0

1

• In spite of technological advances, the primary function of any building structure

remains the same – protection from the outside environment.

• That being said, the art of building design, both interior and exterior, has evolved

to combine that critical and basic function with style and overall end user comfort.

• The one key factor that affects all 3 design goals is geographical location of a

residence.

• Is your home in an area that gets all four seasons like Pennsylvania or Maryland?

Is the home near the beach or in the mountains?

• One of the 5 external climatic factors that affect a residential design project is the

amount of direct sunlight entering a space, as daylight impacts temperature, visual

environment, space usage, and overall mood.

• Daylight is referred to as ―kinetic lighting‖ because the light from the outside

moves. It is one of the least reliable types of light available as it is affected by the

seasons and the weather

• Daylight, however, can produce an effect unequaled by any electric light source

when properly used.

• So, before we study the incredible benefits of an automated window

treatment, we must first examine the overall impact daylight has on a

residential design

1

2

3

Direct Daylight

• Has the highest intensity where the sun is unobstructed and at an orientation that

allows the daylight to have a heavy impact on the space

Reflected Daylight

• Sunlight reflected off a building, water, snow, etc

• Often enters a space at a different angle than direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is one

that tends to have a bit more predictability.

Diffused Daylight

• Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffused light from the sun does not

exist on blue sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a

lot in areas of smoggy or cloudy weather.

• Because all 3 types of daylight impact the look & feel of a space, we must consider

this when specifying a window treatment option, as fabric type, shade style & control

functionality are all impacted by the 3 types of daylight

4

Daylight is very dynamic; the type and intensity of the sunlight available to a home changes

every day with weather conditions and season

Weather

• On a clear sunny day, more direct light is available to create glare or disruptions to the visual

environment. On an overcast day, the clouds create diffused sunlight, softening it before it

reaches the space.

• Homes in different climates will have different types of daylight consistently available. For

example, in the United States, job sites in Arizona typically experience direct sunlight from

cloudless skies and reflected sunlight off of surrounding sand, while sites in Seattle are

predominantly exposed to diffused daylight because of frequent cloud cover.

Season - Daylight availability also changes with the seasons.

• The arc of the sun across the sky differs from season to season. The sun stays closer to the

horizon in winter & climbs higher during the summer, therefore, the angle and intensity of

daylight varies throughout the year. This change in arc also affects the length of time from

sunrise to sunset.

• For example: In NYC in January, the sun rises around 7:20am and sets around 4:40pm,

providing about 9 hours of daylight. In August, the sun rises around 5:50am and sets around

8:15pm, providing over 14 hours of daylight – a 5-hour difference.; Must be able to make

seasonal adjustments to window treatments – i.e. use astronomic time clock

Diffused Daylight

• Scattered light comes from the whole sky. Diffused light from the sun does not exist on blue

sky days where there are not clouds. On the other hand, it is found a lot in areas of

smoggy or cloudy weather.

•B/c all 3 types of daylight impact the look and feel of a space, we must consider this

when specifying a window treatment, as fabric type, shade style & control

functionality are all impacted by the 3 types of daylight

4

5

Location and Orientation

• Strongly impact angle and intensity of available daylight

• As the Earth rotates on its axis and travels around the sun, the most intense solar

energy is delivered along the Equator. Locations further from the equator have

greater seasonal solar variation, while buildings closer to the Equator receive

intense daylight on the East and West façades during sunrise and sunset.

• In the Northern Hemisphere, north-facing façades receive mostly diffused

sunlight. South-facing façades experience intense, direct sunlight. Exposure to

this intense direct sunlight can make south-facing façades susceptible to glare.

• The fact that the sun is lower in the sky in the Winter than in the Summer allows

us to plan and construct buildings that capture that free heat in Winter and reject

heat in the Summer. The orientation of the building plays an important part in

ensuring that this process works

6

Siting

• Neighboring homes can provide shade by blocking direct sunlight or create glare

by reflecting light onto the building’s façade.

• Homes built near a mountain, large hill or other tall structure such as trees, will

probably receive shade.

• Dwelling units located near a highly-reflective skyscraper are likely to receive

glare in the form of sunlight bouncing off of the other building’s façade.

Window Size

• Daylight can penetrate the space up to 1.5x the height of the window

Window Composition

• Tinted or Reflective glass can reduce solar heat gain, but also limit the amount of

visible light

7

Uncertainty of Daylight means that we can never be exactly sure when

a space will be flooded with daylight and when it will not be based on

previous factors – weather, siting, window composition, etc.

