Living in a listed building often has a special attraction – be this because of its architecture, interior design or historical significance. However, a lack of comfort can impair the standard of such accommodation. The use of appropriate building technology can lead to a considerable improvement in this situation. With the automation of an old building’s folding shutters, roller shutters, venetian blinds, awnings or doors, for example. Intelligent radio systems, such as those from elero, meet the demands made by the public agencies responsible for listed buildings.

Flexible sensors for historical façades
If a listed building already has sun protection elements or roller shutters, the agencies responsible for listed buildings generally have no objections to the automation of such systems. And the probability of approval being granted is further increased if wireless devices are used. Thus with the Aero-868, for example, elero has a sun/wind sensor which does not require cables to be laid – thanks to radio signal transmission and an integrated solar cell. It is simply affixed to the façade using two screws, where it measures the amount of sunlight and the wind speeds for the automatic control of awnings and venetian blinds. Made of transparent plastic, it blends in quite inconspicuously with every background.
Clever radio technology also offers decisive benefits with interior rooms subject to a preservation order. If the laying of a power supply or control line is not permissible, a battery-powered wall-mounted radio transmitter such as the UniTec-868 may be affixed anywhere in the room. Alternatively, the use of a hand-held transmitter is possible as this does not entail any modification to the architecture or appearance of the room.

While there is a wide range of wireless controls for every installation situation, the use of drive units in listed buildings is more problematical. Although there are motors capable of receiving the radio signals from control units, a power supply cable is still a necessity with each and every drive unit. Depending upon whether the façade or the interior – or even both – are subject to a preservation order, it is necessary to find a suitable place for the installation of the motor. As with every form of construction work, planning permission has to be obtained from the agency responsible for listed buildings.

Interior sun protection with a historical façade
If a façade subject to a preservation order is to be fitted with a sun protection system or roller shutters, depending on the type of building, the planning application may be rejected under certain circumstances. The only alternative for the house owner is then the automation of the interior shading. Automated interior screens, vertical awnings and venetian blinds are all possible. Just like their exterior counterparts these offer considerably more comfort in listed buildings – at the push of a button, using timers and sensors.