Passiv Haus project uses Hunter Douglas’s new, silent sunscreens

Architects can specify a new low-maintenance and sound-absorbing sunscreen, following the introduction of Hunter Douglas’s new exterior retractable screen.

ProScreen is the latest innovation in the Hunter Douglas portfolio – a unique sunscreen system with patented noise reduction insert that provides superior sound-absorbing properties in addition to high quality protection from sun glare.

This unique product has been used to huge success on a major Passiv Haus project in Brussels, after Hunter Douglas was commissioned by A2M architects to supply 206 ProScreen units for its Anvers Simons FrontiSpice scheme.

The sunscreens, supplied in Sergé fabric, complement the overall modern look of the project, which involved renovation work as well as new construction of nursery and apartments, plus the expansion of Héliport School.

Tom Garmyn, product developer at Hunter Douglas, explained: “This is a unique guiding system with a spring that counteracts movement, caused, for example, by wind or rolling up the blind. Thanks to the patented system, these noises are completely absorbed.”

Not only is the low-noise fabric guiding system quiet, it is also significantly cheaper than existing alternatives that use a b rush or plastic insert profile over the entire length of the guiding profile.

“The innovations with the creation of ProScreen mean that there are myriad advantages for any installer and architect,” added Tom. The modular design of the sunscreen and the service cover, which provides direct access to the system, means that they are very easy to assemble and maintain, and because ProScreen can also be mounted to the façade as an integrated whole, it enables architects to create flat, smooth surfaces.

What makes the patented ProScreen guiding system work so effectively is that it is attached to the bottom rail, which is a cost-effective and innovative way of keeping all potential rattling to a minimum.

ProScreen also boasts a high level of sun protection (up to 75%) to prevent glare, thereby creating an optimum working and living environment that also keeps cooling costs down. The reduction of heat entry of up to 85% also ensures a pleasant interior climate.

ProScreen is available in three unit sizes with six side rails and can be integrated into any architectural design, including mounting behind the façade.

It blends effortlessly with the exterior wall surface, resulting in an optically flat and smooth façade that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and is easily accessible for mounting and maintenance, thanks to the service cover on the underside.

Hunter Douglas’s retractable screens can be built into a recess using two-part rails, which also seal the cavity laterally. Usually the service cover opens via the front, but this is not possible in a recess, so Hunter Douglas can provide ProScreen as a built-in system, with the unit being opened from the underside for easy access.