Project:
6 x Eliminate ScreenLine 95® zip roller blind systems, with a Soltis 86 screening material and Somfy RTS automation, with an additional Centralis RTS wireless wall override switch.

Site:
Principle’s Residence, Durham University, Van Mildert College, Mill Hill Lane, Durham, DH1 3LH.

Sector:
Contract won through James Robertshaw trade division.

Description:
Overheating rooms have been causing problems at Durham University for decades. Yet when they contacted UK Blinds and Shadings, the company knew exactly who to call on to cool their building down.

Durham University is the third oldest university in England, and they wanted to ensure that new technology could be incorporated into the old principal’s house. Hiring local firm, UK Blinds and Shadings, they needed a product with the technology to shield the building from the sun, whilst allowing inhabitants to enjoy the beautiful landscaped views across the campus.

James Robertshaw was the name that came to mind when UK Blinds and Shadings’ Neil Bamborough looked at the project. He said: “Initially we were looking at awnings, but there was a problem. The building has a copper roof, which comes down the wall. If we’d penetrated that it may have caused leaks. At the time James Robertshaw had released The Eliminate Collection® and I knew it would be an ideal solution.”

Bolton based company James Robertshaw is known for their high quality manufacture of internal and external blinds and awning systems. The Eliminate Collection® is their new range of internal and external zip roller blind systems. The shade Bamborough chose was the Eliminate ScreenLine 95® zip roller blind system, with a Soltis 86 screening material and Somfy RTS automation.

The Eliminate Collection® is a very durable exterior blind range. In this instance it was the solar shading element that was needed, although it can be used as either blackout (Eliminate BlackLine Collection®) or noise reduction (Eliminate AcoustaLine Collection®).

By using the Soltis 86 fabric, with a 14% openness factor, not only is overheating massively reduced, it allows the inhabitants of the Principal’s house a clearer view of the campus. Bamborough says: “The fabric reflects heat and glare, but allows a view out. From the inside you get quite a good, unhindered view even when the blinds are fully down. But looking back in you can’t see in the house.”

And when it came to the primary problem, heat, James Robertshaw provided the best solution. Bamborough says: “The Eliminate is a better solution than a traditional folding-arm awning. There were six huge windows, which were all southwest facing. This meant the rooms were becoming unbearable.

“James Robertshaw’s solution was better than traditional blinds. This is because of the way it’s constructed. It’s closer to the glass, cutting out about 92% of the heat. So whilst the awning would have taken care of the glare, it wouldn’t have been as affective as the Eliminate system.”

UK Blinds and Shading have used James Robertshaw’s products for a long time because, as Bamborough says: “They are one of the most helpful companies I’ve ever dealt with.”

A friend of the company was lucky enough to have the hottest seat in the house at the recent beach volleyball event in London, and saw our awning. At 18.5 meter’s width, it is the largest awning we have made, and we are so pleased at how great it looks.

FAO: Ged Hartshorn

Can I issue a profound thanks to Ged with whom I spoke to on the phone just now about a trailer with a broken awning?

 He took the time to give me several possible solutions to the problem – one of which worked!

I’m sorry that this means I won’t be using your services on this occasion to fix the problem, but I couldn’t think more highly of your company and will remember the name in the future.

Many thanks and have a good weekend.

Pete Liggins

News & Sport Editor

Pure 107.8FM

Project:
42 fully automated internal roller blind systems to be integrated into the buildings Home Automation system control panel.

Site:
Christmas Cottage, Stockgrove Park, Leighton Buzzard.

Sector:
Contract won through trade partner client.

Description:
James Robertshaw was contacted through a trade partner after receiving a tender to manufacture, install and commission 42 x automated internal roller blind systems in a state of the art domestic new build home. The standard Somfy automation systems James Robertshaw manufacture, were specified as the contractors preferred motor of choice. The brief instructed that each automated blind was to be mains-wired with LS40 motors on a System 40 barrel and connected through 14 x Moco 220-240V A/C motor control boxes into the Lutron home automation system control panel, already installed by others. Each blind was specified to operate individually in each room, via a wall mounted switch. The new Smoove Pure wireless, wall-mounted switch range from Somfy was the preferred option.

Working closely with the architect and design engineers all blinds were to be installed into the ceiling’s purpose built recess, along with the cables to power them. All rooms were installed with floor to ceiling glazing with the end user’s brief stating that no wires or blinds were to be seen, unless operated or drawn. Combined with the architect’s concise instructions that the blinds required to be hidden unless operated, the fabric also had to be blackout, in a white material to match the colours of the walls and ceiling. Louvolite’s Nocturne Cream material was chosen due to its shading co-efficient materials, combined with its flame retardant properties and black out strengths. Total cassette blackout was deemed non appropriate due to the side rails permanently on show.

What Is Home Automation?
Home automation gives you control over the technology in your home via a central, and often wall-mounted, control panel, remote switch or your smart phone. You can control the temperature in your house, blinds, awnings, curtains, lighting, music, internet, television and home cinema at the touch of a button, without having to walk from room to room. You can also use it to work your security settings. The systems are designed for non-technical users and they make for a rather impressive dinner party feature! The benefit of planning from the early stages is that you can conceal cables and systems around your décor. Once it’s set up, the only technical issue you’ll have is fighting over the control…

For further infomation on both domestic and commercial blind manufacture, please contact the sales team.