Roller blinds
Beckhoff Automation Training Centre
Beckhoff’s new high-tech office at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is the perfect example of a modern automated building, incorporating a host of smart systems designed with energy saving and increased comfort in mind.
Overview
Location – Rotherham
Project details;
- Opened in 2016
- 3,000sq. ft Training Facility
- Offers Courses on Automation and Smart Buildings
Installer– Commercial Blinds UK
Shading details;
- Helios Roller Blinds with Specially Powder Coated Fascia to Match Existing Window Mullions
- Guidewires to Limit Movement of Blinds Due to Air Flow from Open Windows
- Vestamatic SMI Motors to Connect to Beckhoff Building Automation System
- Spectrum 5010 1% Screen Fabric
Design Challenge
The biggest challenges facing us on this project were that the blinds had to integrate with the lighting, heating and ventilation systems currently installed, and the fact that the building had motorised windows. This meant that if the windows automatically opened to cool the building and the blinds were down, this could cause damage to the blind or to the window. There were also blinds needed across doorways which could cause an issue if they were set to automatically lower while the door was open as this would block access.
Solution
We provided our Helios roller blinds with SMI motors and suitable interfaces that were able to connect to the Beckhoff building automation system allowing the blinds to work in sync with the rest of the building. The blinds were programmed to respond to specific manual and automated inputs, such as EnOcean window contacts ensuring that if the motorised windows opened while the blinds were down, they would retract to prevent damage. The same system prevents the blinds above doorways from lowering while the doors are open. In terms of aesthetics, the blinds had powder coated fascias that were customised to match the colour of the existing window hardware. We used a 1% screen fabric to reduce extreme levels of sunlight whilst still allowing a view out of the windows for a comfortable working environment. The blinds also had guidewires to prevent too much movement if there is a draft from an open window.
