Fabric Blinds for the Highest Design Standards
Project: Multi-Family Building in Zurich
Facts & Figures
Year of construction: 2023
Building owner: private
Region: Zurich
At first glance, it’s clear: this is no ordinary apartment building. The futuristic concrete structure stands out with its minimalist design and clean lines. The building, one of two new constructions, is occupied by a family with various owners. The expansive window fronts offer residents in Zürich-Witikon breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. Schenker Storen was commissioned to create a shading solution for these window fronts that would not only met the architects’ exacting design standards but also complement the overall aesthetic of the project.
Blending Aesthetics with Functionality
For aesthetic reasons, vertical fabric blinds were chosen – with a sleek and discreet cord guide for the upper floors and wind-stable rails for the lower floors. Close collaboration with architects and other specialists, such as window and facade contractors, led to a solution that not only looks stylish but also ensures easy access for installation, maintenance, and future repairs. Naturally, achieving the desired shading effect for the residents was a key consideration.
Transparent Vertical Fabric Blinds
Vertical fabric blinds are a popular choice for modern single-family homes and apartment buildings with a strong design focus. Their versatility allows them to blend subtly into the facade. For this project, black fabrics were chosen to match the black window frames and large facade elements. A standout feature of the selected fabric is that it is woven from glass fibres, created by pulling molten glass into fine threads. The end result creates a delicate transparency, offering unique properties and light-filtering effects.
Balancing Shading and Transparency
The fabric filters around 97% of sunlight, effectively blocking out harsh sunlight and heat, while remaining transparent enough to offer outward views. This clever fabric solution strikes a perfect balance between two seemingly contradictory needs: providing effective sun and glare protection, while still allowing controlled daylight to enter.
These functional benefits, combined with the fabric’s durability and the extensive range of colours and design options, make it a preferred shading solution in modern architecture.