8

Eyestrain

• Glare from uncontrolled daylight can wash out television screens and computer

monitors. Imagine the investment one of your clients make on either a dedicated

media room or the AV equipment for a multi-purpose family room. Without the

proper control of daylight, the enhanced image quality they invest in is lost.

• In addition, research shows that people have the reduced ability to adapt to

extreme changes in brightness after they turn 65 (Baby Boomers). It is critical

for us to be aware that as our eyes age, less light actually gets to the retina to

stimulate the nerves, meaning a more senior client requires more light with less

glare in a space.

Safety

• Significant glare in a stairwell can hinder one’s ability to see and potentially

threaten safety

• Aging Eye – a more elderly person may not be able to tell if a hardwood floor

was slick or not, even though there is a glare on those floors from the daylight

streaming in

9

10

In an effort to create a more energy efficient space, the use of automated window

treatments becomes a pertinent consideration.

• Summer Day - Close shades – if possible, specify a fabric with a white or

reflective backing that can reflect daylight away from the space, reducing heat

gain in space and minimizing A/C costs

• Summer Night – Open shades to let heat out, reducing need for additional A/C

from HVAC system

• Winter Day – Open shades to let heat into space, increasing heat gain and

minimizing heating costs

• Winter Night – Close shades, keeping in the heat, using it like a blanket to

warm space and reduce the needs for addition heating from HVAC system

• Uncertainty of Daylight - When attempting to harness daylight and make it a

useable lighting & energy source, one must be conscious of the fact that the

availability of daylight as a heat source & light source fluctuates with outdoor

conditions.

11

The information below is taken from a study on ―The Effects of Daylight‖ by Rebecca

Ellison from the Building Conservation Society

• How does this work? – When sunlight falls on an object, the high energy provided

by this radiation excites electrons and in some cases causes them to be displaced

from bonds between atoms, particularly organic compounds. This movement can

lead to stress resulting in damage to the structure of rigid materials.

• Drying oils – medium used for oil paint are bleached by light and tend to increase

in transparency over time.

• Auto-oxidation to varnishes and wood surfaces also causes the above harsh

effects.

• A homeowner spends a significant amount of time choosing all of the objects they

want to display in their home and they make a large investment on these items, but

without the proper window treatment to protect these valuables, that time and

money is lost

12

13

Roller Shades: Style Options

• Sheer Fabrics: Have the ability to diffuse daylight coming into the space while preserving the outdoor view. Clients can enjoy the feeling of soft, filtered daylight while enjoying a glare-free space at any time of day.

• Dim-Out Fabrics: Further reduction of heat gain in a space while providing enhanced privacy – only shapes & shadows can be seen

• Blackout Fabrics: Block light penetration for a total privacy & light blockage

• Dark fabric: Maintain view; Clients can be hesitant to install a window treatment in certain rooms that overlook a scenery. They may even tell you ―I don’t want to cover this up; I paid for the view‖. With a sheer, dark, roller shade fabric, they are able to preserve their view while preserving their precious furnishings from harsh UV damage.

• Gray Fabric: View is partially maintained and color offers a softer look to the space

• White Fabric :Light is reflected to reduce heat gain in space

• Dual-sided: reflect light away from space (white); Maintain outdoor view (dark)

Considerations

• Inside mount, outside mount, pocket mount

• Do they want to control each shade individually or multiple shades as a group?

• What is the application? Are the shades in a bay window? Are they on ―his‖ and ―her‖ side of the bed and need individual control?

• Performance-based vs. designer on fabric

Best Application

• Specify two rollers on one window: Blackout for privacy & elimination of glare; sheer to maintain view outdoors in the daytime

13

14

Roman Shades: Style Options

• Soft fabrics have not experienced gravity. They are typically stored on a roll until made into a drapery or Roman shade. It is natural for fabrics to ―relax‖ and lengthen over time. Be sure that installer adds a little extra length to shade, allowing proper clearances for sills. Lining fabric adds structure & can minimize relaxation.

• Woven woods are a natural and thus, sometimes heavy. These materials may relax over time as well. However, edge binding restricts the natural stretching of woven wood shades. which may result in a bowed center, causing a ―smile‖ at the bottom of the shade, or a pucker just above the bottom batten. The larger the shade, the more pronounced this effect tends to be.

Drapery Track

• Pinch pleat style is named for the pleated look created by pinched gatherings of the fabric at the top of the drapery.

• Ripplefold pleat style is named for the soft, consistent ripples created by the drapery as it hangs from the track. It offers an elegant, contemporary look — ideal for both residential & commercial settings.

