All-Weather Protection

BLINDS BY PETER MEYER

“Weinor is renowned for its mastery in crafting folding arm awnings and boasts an extensive assortment of external blinds and awnings unparalleled here in Australia,” says managing director Simon Meyer. 

“Weinor’s latest achievement in the world of folding arm awnings, is the Kubata and Kubata LED Awning. Due to its sleek, minimalist cubic cassette shape, this exceptional system has received prestigious awards such as the IF Design award and a German design award. Imbued with cutting-edge technology and showcasing premium German craftsmanship, the Kubata epitomises Weinor’s newest generation of design-oriented awnings, seamlessly concealing fixings and creating a flush appearance when mounted against a wall.“

“With expansive projections of up to four metres and a maximum width of seven metres, this versatile awning is the epitome of perfection for both commercial and residential settings. Moreover, the integrated LED spotlights in the cassette show impressively low energy consumption while effortlessly illuminating evenings for 30,000 hours.”

“With winter well and truly here, Weinor’s infrared heaters are a must have addition to the Kubata. Powdercoated and designed to seamlessly integrate with the Kubata and Weinor’s full collection of awnings, the Weinor Tempura heating system will make any deck or patio warm in moments.  With efficient energy saving technology, these heaters reach full radiant temperature within two seconds. It is instant and effective heat that warms the skin rather than the environment around it and won’t blow away with the wind like gas or electric element heaters. With its adjustable pitch angle, the heater can be retrofitted to any Weinor awning or used as a standalone product. The Tempura is available in two varieties: a timeless round variant and a modern square version, the Tempura Quadra.”

“Encompassing the essence of excellence, every Weinor folding arm awning also features an integrated water management system that skilfully guides water away from the awning when properly pitched. The enduring and whisper-quiet LongLife arms can be conveniently controlled via remote, while the wind lock safety device ensures unwavering stability even in the face of strong winds. Rigorously tested for 100,000 cycles, equivalent to a life expectancy of 20 years, our LongLife arms incorporate aerospace-grade construction technology, attesting to their remarkable durability.”

“The Kubata Folding Arm Awning system is available exclusively through Blinds by Peter Meyer and offers a staggering choice of 56 Standard RAL colours, with an additional selection of 210 optional RAL colours for those seeking ultimate customisation. Pair your Kubata with Weinor’s new My Collections 2 range of fabrics that features an extensive range of 171 awning fabrics. This collection combines optimised designs from previous successful collections with groundbreaking weaves and patterns, appealing to both residential and commercial customers. It includes a variety of tried and tested classics, along with 12 patterns exclusive to Weinor, 26 sustainable fabrics and 56 specialist fabrics.”

Meyer says that the recent BMAA SuperExpo event saw a remarkable surge of interest in Weinor’s Plaza Viva with Telescopic posts, surpassing even the enthusiasm experienced with the Weinor folding arm awnings range. 

“The Plaza Viva’s exceptional wind stability and innovative feature of having one Telescopic post wind down to effectively redirect water in a specific direction set it apart as the highlight of the Weinor exhibition. The ability to install the VertiTex 2 Outdoor Roller Blinds to the sides of the Plaza Viva was also a point of special interest. While the Plaza Viva took centre stage, it’s important to note that the Kubata Folding Arm Awning garnered considerable attention as well, securing a close second position among the range of Folding Arm Awning options.”

SOMFY

“Somfy’s passion for ensuring customers have the right solutions for their job is exemplified through its extensive and innovative range of 32 different awning motors featuring varied technology, functionality and intelligence.”

“From a small residential setting to a very large commercial project in full or semi-cassette, with operation available via switch (WT), handheld remote (RTS) or event control through smart phone (Connexoon Window RTS App Control); customers can be assured that Somfy has them covered.”

Classic multipurpose awning motor (LT & Altus RTS): As Somfy’s most popular awning motor range this classic multi-purpose unit can be confidently used in any WT or RTS controlled folding arm system. With 14 torque performance options available (from 25Nm to 120Nm) within this range, clients have the confidence that Somfy can support them with the right motor in any residential or commercial sized project.  

High performance cassette motor awning motor (OREA WT & OREA RTS): Designed specifically for cassette awnings, Somfy’s OREA 50 and OREA 60 WT & RTS range of motors intrinsically assure customers a perfect cassette closure and fabric protection (taut and mould prevention) for years to come. With its innovative fabric tension technology, the OREA motors are constantly adapting end limits to ensure the best results throughout the life of the awning. Ranging from 25Nm to 120Nm, the Somfy OREA high performance range has nine torque options available in either switch (WT) or handheld remote (RTS) operation. 

