Draper develops high-performance, custom-designed systems that utilize both interior and exterior shading to maximize efficiency and occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption. Each custom solution Draper provides has specific benefits and features to enhance overall building design and daylighting needs.
Shading systems have traditionally been used as a way to achieve energy cost savings by using natural light and solar heat gain control to lower utility bills as well as to reduce the size of HVAC and lighting systems. Exterior shading is one of the most efficient ways to keep solar heat gain outside of the building envelope. Window treatments that facilitate solar control are an integral solution for sustainable architecture. The daylighting strategy of a green building is made easy with custom shading which can both provide glare control shading and let in natural light.
Customization
Draper offers an array of customization possibilities, from modifying current products to designing and manufacturing one-of-a-kind, one-off solutions for a wide range of challenging solar control requirements. Custom processes can begin with both new and pre-existing designs and involve 3D drawings, 3D-printed mock-ups, and/or full-size or scale mock-ups using production materials.
Project Applications
The following are examples of Custom Solar Control Systems that were specially designed to meet each project's shading requirements.
- Wilshire Grand Center, Los Angeles: Draper created a one-of-a-kind system of motorized blinds with 12-inch louvers extending 30 feet high for the upper and lower sky lobby of the InterContinental Hotel. The system is designed to control heat build-up and reduce glare while providing a unique aesthetic.
- The University of Chicago Lab School: The facade design presented a design challenge in that it features unique angles and breaks in the glass. Draper responded to this by designing and manufacturing a custom motorized shade system with tracks and re-directional rollers to help the shade fabric pass smoothly over the angles. Draper’s solution provided solar control without giving up square footage to shades hanging straight down into the workspace.
Draper Roller Shades are manufactured in the USA using primarily USA-woven fabrics from Phifer and Mermet, ensuring a simple and direct supply chain that gives Draper maximum control over fast deliveries and product availability.
