Outside shades

Shaw

Ben Hayek, Head of Division – Performance Hardware at Shaw, confirms the company will soon introduce the Mega Cassette, a robust new system built for larger outdoor blinds, up to 6.5 metres wide and with a 4 metre drop. It delivers strong performance, clean design and reliable coverage across the ShawScreen range. 

“Paired with the recent launch of ShawSmart Outdoor Motors, you can install an outdoor blind anywhere due to the long lasting DC 20Nm option,” he says.

“The Mega Cassette combines strength and style, featuring a fully enclosed design that protects fabric and components from the elements. Its heavy-duty build allows for wider spans with smooth, consistent operation. When used with the ZipGrip system, most parts remain universal to the standard range — reducing stock requirements and simplifying production.

“The systems focus on clean, modern presentation with minimal visual clutter. Fully enclosed cassettes and refined profiles integrate smoothly with contemporary architecture. Even the solar panel for ShawSmart DC motors sits neat and unobtrusive, keeping outdoor spaces streamlined and practical.

“The Mega Cassette addresses the growing demand for larger, more robust outdoor systems that maintain a clean, architectural finish. It offers installers a premium solution without the complexity or high cost often associated with commercial-scale systems.”

ShawSmart Outdoor Motors bring affordable smart control to the outdoors, combining reliability, quiet performance and full compatibility with existing systems — bridging the gap between entry-level and premium automation.

Hayek notes that the outdoor blind market continues to grow, driven by increased demand for alfresco living, energy efficiency, and smart-home integration. 

“Homeowners and commercial projects alike are seeking solutions that combine durability, style, and automation, while installers look for systems that are versatile, easy to stock, and simple to install.

“Products like the Mega Cassette and ShawSmart Outdoor Motors meet these evolving expectations, offering robust solutions with modern functionality and streamlined compatibility.

“Outdoor blinds are trending toward larger spans, smart automation, weather-resistant performance, and universal components – offering installers flexibility, simplified stock, and modern, low-maintenance solutions.”

Somfy

“As we head into peak season in the lead up to summer, demand for external blinds is rising.The premature start to the warmer weather across Australia has seen interest and enquiries for external products rise earlier than we typically see,” reveals Somfy Oceania Marketing Manager Mary Ladu.

“Website traffic on our external blinds landing pages, search volumes and even leads we’re receiving and sharing with our Somfy Retail Expert Partners for external products has jumped thanks to the consistently warm weather we have seen since the beginning of spring.

“Customers are looking to enjoy their outdoor spaces, and need practical and effective solutions to do so, while protecting themselves from the intense heat.”

She adds that external blinds provide a multitude of benefits for consumers, from adding value to the home, increasing outdoor entertaining space, and creating an ‘outdoor room’ by enclosing an alfresco area.

“In addition, when external blinds are added to windows, they can block heat from entering the home before it reaches the window, easing pressure on cooling systems at a time when rising energy costs are front of mind for consumers.

“External blinds give you the opportunity to create an extra room in your current backyard and these screens tend to be bigger, some with a span of up to 8m wide, making motorisation a must,” continues Ladu.

“Somfy’s Maestria 50 RTS is the universal solution for all types of external screens, including zip systems, and as it is available in different torques, starting from 6Nm, its innovative obstacle detection feature can work on even small screens.”

Using accurate and reliable obstacle detection, the motor will retract when an obstacle is detected to prevent damage. The ultra-precise limit setting allows for the perfect limit position, while automatic limit recalibration ensures perfect fabric tension over the product’s life.

“The motor boasts a quick and easy installation with three limit setting modes available: manual, semi-automatic and automatic and is compatible with all types of external screens, including those with automatic locks.

“The Maestria 50 RTS, provides a flexible solution for the growing external segment, boasting compatibility with Somfy’s connected solution, TaHoma switch, and Somfy’s range of RTS controls and sensors.

“The TaHoma switch connected solution enables users to effortlessly control and enjoy their outdoor space all year-round. 

“Connecting your Somfy-motorised external screens to the TaHoma switch creates an ecosystem where users can control their window coverings, lighting, music and heating, all with a tap on their TaHoma by Somfy app, elevating their outdoor entertaining experience.

“We’re excited to be running our Spring into Shade promotion, helping our customers upgrade their clients’ outdoor projects.

“By purchasing an Altus 50, Orea 50, or Maestria 50 (10/17 or 15/17) motors from one of our selected Somfy Partners, they are eligible to claim a free Eolis RTS sensor or Situo 2 RTS Silver remote from Somfy.

“We’re delighted to support our customers by boosting their sales, adding value to their jobs and getting their clients ready for summer living.”

Blinds by Peter Meyer

Blinds by Peter Meyer has reimagined one of Australia’s most enduring Exterior Blinds styles with the release of the Solare Teknica T5550 Motorised Auto Awning, the first of its kind to introduce motorised precision to a traditionally manual design.

Simon Meyer, Blinds by Peter Meyer Managing Director, comments: “Built around award-winning Pivot Glide technology, winner of the 2024 Good Design Award, the T5550 delivers smooth, dynamic control through lock, pivot, release, and glide transitions. This innovation allows fabric to project off the window, improving ventilation while keeping interiors shaded and cool.

“Engineered for performance, the system features marine-grade stainless-steel side rails and pivot arms as short as 500 mm, making it ideal for tight installations such as narrow side paths and compact patios. It achieves long drops of up to 3 m with widths of up to 5 m, all while maintaining a sleek, compact projection profile.

“Driven by Somfy motorisation, the T5550 integrates with leading smart home systems for fingertip or voice control. The option to operate via remote transforms the classic Auto Spring Awning into an intuitive, energy-efficient solution that adjusts effortlessly to Australia’s changing climate.

“The design is available in open headbox or open roller configurations and a refined palette of Satin Black, Classic Cream, Nocturna, Satin White, and Silver Pearl. The T5550 is compatible with a wide fabric library, including Mode Outlook, Skyline, Stance, Docril, Soltis, Dickson, and Vistaweave, with many flame-retardant options and a five-year warranty.

“In a market seeking smarter shading with architectural appeal, the Teknica T5550 fills a clear gap, bringing motorised convenience, minimalist design, and superior airflow control to the much-loved Auto Awning format. As demand for compact, automated, and aesthetically cohesive External Blinds grows, the T5550 stands as the next evolution in exterior shading innovation.”