Innovative Somfy and Helioscreen products were recently installed at an Artisans of Barossa cellar door in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.
Four Varioscreen retractable roof systems from Helioscreen, with automation by Somfy, now provide retractable shade at the venue, which hosts seven wineries that make up Artisans of the Barossa. The Varioscreen’s clean finish and aesthetic appeal complement the existing winery’s design and allow natural light to filter through the site’s working and entertainment areas while keeping out the glare of the sun’s rays. The flexible system allows visitors to enjoy the spaces while being protected from the elements, whether it is raining or sunny.
Retailer Weathersafe Shades worked with Artisans of Barossa to find the right solution, which needed to be installed in time for the Barossa Gourmet Weekend food and wine festival. Together they chose the Varioscreen retractable roof system with automation by Somfy. Within six weeks the system had been installed by Weathersafe Shades, in consultation with the architects.
The sophisticated roof is a motorized fabrictensioned system that is available up to 25-squaremetres in size. The Varioscreen is integrated seamlessly into the existing structure, its design ensuring the look of the building, and the beautiful views of the Barossa Valley, are not compromised, as it becomes almost invisible when retracted.
The Varioscreen features extruded aluminium side rails, a Dulux powdercoated finish and a Somfy Altus 50 series motor. A hand-held Telis 6 Chronis RTS control allows its users to program six different timed movements, including up, down, and other user-specified positions. It can track the sun, and has the option to control Somfy sun sensors. The Eolis RTS Wind Speed Sensor automatically retracts the Varioscreen roof when wind speed above the manufacturer’s specifications is detected. Optional side gutters can be installed to catch rainwater.
The Varioscreen retractable roof system with automation by Somfy has provided a flexible, aesthetically pleasing sun and shade protection solution that both visitors and workers at the Artisans of Barossa cellar door can enjoy.