Connected thinking

Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas is launching Motolux Automation, the company’s proprietary and value brand motor program, Group Marketing Executive Vera Meharg tells WFA. 

 “This motorisation system allows you to take control of your environment by providing the ultimate indoor and outdoor solution. The Motolux motorisation system features a range of motors for indoor roller blinds, curtains as well as straight drop and folding arm awnings, coming onto the market in early 2024.”

Featuring a variety of AC and DC motors with torque strength from 1NM to 80NM, there is a motor solution for a large variety of different size of blinds. It also offers a range of handheld and wall mounted remote options including single channel, multi-channel and timer remotes, that are all rechargeable, and/or Smart Gateway Controller. All Motolux motorisation product also comes with a five year warranty. 

Diana Altiparmakova, Group Product Design & Development Executive explains that the product is designed to provide a solution that enables end users to automate homes with just a click of button. “The Smart Home automation hub available allows you to control the blinds and awnings via an easy to use app on your smartphone or via voice control with Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant or Control4 systems for a fully integrated solution. By providing you the ability to group multiple window coverings together via the scenes function for easy one-touch app control.” 

Meharg says that home automation has fast become the standard and not the exception in Australian homes from lighting to security to entertainment. “Window Coverings have also become a key part of the product selection process for home automation. Consumers are looking for automation solutions to control their window coverings and make for easy living.” 

She adds that people are now doing more research online for products due to the increase in number of people working from home. 

“With consumers spending more time at home, they are looking at turning their homes into havens where they can enjoy both working and relaxation. With the market also spending less on travel, this has freed up disposable income allowing more home improvement works to take place. 

“Also with the summer months fast approaching and most of us spending more time at home, our backyards have become increasingly important in providing a haven and entertaining area. The demand in external products, especially awnings, is maintaining momentum due to its quality and performance. By using an app on your phone, the Motolux motorisation system provides the ultimate solution to control all the blinds within the home while sitting on the comfort of your lounge.”

Meanwhile Hunter Douglas has launched a third generation of its PowerView automation. The changes to this generation vary from the motors in the shades, to app improvements and to the physical remote control. 

“The third generation of PowerView is as simple to use as it is to install as the entire configuration process has been redesigned to be done entirely through the app. A newer, more intuitive and high-performance user experience takes PowerView to the next level,” says Meharg. 

During the development for PowerView Gen 3, the company focused on simplicity, reliability and scalability. The mobile app is easier to use, and the design of the Pebble remote control has been modernised with a sleek and elegant look.

“The PowerView hub is no longer needed to control shades with your phone, but the newly named PowerView Gateway is still required for a larger number of shades and third-party platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. For those who want to simply set their shades on a schedule or add them to a Scene this can all be arranged via the App.” 

“This new generation of PowerView means that installation is easier than ever. Downloading the app is the first step in setting up automation in your home.

“The PowerView App has been redesigned to expedite setup time and to deliver personalised, sophisticated control of your blinds from the convenience of your mobile device or tablet. The updated app offers an experience that is both familiar and exciting.

“The PowerView App guides you through every step of the PowerView Gen 3 Home setup process. PowerView Gen 3 includes numerous features to simplify, streamline and save time during installation of the system. During the blind setup process, blinds are displayed in the PowerView app based on proximity to the user’s mobile device thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ensuring blinds are easily and quickly identified. The two-way communication between the shade and the app allows consumers to control the shades from their smartphone and adds increased operating range and reliability. Consumers will be able to monitor blind movement in real time through the two-way communication.”

Commonly used Scenes are automatically created during setup to streamline the installation process.

Suggested Room and blind names are offered to empower users to create contextual and helpful names easily and without typing. 

This new Gen 3 system can be completely set up without access to the homeowner’s home network. Once setup is complete, ownership of the PowerView Home can be transferred to the homeowner to add the Wi-Fi connection and operate the PowerView Home.

Another benefit of Gen 3 is that you can program and configure all accessories such as PowerView Gen 3 Remotes and the Gateway from the app interface. 

