The Challenge
David and his wife had just finished a beautifully specified extension to their North Yorkshire bungalow. The new open plan kitchen and living space felt bright and modern, with a generous roof lantern above the kitchen.
The first summer changed everything. With the rear of the house facing south, the heat became overwhelming. Even with every window open, the temperature soared. “The temperatures rocketed. Even with everything open it was still uncomfortably warm,” David said.
Finding a suitable blind proved difficult. Many companies could not offer a fully electric system without visible wires or would not travel to North Yorkshire. Others suggested corded or honeycomb systems that would spoil the clean architectural look.
Running a new spur was not an option. Heavy RSJs surrounded the lantern, and the ceiling had only recently been finished. “I really did not want the ceiling ripping apart,” David explained.
They needed a solution that controlled the heat without compromising the build.
The Vision
David wanted a single, elegant blind that would sit neatly in the lantern recess and operate electrically with no visible wiring. It needed to reduce heat while still allowing soft daylight into the kitchen.
The blind had to look like part of the architecture. No cords. No sagging. No clutter. And ideally, no invasive electrical work.
Our Solution
During his TEAMS consultation with Chris, David discovered the solar powered Athena roof blind. This system offered the same premium engineering as the mains powered Athena but with a discreet solar panel and lithium ion battery pack. No wiring. No disruption. No charging by hand.
The system recharges itself throughout the year and operates smoothly every day.
David chose Serge Ferrari Perform 92 in Snow White for its excellent heat reflection and soft light transmission. “Even when it is closed, you do not notice a significant reduction in light,” he said.
Installation took a single morning. “Lovely guys. No mess whatsoever,” David recalled.
The Result
TThe difference was immediate. On a day that would normally reach 28 or 29 degrees, the kitchen stayed at a comfortable 23 degrees with the blind closed. Since then, the space has remained cool and pleasant even on bright days.
The blind looks integrated and uncluttered. The motor is quiet. Visitors have commented on the quality and finish.
Most importantly, the solar powered system works effortlessly and avoids the disruption of electrical work while delivering the same performance as a hard wired blind.
“We are delighted with it. Absolutely no hesitation in recommending WindowTreat,” David said.
The extension they created is now comfortable and enjoyable all year round.
