The Challenge
Bernard and Agnes transformed their 1930s Bristol home into a bright, modern family space. Their new open plan kitchen and dining area felt warm and welcoming, helped by two large skylights that brought in generous natural light. As soon as they moved in, the space looked exactly as they had imagined.
However, the first warm spell changed everything. The heat built quickly and the glare made the dining table uncomfortable to use. Bernard summed it up clearly. “I was surprised how much heat you can get in this type of extension. At the beginning I thought it was going to be fine, but the summers in the UK are getting hotter and hotter.”
At that point, they realised they needed a solution that controlled the temperature without compromising the clean architectural look they had created.
The Vision
As engineers, Bernard and Agnes approached the problem with a practical mindset. They wanted a solution that worked technically and visually. They also wanted to keep the winter light while gaining strong heat control in summer. Agnes explained “We were conscious from the start that some level of shading would be needed. It is not just about the light but really the heat that comes in through the glass.”
They aimed for a system that stayed quiet, looked minimal and blended with the architecture. They wanted no clutter, no visible wiring and no compromise on the design they had worked so hard to achieve.
Our Solution
During their consultation with Chris, they explored the performance numbers behind heat rejection. This helped them understand the difference between internal and external shading. Agnes appreciated the clarity. “Having the full information and all the detail was really useful. As engineers, we tend to look at the numbers.”
With this understanding, Chris recommended two external Artemis electric roof blinds in Slate Grey blockout fabric. Because the Artemis system sits outside the glazing, it stops the heat before it enters the home. This approach delivers over 90% heat rejection on modern double glazing, which internal blinds cannot match.
Fortunately, Bernard had already prepared an external power point during the renovation. As a result, the blinds connected neatly to the existing circuit. The installation team completed the work in a single day. Agnes described the experience simply. “Really nice chaps from the installation team. Extremely fast. Within the day they managed to install it and get it all ready and working.”
The Result
The improvement became clear immediately. On a 26 degree spring day, the extension stayed comfortable and usable. Bernard noticed the difference straight away. “We could eat at the table without the sun on our heads. The temperature was much cooler than what we usually have in these conditions.”
The blinds remain almost invisible from inside the home. Agnes highlighted this benefit. “You just see the blind moving. There is nothing else that disrupts the view. You do not notice it unless you use it.”
The system runs quietly, looks clean and performs exactly as they hoped. Bernard summed up the outcome. “It blocks the heat and makes the home feel cool during really hot summer days.”
The Takeaway
Bernard and Agnes showed how external shading can transform a modern extension. Their Artemis roof blinds turned a beautiful but overheating space into a room they can enjoy every day of the year.
They valued the product and the process. Their experience demonstrates how the right external solution protects comfort, design and the investment they put into their home.