A typical three-room, 10-shade setup that would have taken 45 minutes in the past to deploy can now be done in 15 minutes and users are guided through the process of set up with a series to easy-to-follow steps. Limits or transition points will continue to be set at fabrication, but users will be able to set custom limits using the PowerView App, removing the need to physically touch the shade.

Cherubini

Italian specialist Cherubini has launched a range of motorisation options in Australia with key features designed to make switching motorisation brands easy for businesses, installers and end users, with five areas that highlight and maximise our motorisation suite of products.

The company’s quality manufactured motorisation solutions are designed and made in the home of awnings, Italy. Cherubini has been manufacturing motorisation solutions for over 20 years, with a 0.7% failure rate. Key points of difference offered by its products include metal motor heads, with metal motor drive ends.

“One motor, one solution for all awning types with remote and switch control. Three levels of obstacle detection built-in (limited to 10+25nm motors), give the end solution further versatility. With adjustable closing force settings avoiding any over stretch of fabrics coupled with our fabric tightening functionality, ensures your folding arm always has perfect tension.”

“Cherubini offers remote control programming made easy including stylish remote options, with multi channeled options available to your client. Cherubini’s programming is easy; no longer do you need to set the direction of the motor, simply program the top limit and the motor takes care of the rest.”

Offering a complete range of sensors and accessories that are easy to program and to install, Cherubini Home Hub and Bluetooth, our wind and motion sensors, are simple to set and then forget.

Cherubini offers a factory backed cost recovery program if one of its motors fails. “We will replace the motor and offer compensation of your costs and time to replace that motor, that is how confident we are in Cherubini’s motors, they have offered this solution to the Australian and New Zealand markets. Conditions do apply, contact your distributor for details.”

Silent Gliss

Simon Meyer – Managing Director of Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer tells WFA that the SG5600 in black, featuring an all-new motor, exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellence and customer service in the motorisation sector.

“Designed to complement any modern living space, the Silent Gliss Motorised Curtain Track motor in black is the epitome of sophistication and power. As part of our motorisation line-up, this newest addition includes various components adorned in elegant black, including the radio module, power cable, recess profile, wedges, and wave tape. Hirschman connectors will soon be available in black, adding to the aesthetic appeal of our motorisation solutions.”

“Silent Gliss motors are engineered to operate with precision, ensuring smooth and reliable performance. Operating at a noise level of less than 36 dBA, these motors bring the promise of quiet and uninterrupted living, allowing you to enjoy your window furnishings without any distracting sounds. This commitment to silence is further underscored by our achievement of the prestigious Quiet Mark, a testament to our dedication to providing products that enhance the tranquillity of your living spaces.”

“The Silent Gliss 9060 motor, suitable for use on both the Silent Gliss 5600 system and the 6150M Metropole, offers remarkable versatility. With a voltage range of 100-250V AC and a frequency of 50-60Hz, this motor can seamlessly integrate into various setups, making it an excellent choice for customisation.”

“Safety is paramount, which is why our motors come with thermal overload protection. This feature ensures the longevity and reliability of our products while providing you with peace of mind. Weighing only 1.4Kg, the SG 9060 motor is designed for easy installation, without compromising on performance.”

“The introduction of the Silent Gliss SG 9060 motor in black serves to bridge the gap in the market for high-performance motorisation solutions that also add an element of sophistication to your living spaces. As the demand for sleek, modern designs continues to rise, the black finish becomes a ‘must-have’ feature in homes worldwide. By offering our most popular products in black as a standard option, we empower homeowners to elevate their interior aesthetics without compromising on quality.”

Meyer says the current market for motorisation of window furnishings is witnessing a clear shift towards intelligent and seamless solutions. “Customers now seek motorised systems that can be integrated with smart home technology, providing remote operation and automation capabilities. The demand for silent, reliable, and tailored motorisation solutions is surging as homeowners increasingly prioritise convenience and energy efficiency.”

“Over the past few years, the motorisation of window furnishings has experienced significant growth, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The ever-changing dynamics of our modern lives, including the rise in remote work and the desire for personalised living spaces, have driven the need for motorised window treatments. These solutions offer the perfect combination of convenience and aesthetics, making them an essential choice for modern households.”