• ―Stack back‖ is often a desired look in a space, showing off the fabric on both ends of the window/wall to soften up the space. Be sure to measure appropriately so that you are not covering the desired view, especially important if drapery going over a television in a media room

Venetians

• Custom staining is typically available for genuine hardwoods; aluminum slats are a functional solution for a commercial application

• Valances hide the headrail while giving the blind a sophisticated, finished look.

Decorative tapes conceal lift cords while increasing light-blocking performance, all while adding a colorful accent to a venetian blind

14

15

Installation must be a consideration early in the specification process so

the shade provider can plan appropriately to achieve the desired look.

16

• Think about the last time you looked at a building from the outside. Now try to

picture the window treatments. Did they all line up perfectly for a uniform look?

• Or were they at varying heights? Automated roller shades have the ability

to line up at the exact same height at all times to enhance the aesthetic

from the inside of the space and out.

• In addition, roller shades come in a number of tube diameters to accommodate

both narrow & wide windows, as well as openings that are both short & tall.

• When it comes to fabrics, this solution comes in a number of high performance

solutions that we will later discuss, creating a strong marriage of function & style.

• Also, the nature of this window treatment allows for seamless movement up &

down the window for a subtle & sophisticated look

• Lastly, when specifying roller shades, be aware of the amount of light leakage

around the window sill. You will want to choose one with minimal light gaps to get

the overall, desired effect.

17

• They get their energy efficiency from the pockets of air that the cells create,

trapping air in the shade & away from the space, making it cooler in the summer &

warmer in the winter

• Reduce noise as they absorb sounds that would typically be reflected off of the

hard surface of the window. This is helpful in home theater rooms or multi-purpose

rooms where one is attempting to isolate that space for a full theater effect.

• By having the ability to open top down or bottom up, these shades allow light into

the space while still preserving the view and offering partial privacy.

18

Can also open top down or bottom up for more flexibility

19

Elegant use of soft fabric that not only controls the light but also adds a

decorative element to a home

Next, we will take a more detailed look at all of the available style options.

20

Flat – a simple, flat structure with no seams or horizontal stitching; best showcases

fabric with pattern

Hobbled – a tailored, cascaded design with a waterfall effect; add softness to a space &

showcases how light plays off of the cascade of fabric

Knifed – A clean, modern flat style with distinct horizontal seams; structured look lends

itself to formal spaces or contemporary settings

Casual – a softer, unstructured shade; looks best with light-colored fabrics with little or

no pattern.

Austrian – offers a very traditional look to the space, and is a nice style for a classic

theater room or an old-world feel

• Depending on fabric and style, Roman shades can have a wide range of looks and

applications.

• They can have a formal appearance for a dining or living room or they may take on a

casual look in kitchens and bedrooms.

21

Lift Cords vs. Bands

Lift Cords: Become tangled in motion vs. Bands: Lay seamlessly on top of each other

Lift Cords: Made of organic material that can deteriorate over time vs. Bands:

Oftentimes, made of man-made material for additional durability

Lift Cords: Stack & slip as they travel vs. Bands: Consistently smooth & even motion

Lift Cords: Uneven motion can cause a noticeable snapping noise to occur vs.

Bands: have near-silent operation

CPSC called for a recall on Roman shades with string uptake system as exposed inner

cords may pose a strangulation hazard to children

22

Drapery tracks give a soft look to a space and can be layered to compliment other

window treatment solutions

Ex – Roller shade underneath a drapery track to create an inviting look

When automated, right, left & center draw tracks have just one motor that moves the

fabric either left/right

A tandem track is one track with two motors to allow for increased system capacity;

long center draw, heavier fabrics, wider application

Benefits

Drapery acts like a blanket for your windows. When closed, provides added insulation

to the room while reducing noise in a space

Drapery can be a nice substitute for padding on the walls in a media room

Add drama and ―wow‖ factor to a theater room or multi-purpose space

Give your end users the convenience of sleeping on their own schedule by providing

them total blackout in their master bedroom at any time of day

23

• The pleated fabric rolls around the tube & rises seamlessly and silently out of view.

• An innovative and architecturally astute window treatment style

• An industry first – draperies that travel up & down versus left & right

• Its clever design provides the soft look of a drapery panel without the often

undesired ―stack back‖ that can take up to 1/3 the length of the drapery track

obstructing outside views and window openings

• ex) 12 ft wide sliding glass doors with traditional drapery would always have

4 ft of views blocked with stack back

24

• Venetian blinds give a very timeless look to any interior. By adding automation to this

traditional window treatment, you will be giving this solution an entirely new appeal

• This window treatment is one of the most flexible shading solutions as it not only

allows for the adjustment of the blind’s height but also of the angle of the slats.

