertly reflect heat while allowing acceptable view through.
Mermet Avila Slate Grey was also used in the dual system. Mermet’s Avila room darkening fabric provides complete UV blockage, solar protection and privacy. The Dual Motorized System was fitted with matching 7″ anodized aluminum fascia which conceals the individual fabric rolls and provides a sleek, continuous design.
Coupled Motorized Shade Systems were used in the west facing living room. Coupled shade systems are available in motorized or clutch operating systems. Coupled shade systems utilize a single motor or clutch to drive multiple shades. They are a cost-effective option with a wide range of attractive fabrics for effective heat and glare control. The Coupled Motorized System was fitted with matching 4″ anodized aluminum fascia which conceals the individual fabric rolls and provides a sleek, continuous design.
The shade motors are controlled throughout the home by RTS with wall switches and table top remote controls. The shades are also controlled by a mobile device application available on most mobile devices. The app allows the shades to be scheduled to open and close or to operate upon demand. The RTS table top controls allow for optimal shade control in high traffic, dynamic settings such as dinner parties and similar events.
Results
The Illinois Window Shade Company 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 how easy the shades are to operate and how often he is complimented on the sleek, modern look provided by the shades.
Architect and design communities across the country are working to design sustainable solutions that reduce facility construction and operating costs while enhancing safety and comfort. The proper window shade addresses these challenges in a cost effective and practical manner. Well-designed motorized and manual shading solutions not only save energy and money, but also optimize natural light.
Corporate facility managers and architects across the country are working to design sustainable solar solutions that reduce construction and operating costs while enhancing guest safety and comfort. The proper window shade addresses these challenges in a cost-effective and practical manner. Well-designed motorized and manual shading solutions not only save energy and money, but also optimize natural light.
As a nationwide leader in window treatments, Illinois Window Shade Company provides the most effective solar shade solutions available.
