Introduction
Thank you for reaching out for my expertise. I help homeowners and architects make beautifully designed spaces genuinely liveable, no matter where they are in the build. This report focuses on what matters most to you: controlling heat, glare and daylight in a side‑return extension with pitched frameless skylights.
Inside, you’ll see the shading systems that consistently deliver the best results for side‑return extensions with pitched frameless skylights. You’ll learn how each option works in this type of space and what you can expect in terms of heat reduction, glare control, privacy and overall cost. From premium solar‑control films to high‑tension external roof blinds and architectural‑grade awnings, this guide gives you a clear, practical overview of the most effective solutions for comfort and year‑round performance.
Your Key Area
- Side Return Extension with two frameless pitched skylights 3200mm x 1200mm (2no) East Facing
Your Key Priority
- Priority Dramatically reduce heat gain in the summer months
Recommended Shading Systems
- Twin Retractable End-Fix Awnings on Pipe Brackets
- Coupled Artemis External Roof Blinds with bespoke brackets for frameless skylights
- Athena Electric Interior Tensioned Roof blinds
- Exterior Solar Control Films (Not compatible with skylights with exterior ‘self-cleaning’ coatings)
- Interior Solar Control Films (Not compatible with triple glazing)
Twin Retractable End-Fix Awnings on Pipe Brackets
Sol-Edge Retractable Awning
Two awnings 3500mm wide with 2.1m projection arms on 3no Pipe Brackets to push the cassette boxes past the down pipes. Attached to side wall
- Full Cassette awning system encompassing the fabric and projecting arms
- Anthracite Grey, Black or White as standard
- Up to 6m wide with end fix wide brackets
- 1.6m, 2.1m, 2.6m and 3.1m projection arms
- Pressure Diecast Powder coated aluminium headbox for extra strength
- Wind resistance: Up to 24 mph (approx. 38.6 km/h) Beaufort Force 5 (fresh breeze).
Coupled Artemis External Roof Blinds with bespoke brackets for frameless skylights
The Artemis electric skylight blind
- Stops heat before it enters modern double or triple glazing – between 88% – 95% heat gain reduction achievable.
- Tensioned shading system with no visible cords over the glazing.
- Dimensionally stable fabrics that deliver on performance and aesthetics
- Pressure Diecast Powder coated aluminium headbox for extra strength
- Wind resistance: Up to 24 mph (approx. 38.6 km/h) Beaufort Force 5 (fresh breeze).
Athena Electric Interior Tensioned Roof blinds
- 3 times more fabric tension than Constant Tension Systems delivering flatter fabrics
- No visible cords across the structural opening
- Tensioned to travel in any direction
- Size parameters of 3m x 3m or 2.5m x 4.5m
- Headbox 125mm wide x 105mm tall or 145mm wide x 125mm tall
- Side profiles 54mm
- Dimensionally Stable Roller Fabrics that deliver on performance
- Mains powered Sonesse 40 RTS motor – 35 decibels
- White Hardware as standard. Custom RAL Classic powder coating options
- Battery Solar Panel Sunea 40 IO motor option 70 decibels
- Compatible with Somfy Tahoma Hub and automated sun sensors
- Most Roof Lantern Blinds Sag. Here’s Why.
Exterior Solar Control Films (not compatible with skylights with exterior ‘self-cleaning’ coatings)
3M Prestige Exterior Series
- A range of five spectrally selective exterior films
- Solar Heat Gain Reduction between 21% and 66%.
- Spectrally selective to remove 97% of near infrared heat (the uncomfortable heat)
- No Added Reflectivity to the glass
- No Metals that can corrode
- 7-year 3M backed warranty with 15 year lifetime expectancy on horizontal or sloping glass
- Wide width avoiding joins up to 1820mm
Interior Solar Control Films (Not compatible with triple glazing)
3M All Seasons Interior Film
- Removes more infrared heat than other internal films
- Let’s in twice as much light whilst performing better than Silver 20 on modern double glazing
- 43% heat gain reduction on modern double glazing
Conservatory roof treated with 3M All Seasons interior solar film
Costs
- 2no Sol Edge End Fix Retractable Awnings 3500mm wide x 2100mm projection arms £6,300 inclusive VAT with 3no bespoke pipe brackets £780.
- 2no Artemis electric roof blinds <3400mm wide by <1700mm £9580 inclusive of VAT with bespoke bracketry £1000 and EPDM rubber strip and EPDM washers
- 2no Athena electric roof blinds <1200mm wide by 3200mm draw £6825 inclusive of VAT. 2no Solar Battery Powered Kits £1500.
- Detailed Manufacturing Survey £650 inclusive of VAT
- Installation Labour team per day £1250 (allow one day)
- Somfy Tahoma Hub / App Free Gift From WindowTreat
- Sun / Wind Sensor £190
- 3M Prestige Exterior Series £1660 to £2610 fully installed depending on versions
- 3M All Seasons Interior Solar Film £1650 fully installed
Marketing Scheme Discount
- £300 discount
You have the option to take part in our marketing scheme. In return for the discount, we ask for a video conversation with Steve, our General Manager, along with multiple photos or videos (sent via We Transfer) of your finished installation that we can use for marketing.
This helps future customers understand our solutions and gives Steve valuable insight into how we can continue to improve our service. Your feedback plays a real part in shaping the experience for the next homeowner.
Next Steps
You now have a clear understanding of the right systems and investement costs. The next step is yours.
You are welcome to join me on a TEAMS video call. I can take you through this solution in more detail, answer your questions, address any concerns and potentially look at alternative options if need be.
Available times are shown in my diary at the end of this article.
Supporting Links
WindowTreat Automated Shading Systems Terms & Conditions – WindowTreat
13 Factors That Influence The Cost Of Your Patio Awning – WindowTreat
Why Internal Solar Control Films Struggle on Modern Double Glazing – WindowTreat
Janice I Electric Awnings I Customer Testimonial
Success Story: How External Shading Made Helen Fall In Love With Her Home Again – WindowTreat
Sally’s Cheltenham Success Story: The Athena Electric Roof Lantern Blind – WindowTreat