“The shift towards remote work and reduced travel has undoubtedly influenced the sales in the motorisation of window furnishings sector positively. With more time spent at home, individuals now place greater emphasis on creating comfortable and personalised environments. Motorised window treatments provide the flexibility to control light, privacy, and room temperature with ease, making them invaluable additions to home offices and living spaces.”

“Silent Gliss remains dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions that redefine interior window treatments. With the latest release of the SG 9060 motor in black, we continue to provide customers with the highest quality and customised products that cater to their needs. As the motorisation of window furnishings market continues to thrive, driven by evolving lifestyle trends and customer preferences, Silent Gliss stands ready to lead the way with exceptional design and first-class quality.”

Norman

To complement Norman’s motorised shutters, the company has recently introduced motorisation across its shade range with motorisation now available for Portrait Honeycomb Shades, Soluna Roller Shades and PerfectSheer Shades. 

Peter Boyle, Product Development Manager confirms that in 2020, Norman’s PowerBar and Motorisation Hub were awarded the Red Dot for outstanding product design and innovation. The award recognises excellent design. Only products with remarkable design are given this coveted seal of quality by the international jury. 

“Norman’s shutters won the Red Dot award 2019 for shutter motorisation – operated by the Norman Smart dial remote or direct from your phone via the Norman app. One of the unique features of the motorised shutters is an integrated solar panel to boost the rechargeable batteries, providing both energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

Norman’s Shade Motorisation offers all the standard recharging options that are available in the market but, Boyle says, as design and innovation are key to the way Norman operate, the company has recently introduced the Red Dot award winning Cordless PowerBar. 

“This innovation will change the way you re charge your battery operated shades forever! No more climbing on step ladders to awkwardly plug in your charging cable to the blind or shade. Norman’s power bar eliminates this as you easily slot it into the head rail to facilitate the charge. Power Bar is available across Norman’s Portrait Honeycomb shades, Soluna Roller Shades and Prefect Sheer Shades.

The PowerBar simplifies recharging by inserting it into the headrail, making charging in hard-to-reach places easier. 

“Precision engineering and cutting-edge sound-reduction technology were used in the total redesign of the motors that power the automation. Norman’s new whisper-quiet motorisation sets it apart from some other motorised systems that are notorious for their loud operation.”

Customers can choose from a wide selection of automated window furnishings from Norman’s automated Shutters and Motorised Shades – Honeycomb Shades, Soluna Shades, and PerfectSheer shades. 

“At Norman, we offer a quality range of motorised window coverings to suit all kinds of windows and home decors, ensuring both style and functionality are seamlessly integrated into consumer living spaces. Norman’s recharging PowerBar is a market first and a much-needed adjustment to the industry standard, giving consumers a safe and inexpensive recharging option for windows in difficult-to-reach places.

Boyle notes that as the global temperatures continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to consider window furnishings for all openings to help reduce energy consumption. In this belief, Norman conducted an independent study on the effectiveness of window covering to reduce energy consumption. Conducted over three years from 2019 to 2022, the study found that Portrait Honeycomb shades outperformed other window coverings offering heating/cooling energy consumptions saving of up to 34% due to the unique insulating properties. 

“The market for motorised window coverings is strong and growing fast right now. Motorised window coverings that provide convenience, energy efficiency, and seamless connection with home automation systems are becoming increasingly popular as smart home technology’s acceptance grows. Consumers are increasingly looking for customised and remote-controlled window covering solutions, fuelling innovation and competition among manufacturers and service providers in this industry. The market’s trajectory indicates that awareness of smart home solutions will continue to rise.”

“Norman has made motorisation more accessible and affordable across our product range including Honeycomb, Soluna and PerfectSheer, while still maintaining the high-quality Norman is known for. 

In recent years, consumer awareness of related home products and window decorations has expanded considerably. The rise of smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) has heightened customer interest in connected home solutions, pushing people to seek out window furnishings that offer both usefulness and connectivity. Demand for motorised window coverings like Norman’s integrated hub for shutter automation and mobile app connectivity reflects this greater awareness. This evolution contributes to a shift toward more technologically advanced and convenient living surroundings.”

