Smart window coverings as part of energy management

Interior window treatments combine insulation, comfort, and light control

Rising energy prices and a growing focus on energy consumption mean that interior sun protection is increasingly being viewed from a functional perspective. According to Richelle den Hartog, an interior architect at Sunway, demand is growing for solutions that contribute to both comfort and energy savings. “People aren’t just looking at aesthetics; they’re also considering what a product adds to the indoor climate.”

As part of this trend, Sunway is seeing particular interest in Duette® shades. The honeycomb structure with sealed air chambers creates an additional insulating layer between the window and the interior. In the winter, this helps limit heat loss, while in the summer, it reduces the amount of heat entering from outside. This can have a significant impact on living comfort and cooling needs, especially in homes with large windows.

According to Sunway, research by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) shows that such systems can significantly reduce heat gain through windows, depending on the application and choice of materials. This gives interior sun protection a new role in discussions about energy-efficient living.

Advisory Role for Specialty Retailers

According to Den Hartog, this also creates a new role for specialty retailers. “Customers are increasingly expecting advice on comfort, insulation, and light control. As a result, interior sun protection is becoming less of a standalone interior design choice and more often part of the overall consultation.”

According to her, the main opportunity for specialty stores lies in products that combine multiple functions. In addition to insulation, privacy, light control, and ease of use play an important role in this regard. Duette® shades are available for a wide variety of window types, including tilt-and-turn windows, skylights, and sunrooms. Non-standard shapes and sloped windows are also among the possibilities.

Different pleat widths make it possible to tailor the system to both smaller windows and large glass surfaces. Depending on the fabric chosen, the effect ranges from light filtering to blackout. With top-down/bottom-up operation, the fabric can be positioned from both the top and the bottom, allowing users to more precisely control light entry and privacy. According to Sunway, acoustics are also a key focus in product development.

Material Selection and Automation

Within its collection, Sunway offers fabrics in a wide range of colors and levels of transparency, from subtle shades to more striking designs. At the same time, there is a growing focus on more sustainable material applications. For example, the ReTex fabric is made partly from recycled PET bottles. “We’re noticing that material use is increasingly becoming a factor in the decision-making process,” says Den Hartog.

Automation is also playing an increasingly important role in interior sun protection. Through systems such as PowerView® Automation, window coverings can automatically respond to sunlight and temperature. As a result, interior sun protection is increasingly being used as an active component of home comfort.