Uncomfortable Heat in Norfolk Home Resolved with Automated Screens

In the Norfolk countryside, a sustainable and well-insulated barn conversion was facing challenges with overheating. Surrounded by fields, this unique property featured large sliding doors that brought in plenty of natural light but risked excess heat build-up in the home.

The insulation was effective throughout most of the year - when it was 6°C outside, it’d be 20°C inside... but in the summer, it would become unbearably hot.

Wanting to control the temperature, preserve the view, and keep insects out, the homeowners turned to Phantom Screens. The issues were solved thanks to two automated insect screens – read on to find out more.

Finding the solution

Bespoke UV Protection Screens

After finding us online and recognising us from Home Building & Renovating magazine, they visited our stand at the Ideal Home Show. It was here that they not only met our team but also entered our prize draw - and won!

Their main needs were clear: effective solar management, improved ventilation, and long-lasting quality to complement their eco-friendly home.

Installation

Build to last, painted to match

Two automated insect screens were installed externally across the large sliding doors that lead to the outdoor patio. To ensure a seamless fit with the home’s existing frames, all screens were powder-coated in Jet Black (RAL 9005 satin).

An alternative solution suggested to the homeowner was to use a solar mesh, which blocks up to 75-80% of UV. However, they decided that keeping the home cool with fresh air ventilation was the priority, so the 20-20 insect mesh was chosen instead. This mesh blocks 55% of UV rays, so still offers adequate protection. 

The homeowner loved the screens so much that shortly after, they had manual window screens installed in the bedroom, and a manual door screen installed to the back door.

The Result

Keeping cool with automated screens

The screens have transformed the homeowners’ experience in their home, delivering the benefits they needed:

• Ventilation: The screens allow a steady flow of fresh air, especially in the bedroom, without the nuisance of bugs - a particular relief in this rural setting. They can leave the lights on in the evening and windows and doors open without the worry of insects.

• Temperature control: The automated insect screens on the sliding doors have successfully reduced heat gain, softened glare, and kept the house pest-free.

• Maintained views: The screens are nearly invisible, so the scenic view remains unobstructed, letting the homeowners enjoy the beauty of the surrounding fields uninterrupted.

• Sustainable comfort: As an energy-efficient Grade A-93/94 eco-house, they needed a solution that complemented the insulation - keeping the house comfortably cool without sacrificing sustainability.

Are you struggling to keep your home cool? Get in touch with our expert team and we’ll find a bespoke solution for your home.

Testimonial

“The screens are fabulous; they really make the house. The colour matching is perfect and it’s a neat fit, the screens look like they were made for the house. We like having one screen on the back door and the power screens at the front as the air circulates perfectly through the house.”