The ScreenLine SL16 slim integral blind system, which is said to be ‘perfect’ for 24mm IGUs and exclusively available in the UK from Morley Glass within its Uni-Blinds range, is now available in a motorised version suitable for integration into smart home systems.

The SL16MB Venetian integral blind uses the same brushless motor technology incorporated into the standard MB System to offer a slimmer format integral blind with ultra-smooth functionality and long term reliability.

The motor is designed to ensure the blind moves ‘almost silently and with precision’, and when integrated into doors and windows featuring multiple IGUs, such as bi-fold doors, the blinds in each window can be programmed to move in sequence.

All raising, lowering and tilting of the slats is controlled in one of three ways to suit homeowner or end-user preferences. It can be specified with wall-mounted controls or a remote control handset, with a third option being to link the system to leading home automation systems, including Loxone, to allow the blind to be operated via a smartphone app.

According to Morley Blinds, the versatility of the SL16 is being increasingly recognised across the market given its compatibility with IGUs with a 16mm cavity, unlike the 20mm cavity needed for most standard integral blind systems. That makes it an option for many homeowners who are looking to retain the frames of their existing windows and doors and simply replace the IGU with an integral blind unit.

As with the manually controlled versions of this slimline system, the slats are available in nine colours, including the most in-demand colours such as agate grey (S120), black (B160) and beige (S125).

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass, said: “The demand for home improvement products with integrated technology is strong, as we have seen with the growth in popularity of smart locks for doors, video doorbells and window sensors. And the great thing about the SL16MB is that it offers a home automation solution for homeowners who are looking to retrofit by upgrading the IGU rather than replacing the complete windows and doors – smart technology integration whilst keeping their existing frames.”

The Venetian blind within the MB System for both the slim and standard variants features an internal motor within the blind head-rail, which also incorporates a micro-control unit plus encoder. This is the technology that allows the simultaneous, synchronised movements of groups of blinds, aided further by specially designed sliders to ensure virtually vibration-free movement.

With the SL16MB, the motor and mechanical components are contained within a system that is slightly thinner than the standard MB System. That means the slats are reduced in width from 12mm to 10mm, a minor difference with major benefits when it comes to being able to incorporate a premium integral blind into 24mm IGUs.