The Challenge
Janice’s ground‑floor extension was designed to be bright and welcoming. Large southwest‑facing glazing filled the dining and work area with natural light. However, during summer the sun hit the dining table directly, creating intense heat and glare that made the space uncomfortable.
Last year, Janice invested in three external roof awnings that solved the sunlight coming down through the glass roof. See the results The dining table was protected from overhead glare, but the rear elevation still suffered from strong lateral heat gain.
The patio and the lower glazing continued to overheat.
Janice knew she needed shading on the rear wall, but she hesitated. She wanted to preserve the clean brickwork and worried an awning would look intrusive. Spreader plates were a particular concern. On single‑storey buildings, fixings sit in non‑load‑bearing brickwork, so spreader plates are essential to transfer load safely down the wall. Janice feared they would spoil the appearance of the extension.
She needed a solution that would:
- Reduce heat and glare inside
- Create shade on the patio
- Protect the brickwork aesthetic
- Retract neatly when not in use
- Blend into the architecture
The Vision
Janice wanted effective shading without compromising the look of the house. She wanted the awning to disappear visually, match the brickwork and avoid visible fixings or bulky hardware. A clean, modern appearance mattered as much as performance.
She also wanted the flexibility to shade both the dining area and the patio, creating a comfortable extension of the indoor space.
Our Solution
We designed a premium Sol-Edge retractable awning at over 5 metres wide that delivered both aesthetics and performance.
To address Janice’s concerns about spreader plates, we manufactured bespoke plates with bolt‑concealing covers. Every component was powder‑coated to a RAL colour that complemented the brickwork, including:
- The full pressure die‑cast cassette
- The custom spreader plates
- The 2.1 metre projection arms
- All visible hardware
This created a unified, architectural finish that blended seamlessly with the extension.
The awning provides generous shading across the rear of the extension, protecting the dining table and transforming the patio into a usable outdoor room. The electric motor delivers smooth, quiet operation, and the wind sensor retracts the awning automatically in unsafe conditions.
Janice’s initial hesitation disappeared once she saw how the colour‑matched system preserved the look of the house.
“I was worried about the spreader plates, but once they were colour‑matched, you don’t notice them at all.”
The Result
The difference was immediate. The dining area now stays cool and comfortable even during heat waves. The patio has become a shaded, inviting extension of the home. The awning retracts cleanly into its cassette, leaving the brickwork untouched.
“It feels magical. You press a button and instantly create a much more pleasant environment.”
The installation delivered exactly what Janice wanted: effective shading with a minimalist, integrated appearance.
“It has become a positive feature. It creates a lovely shaded area that feels like a little den.”
Would Janice Recommend WindowTreat?
Her answer was clear.
“I would make the same decision again, 100%.”
And when asked about WindowTreat:
“I really would recommend WindowTreat. The service has been excellent and helpful throughout.”
Next Step
If you are exploring shading for your home and want a bespoke solution, our experts at WindowTreat are ready to help. Use the calendar below to schedule a call back. This is the first step towards living in your home the way you imagined your would.
Supporting Links
Electric Retractable Awnings and Realistic Shading Performance – WindowTreat
⚡ Electrical Requirements for Electric Patio Awnings – WindowTreat
13 Factors That Influence The Cost Of Your Patio Awning – WindowTreat
Janice Electric Awnings I Customer Testimonial
