Danish textile brand Kvadrat has worked with designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec on a roller blind that does more than just screen a window.
Kvadrat Shade is a range of window coverings that come in a variety of tones and textures, very much in the spirit of the company's fabrics. But they also offer acoustic benefits and can provide thermal insulation, helping to reduce a building's energy consumption.
The company has even created a calculator, so that customers can find out how much money they can save on their heating bills.
"We're entering a new industry with the ambition to transform that industry," explained Kvadrat CEO Anders Byriel at a launch event. "We're coming in with a very deep knowledge about textiles, but we've also got a lot of technology."
The product was a collaboration with Dutch company Coulisse, a specialist in high-performance window-covering solutions, and also draws on the expertise of Verosol, an expert in solar-shading fabrics that is owned by Kvadrat.
By applying a metallised textile to the underside of the blind, they allow it to function as a thermal insulator. It prevents heat entering in warmer summer months and stops heat escaping in the winter.
"We actually have a product that offers an alternative to an outside solar-shade product, which moves the options in architecture quite a lot," added Kvadrat Shade managing director Christian Baum Blaakær.
Paris-based Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec had the task of making this high-tech product look as clean and simple as possible. The pair have previously worked with Kvadrat on many projects, including the Clouds acoustic screen and the Ready Made Curtain.
Erwan Bouroullec described the process as "a hell of a job". He explained: "Most of the offers that you see are technically driven; they solve the issue, but they forget the human, they bring no taste."
"We developed a roller blind concept that has a strong visual identity across every element, and reflects Kvadrat's expertise in colours, materials and technical performance," Bouroullec added.
"Unlike typical alternatives, the Kvadrat Shade solutions opens intriguing possibilities to elevate interiors by playing with tones, transparencies and textures. You can combine anything and get a great result."
The designs are produced from polyester, without any PVC, to make them more easily recyclable. Customers can choose between a variety of controls – as well as the traditional cord, there is also the option for slender sticks or remote controls.
Kvadrat believe the product range features a good solution for every type of window and situation. The team said they have already arranged for the product to be installed on several major new buildings.
Other recent launches from Kvadrat include shelving designed by Layer for the company's recycled textile brand Really and curtains designed by Margrethe Odgaard that took cues from wainscoting.