• With this added functionality, you are able to direct daylight throughout the space

• Angle blinds upwards and away from furnishings – allowing daylight to filter in,

but reducing the effects of UV damage

• Angle blinds downwards to provide daylight to certain areas of the room and

allowing the space to warm up

• Close the slats for complete privacy and elimination of glare

• Maintain a uniform appearance in the space as the height of the blinds stay perfectly

aligned and the slats move in unison

25

• Inside Mount is the most common way to install a tensioned shade system

• Recessed Inside Mount is typically done in New Construction applications

where the frame of the shade can be completely concealed

• Surface Mount – Ideal for Retrofit

Benefits

• Reduce glare

• Manage HVAC costs to save energy

• Bottom-Up shades – Ideal for spaces located on the ground floor especially if

there is an abundant amount of foot traffic near or around home

26

Now that we have a strong understanding of why daylight control is necessary for occupant

comfort and how to choose the right shading solution for each application, it is time to

explore how an automated shading solution can positively impact a residential space. As

you will learn, the ability to control a window treatment adds an entirely new list of unique

benefits.

Motor - Responsible for the motion of the window treatment. Please note that the noise

level of operation can vary from system to system

Tube - Houses the motor. Roller shade fabric is affixed to the tube

Brackets - Utilized to mount the window treatment – wall, ceiling, jamb available

Power - Depending on the type of motorized solution you are using, this could be line

voltage, low voltage or even battery operated

Controls - Wall mounted, tabletop, handheld remote controls; user interfaces that are able

to recall presets – opening & closing individual shades or a group of window treatments

Additional processors (optional)

• To allow time clock functionality – adjustment of shades in relationship to sunrise & sunset

• Sensor integration – daylight sensors (too bright, lower shades), electric light sensors (turn

on electric lights automatically when walking into room)

• 3rd party control – control shades from mobile devices – iPad, iPhone, etc.

27

The most important differentiating factor between automated window systems is how they are motorized. 3 popular ways to motorize window systems are Line Voltage, Battery Powered, and Low Voltage, including Digital Low Voltage.

Line Voltage - Traditionally used for exterior shade & awning systems. These powerful motors can support heavy fabric loads and are durable enough to withstand outdoor elements, like wind & rain. However, these motors can be noisy (e.g. can opener) and distracting when operated and due to inherent variations in AC motor technology, these systems can not be relied upon to track evenly over time.

Battery-powered - Provide wireless power and control making them great fit for retrofit projects. Lift capabilities and system size may be limited due to battery power. Consider the life of the battery as it relates to cost and convenience of replacement.

Low-voltage - AC power to a transformer that then converts power into DC (low voltage). Lower installation cost due to the fact that one would not have to use conduit in installation. Low voltage systems that do not have intelligence built in are known to track unevenly over time. The data that tells the shades where to go is sent through wires, and if the length of the wires are different, the various shades may receive the command at different times, causing uneven movement.

Digital Low-voltage - Certain low voltage systems have intelligence built in allowing for shades to move in complete unison. A number of low voltage shades today also move in near-silent operation, avoiding noise disruption.

28

What is one thing that makes an automated window treatment different from a

simple manual shade?

Control

• Have you ever had a window that was way out of reach? If so, think about how

often you moved the shade covering that window? Did you even bother to cover it?

• Automated shades give your customers control of hard-to-reach shades by

pressing a button that will trigger smooth movement up and down.

• Think back to the last time you wanted to open up all or most of the window

treatments in a space or in the house. What did you have to do? Walk up to each

one and manually pull open the shade, right?

• Automated window treatments give you presets where one button press can

trigger a number of shades to open, close or go to a predetermined level

(e.g. halfway) all at the same time

• Think of the last bright sunny day, middle of the afternoon when the sun is glaring

into the house. If you’re sitting in a space that has direct sunlight, you begin to get

uncomfortable, so you walk up to the shade and lower them.

• Now think about yourself away from the house. The sun is beaming into the

room, allowing the space to heat up and the A/C to kick in. With an automatic

shade, you can have it set on timers so that, midday, the shades close

automatically, reflecting light away from the space & keeping the space

cool.

28

29

30

• Think back to projects you have worked on where the windows were over 10

feet tall. Now, imagine your client wanting to open the blinds on a nice spring day

to let the daylight in, but they are out of reach. Now, with the simple press of a

button from a couch or even their mobile device, they open and close those

shades – conveniently.

