Building projects involve a great number of decisions. Which tiles to use in the bathroom? How many sockets in the kitchen? Which material should be used for the front door? With so many things to decide, it’s easy to forget that sun shading is vital to our wellbeing. But thinking ahead in the construction phase saves time and money in the long run. Warema, the sun shading expert, reveals its tips on what to consider when drawing up plans.
Smart home: bus system or radio remote control
How smart to go? If it’s clear from the outset that the building under construction is going to be a smart home, then a bus system like KNX might be worth consideration. The global standard for building automation, it is future-proof and facilitates networking of sun shading, lighting, heating, alarm systems, entertainment systems, intercom systems and much more. With KNX, homeowners can adapt their smart homes however they wish while enjoying maximum comfort and convenience. However, this increases outlay for electrical installation and programming.
Warema’s WMS radio remote control system is a clever alternative for sun shading automation. It can also be programmed to suit individual preferences, creating a perfect atmosphere with automatic shading. In addition, a weather station can be used to ensure that – for example – the awning is automatically retracted when it starts to rain or become windy. This is controlled via hand-held and wall-mounted transmitters or via the app, enabling voice control from anywhere in the world and providing direct access to the smart sun shading system via cloud technology.
The homee smart home system can be used to network other applications and devices in addition to the sun shading system. The modular concept is made up of various components for radio standards such as Z-Wave, ZigBee, EnOcean and WMS. All functions – from Warema sun shading, to Philips Hue lights, to Hörmann garage doors – can be individually integrated into the smart home at any time and controlled using just one app.
Connect electricity to windows and the exterior
If smart sun shading is to be installed with no belts or cranks, then every window and the patio (if there is one) must first be connected to the electricity. This reduces planning outlay and allows the homeowner to do as they wish. This solution is also visually attractive and positively impacts the energy footprint due to the lack of thermal bridges. If there are plenty of 230 V connections, all functions can be flexibly implemented at a later date using the WMS radio remote control system. This ensures an ideal indoor climate at all times, while the option to simulate the presence of people inside the home provides security. Appropriate shading keeps the rooms nice and cool in the summer, while the sun shading system directs warmth and light inside the home in the winter. This makes the building more energy-efficient and reduces unnecessary costs.
If the homeowner has expressed a wish for an awning or slat roof over the patio, balcony or garden, then a power connection is required here as well and should be incorporated into the plans. This will be used not just to extend and retract the sun shading system, but also to control the radiant heater and LED strips. When new buildings are constructed with timber frames, steps should also be taken to ensure that the walls have sufficient load-bearing capacity by adding attachment points suitable for an awning.
Choose the right sun shading for the room
Different rooms require different types of sun shading. Glare-free daylight is important for living rooms, dining rooms and work areas. If roller shutters are installed throughout the house, occupants may find themselves sitting in the dark on a beautiful summer’s day to stop the temperature from rising. External venetian blinds may be an alternative here. They offer excellent heat protection while providing a view of the outside and enabling the user to harness the natural light, which is essential to our wellbeing. Light and heat can be adapted as desired without sealing the room off from the sun. Window awnings are also an option for anyone who considers sun shading to be part of the building design. They are available in a wide range of colours and complement the facade perfectly. Different materials let through varying amounts of light and provide varying levels of privacy.
In bedrooms, roller shutters create total darkness and a feeling of comfort and security. If the bedroom is also used as a home office, for example, then external venetian blinds will provide the same feeling of safety as the night draws in.
Make plans and tailor packages
One particular question must be considered before the windows are installed in a new building: What else is required here apart from a pane of glass? There are many ways to install the windows at the same time as sun shading, insect screens or VisioNeo fall protection with floor-to ceiling panes. VisioNeo remains unobtrusive – the integrated glass pane is practically invisible – while providing reliable protection, particularly for children. The facade design is not compromised and wrought-iron bars are not required. Warema SecuKit, which combines a motorised drive and belt, provides ultimate convenience as well as a secure emergency operation function for escape routes in the event of a power failure.
Modern sun shading meets a variety of requirements. It protects against heat and prying eyes, ensures visual comfort, boosts energy efficiency, and helps users feel cosier and safer through intelligent control systems. All these factors should be considered when planning a new building to gain the greatest benefits from the relevant sun shading solutions.