Somfy

The demand for smart home technology continues to rise in Australia, with household penetration of connected devices expected to hit 80.6% by 2027.

Unsurprisingly, the most important factors users are prioritising when investing in smart devices include safety, security, convenience, and control, with sustainability and energy management motivators also on the rise.

“Energy efficiency is a major priority for consumers right now with rising electricity costs,” says Jodie Featherstone, Channel Manager – Industrial Sales for Somfy.

“Connected plays a massive role in creating an energy efficient home – having the ability control your lights, window treatments, and other energy saving solutions all from one device, even when you’re not at home is a key selling point to consumers.

“At Somfy, as we move into TaHoma suite and Zigbee 3.0 technology, users will have the ability to have all their connected solutions – from Somfy and third-party partners including Clipsal, Schneider Electric, Crestron and Sonos -in one ecosystem.

“That means that users will only need one app to talk to all the different solutions in their home including blinds, curtains, awnings, lighting receivers, locks, garage and window openers, gates and other third-party products such as sound systems.”

A connected home with Somfy gives consumers the freedom and flexibility to live well and lead a simpler way of life – providing them with the ability to automate devices in their home environment, whilst reducing their energy consumption.

Somfy’s latest addition to its product offering is TaHoma switch, an open and scalable connected solution featuring hybrid compatibility with Somfy RTS products and Zigbee 3.0 technology, allowing users to centralise and control equipment with ease.

“Users want the ability to communicate with their home and we are constantly looking for ways to provide these solutions and enhance our products, whilst improving our overall customer experience,” said Somfy Oceania’s Product Marketing Executive, Nicki Beggs.

“Installing motorised blinds, curtains, and awnings is the first step in increasing your home’s comfort and convenience.

“By adding a touch of connectivity, it opens a world of possibilities, with TaHoma switch boasting compatibility with close to 300 types of Somfy and partner products.

“Somfy’s TaHoma suite – a trio of complementary tools including TaHoma switch – makes connectivity simpler, more accessible, and more intuitive and gives our customers the power to boost their business, commission more easily and service remotely.”

TaHoma switch promises to not only ease your customers’ daily routine and bring them greater peace of mind but make it even easier for you to sell connected equipment.

Scan the QR code to learn more about TaHoma suite.

BM Blinds

Michael Shaw, Director of wholesale supplier BM Blinds says the company is constantly on the lookout for new innovations. 

“One such find came from the BMAA SuperExpo on the Gold Coast with Alpha motors releasing a 240v motorised track that is suitable for vertical and segmented curtains. The long-awaited release of the Alpha motorised track has been the perfect addition to our segmented curtains and vertical blind product lines. With the ability to traverse and rotate the curtains using a toggle control on the side of the remote, it is functional and easy to use.

The 240v motor means that you never need to worry about recharging the motor and will ensure the product is completely child safe, which is an important consideration for all homes.

Motorisation had always been restricted to traversing only, or in the venetian market, tilt only. The Alpha motorised track seamlessly traverses the segments on curtains or blades on vertical blinds whisper quietly. The rotation of the segments and blades gives clients light control at the scroll of a toggle.

It’s been an exciting time being able to work with Alpha’s motorised track and bring clients visions to life. It is the perfect solution for anyone that prefers the ease of motorisation.

Ricky Richards

With fire retardant results that support both Australian and European standards, Bochini by Ricky has become a popular choice for retractable roofing systems. This type 0 tensile PVC is waterproof with weldable PVDF lacquer finishes on both sides. Including four colours inspired by Colorbond and block-out options, Bochini is ideal for outdoor projects such as retractable awnings, shade structures or motorised roofing systems.

Features include a 10-year warranty, fungicide treatment and anti-mildew properties, with the added benefit of high UV protection and exceptional performance against varying weather conditions, creating an environment that will protect people and valuable items from the elements.

Available in three-metre-wide rolls, this durable textile has 11 colours to offer. Bochini block-out is available in white, champagne and shale grey and has a heavier weight of 750gsm. 

“The team at Ricky’s believes Bochini offers the perfect solution to finding a textile that will perform beyond your expectations and outlast competing products on the market.