Part O, Motorised Blinds & Shading for London New Builds

Motorised blinds bring privacy, glare control and a more comfortable daylight setting to the home. For a new-build project, we coordinate those benefits with the architect’s wider overheating strategy and the requirements of Part O.

Separate comfort shading from Part O compliance

Approved Document O addresses overheating in new residential buildings in England. Its guidance is clear that internal blinds and curtains cannot be used to demonstrate compliance with Requirement O1. Internal shading can still be valuable for glare, privacy and day-to-day comfort; it simply is not the same thing as the project’s assessed overheating strategy.

Read the official Approved Document O guidance before deciding how any individual scheme will be evidenced.

The Part O strategy: limit solar gains and remove excess heat

A project team may consider a combination of glazing, facade orientation, external or fixed shading, ventilation and - where relevant - dynamic thermal modelling. The right approach depends on the building, its location, the rooms and elevations, security requirements and the wider design. It should be agreed with the architect and the project’s overheating assessor, rather than assumed from a blind specification alone.

Where internal motorised shading is useful

Once the project’s overheating strategy is clear, internal motorised blinds or curtains can add a refined comfort layer. They can help occupants manage glare and privacy, soften daylight in bedrooms and living spaces, and support scenes that coordinate with lighting and home controls. Their value is strongest when the fabric, pocket detail, power and controls have been designed in early.

Bring shading into the brief early

• Record the room, elevation and intended use - not just the blind style.
• Confirm the architect’s and overheating assessor’s approach to solar gain and ventilation.
• Choose whether the treatment is internal, external or fixed, and document its role accurately.
• Coordinate recesses, pockets, access and finishes before ceilings and joinery are fixed.
• Allow for power, control wiring, commissioning and the client’s preferred scenes.
• Check that window operation, ventilation and security requirements still work in practice.

Need help planning the comfort layer?

London Electricals can help coordinate motorised blinds, controls and the practical installation detail with your wider design team. For an initial discussion, see our electric blinds and curtains service, explore Lutron Sivoia QS blinds, or send us an enquiry.

Questions we are often asked

Do internal motorised blinds make a new build Part O compliant?

No. Internal blinds may improve comfort, glare control and privacy, but Approved Document O does not allow internal blinds or curtains to be used to demonstrate compliance with Requirement O1.

Should motorised blinds be designed before construction starts?

Ideally, yes. Early design makes space for pockets or recesses, power and control wiring, access for maintenance, and coordination with the finished ceiling, joinery and window operation.

Can London Electricals advise on the Part O calculation?

We can coordinate the motorised shading and controls scope with the project team. The compliance approach and any overheating assessment should be confirmed by the appropriate architect, designer and assessor for the specific project.