• Now think about a house with a lot of windows, or at least 3-4 windows side-by-

side. Instead of having to walk up to each treatment and pull cords to open &

close the shade, they can now press one button and all shades will move

together for faster, easier control.

• Next, imagine that same client in the morning, just waking up & wanting to open

the blinds for a wake-up call from the sun. They can simply press one button

―Good Morning‖ to open the shades, and welcome the daylight in, without even

getting out of bed.

• By integrating a shading system into an electric light control system, a

homeowner can now, from the bedside, press one button to lower the shades,

close the drapes, and turn off the lights to ensure a deep slumber that will not be

interrupted by harsh daylight

• Or by pressing the button on an integrated mobile device, one could ensure

that the shades in the home were in the closed position after leaving the home

for a day or weekend trip.

31

• Press one button that adjusts all of the desired shades and all of the lights to create the

perfect scene.

• Maybe you have a gorgeous painting that you would like to highlight & a piece of

furniture in the room that you’d like to mute because of its scale in the space.

• Here, you would put the sheer shade down allowing daylight to gently filter into the

space and make the lights above the painting brighter; dim the lights above the

couch to create movement in the space towards the artwork

• Press another button that recalls a different lighting atmosphere that would be appropriate

for a different activity

• Recall a preset that brings a horizontal blind all the way down, but adjusts the slats

so that they point slightly upward, allowing daylight to warm up and brighten the

space while not flooding the room with light. That same button would dim the electric

lights – saving energy while creating a warm atmosphere

• It is critical that these seamless transitions are done silently so that the automation is not

disruptive and the only thing a client notices is the overall effect.

• How many of you all would say that a significant portion of your business is based off of

referrals? For this reason, it is critical to leave a client ―wowed‖. Your signature must be on

every one of those completed residential spaces.

• By combining a window treatment that has a unique design characteristic – custom

printing, unique fabrics – with automation that is able to compliment the

overall aesthetic, you are giving your clients a solution that many have

never experienced and one they will never forget.

31

32

• If there are multiple shades in a single space, you can ensure that window

treatments are moving up & down at the exact same speed and level. You can also

ensure that slats on a horizontal blind move in unison

• To achieve this effect, ensure that you are specifying a solution with an

advanced microprocessor that calculates hembar alignment

• This type of precision is a reflection of your attention to details

• When specifying a solution, choose one that requires minimal wire connections to

achieve a clean, finished look

• Layer fabrics to create depth in space

• It is also critical you compliment the décor with coordinating accessories – keypads

that match the wall color and blend into the design

• Label buttons with permanent engraving so that wording does not fade or fall off

over time and so that an end user is left with an easy-to-use interface

• An automated shading solution can be tied into a time clock to make shades close

when the sun is brightest, preserving artwork from harsh, UV rays

33

• During peak hours of sun, the shades would close & eliminate glare, making it

safer for a client to walk through the stairwell (critical for elderly who are

especially affected by glare)

• Either automatically or by single-touch control, all the window coverings can

come down at once.

• One can tie a security system into an interface so that when a security system

is breached, the shades would open and lights would flash, allowing onlookers to

see inside the home and scare away a potential intruder.

• In addition, an automated shading system could be integrated with lights that

has a feature enabling proactive security. In order to prevent a break-in from ever

happening, one could recall a preset labeled ―vacation‖ or ―away‖ that would

move the shades throughout the day and night, making the house look lived in

while occupants are not home. Your shades would also close while away so no

one could see the expensive furnishings inside the home.

34

Manage HVAC Costs

• Summer Day: Lower shades to block out daylight and reduce cooling cost in

a space while decreasing glare and filtering out UV rays

• Winter Day: Open shades let daylight in, warming up the space & reducing

heating costs; utilizing sunlight also reduces the amount of electric light used

• A properly controlled automated shading system can reduce HVAC costs

up to 10%

35

PVC-free

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used in many fabrics to make them more durable

• Additives of PVC off-gas and create the familiar ―new car‖ smell when the shade is

first installed

• PVC-free fabrics do not contain these additives

Recycled Content

• Made in part or whole from materials which contain either reused, remanufactured,

or reconditioned material, and includes recycled raw materials

GREENGUARD Certification

• GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an independent organization that tests &

certifies materials used for furnishings to ensure they contain non-existent levels of

contaminants that could impact indoor air quality

• It’s the ENERGYSTAR of fabrics

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification

• Similar to GREENGUARD

• Harmful substances must be non-existent or at trace levels in order to receive this

certification

36

37

38

39