Awning motor with manual override (LT CSI & Altus RTS CSI): For those clients wanting a total peace of mind solution, the Somfy Awning motor range also includes nine torque options (ranging from 25Nm and 120Nm in WT & RTS) which have an innovative manual override function. This advanced technology means the awning can be retracted manually with minimal effort in the event of a power outage.   

Extend Product Life Cycle with Somfy-Powered RTS Wind Sensor (Eolis 3D & Eolis RTS): Compatible with any Somfy RTS Awning motor, the Eolis 3D and Eolis RTS Wind Sensors are designed to automatically retract awnings during high winds without having to lift a finger. 

Adding any Somfy RTS wind sensor technology to a motorised awning solution, ensures it is protected against the elements whether the client is home or away; a priceless set and forget value added security feature giving clients the ultimate peace of mind. 

The Eolis 3D RTS Wind Sensor is a sleek and minimal panel-like design which can be easily mounted under the awning. The Eolis 3D Sensor closely monitors the movement of the awning and will retract when the movement reaches nominated settings. 

The Eolis RTS Wind Sensor is mounted external to the awning and can be paired with multiple awning motors within a shared space. The Eolis RTS Wind Sensor uses its propelling wind cups to measure the speed of the wind and triggers the Awning to retract once the sensor reaches the nominated limit setting. 

Meanwhile, with Connexoon Window RTS, customers can enjoy effortless control of their outdoor space. Custom ambiances with lighting, music and their Somfy RTS awning can be easily turned on or off with just a tap on their smartphone, taking their outdoor entertaining to the next level.

RICKY RICHARDS

Folding arm awnings are a convenient and non-permanent way to add protection from

the varying elements to your outdoor space. These awnings allow you to capitalise on the amount of sunlight projected into your space, while choosing to extend the awning allows you to block glaring light on hotter days.

At Ricky there are two main textiles that fit the criteria and will act as the perfect material to create this type of awning, Docril and Solterior ranges.

Made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic, Docril is specifically engineered to withstand the harsh UV rays of the Australian sun, making it an ideal choice for awnings. Its exceptional UV resistance, water repellency, and resistance to mildew set it apart as a practical and long-lasting option for outdoor applications.

One of the key advantages of Docril is its remarkable color fastness. The solution-dyeing process ensures that the pigments are incorporated into the very molecules of the fiber, creating stronger bonds compared to traditional dyeing methods. This results in fabrics that are highly resistant to the damaging effects of UV rays, guaranteeing vibrant colors and long-lasting brilliance. With its outstanding performance and visual appeal, Docril is the perfect material for creating folding arm awnings in Australia.

Solterior FR is a solution-dyed polyester fabric that is environmentally friendly. Made from recycled PET plastic bottles, Solterior FR offers the same benefits of its non-sustainable counterparts while contributing to resource conservation. Like Docril, Solterior FR boasts excellent UV resistance, water repellency, and mildew resistance. Moreover, it has passed rigorous fire testing, ensuring its ability to self-extinguish and its low contribution to smoke release. These features make Solterior FR an ideal choice for both commercial and residential awning installations, providing enhanced safety along with energy-saving advantages.

SHAW

Shaw has partnered with Italian industry leader BAT to develop three models – Base Plus, Australia R Pitch and Australia R 90 – specifically for the Australian climate. 

Each is supplied as standard with the unique Balteus Arm technology which has three times longer life expectancy than traditional chain mechanisms. Customers also have the opportunity to value-add with customisation; there is an open or cassette version, which is also available with aluminium weather shield, and customers can select the design smart of LED lights upgrade option in Balteus Arms. The three models have four superior paint finishes in line with current external paint trends; black, white, ivory and pearl grey.

The awnings are supplied to trade in kit form, which is delivered complete and ready to attach the fabric of the customer’s choice. Being delivered in this way means there is no need to repackage, and once the fabric skin is attached, the box it is delivered in can be re-used.

By adopting this approach to folding arm awning supply Shaw customers avoid the need for expensive inventory. The awnings are supplied with Shaw’s consistent quality and service assurance via a nationwide distribution network, with market leading turnaround times. Customers are serviced by Shaw’s national call centre and technical support in Australia.  The products carry a five-year warranty and clear assembly instructions with site training available on request.

Ben Hayek, Head of Division, Shaw Performance Hardware, notes a shift in market patterns in the category due to rising energy prices.

 “The market for external shading systems is traditionally seasonal, but with the intensity of sunshine even in the winter months, and the necessity for residential and commercial customers to minimise inflating energy bills, we are seeing an increased all year round demand for our cost effective folding arm awning products.”