For over forty years, SOMFY has been at the forefront of developments in motorizing and automating sun protection devices for residential and commercial buildings.  Concerned by environmental issues, Somfy launched a strategy aiming to foresee users’ needs in terms of comfort, security and energy -savings.

As we spend most of our life indoors: the occupant is the centrepiece of bioclimactic designs*.  With sustainable development as a focal point, the aim is to reduce the energy consumption rate required to operate the building by using natural elements such as air and particularly the sun.  Bioclimactic designs depend on many technical solutions: today, automation of shading devices and window openings is an efficient and certified solution, an undeniable application in bioclimactic facades.

1. Facade management
   Facade management allows the user to control all or some of the shading devices and windows using a PC or any other designated control system.Centralized management of shading devices allow users to:
   - Optimize energy efficiency of the building (Dynamic Insulation tm): climate sensors detect weather variations in real-time and shading devices are automatically positioned accordingly.
   - Timer settings optimize the potential of shading devices even while occupants are not present.
   - Optimize the management of natural light and natural ventilation in buildings.
   - Maintain the aesthetic aspect of the facade: shading devices can be programmed to stand perfectly aligned at different times of the day.
   - Make daily use of shading devices easier thanks to the timer settings at a zone or a room level.
   - Provide flexible controls: users can control their blinds from their office at all times through a local control unit.
2. Local controls
   Local controls allow users to take over the central system at any time, using either a fixed or remote control device. Various types of technology can be used in one building: wall-mounted wired controls in public areas and remote controls in offices for example. Today, Somfy can provide control systems with integrated radio, infrared, wired or digital technology.
3. Motorization of openings & closures
   Whatever the end product (indoor or outdoor shading devices, roll shutters, projection screens etc.), Somfy’s motorizations will meet its exact specifications.
   Motorized shading devices allow users to manage natural light, increase the insulation potential of windows and control the air circulation between different rooms, thus contributing to the process of Bioclimatic Facades.