At Winchester Awnings, we recently completed a high-end awning installation for a property in Alresford, Hampshire, transforming how the homeowners use both their garden and interior living spaces. The brief was clear: create a large, usable shaded area across the rear of the house while also reducing glare and heat entering the kitchen, dining room, and living areas.
To achieve this, we supplied and installed three premium Weinor motorised awnings, all powered with intelligent controls from Somfy. The result is a seamless expanse of shading that not only enhances outdoor comfort but also improves energy efficiency and protects the interior of the home.
A Bespoke Awning Solution for a Large Patio in Alresford
This Alresford property benefits from a wide rear elevation overlooking beautiful open fields, but the large glazed doors and windows meant that sunlight would pour into the home throughout the day. While this creates a bright and airy feel, it also introduced excessive glare and heat — particularly during spring and summer months when the sun sits lower and shines directly into the property.
To solve this, we designed a system using three connected motorised Weinor awnings, spanning the full width of the house. This approach allowed us to create a consistent, uninterrupted shaded area across the entire patio, rather than relying on a single unit that would not provide sufficient coverage.
The finished installation blends perfectly with the property, maintaining clean lines while delivering a highly practical outdoor space. The homeowners can now step outside into a fully shaded patio area that feels like an extension of the home — ideal for relaxing, dining, and entertaining.
Reducing Glare and Improving Comfort Inside the Home
One of the biggest advantages of installing motorised awnings on this Alresford home is the immediate improvement in internal comfort. Before installation, direct sunlight entering through the rear glazing caused significant glare on screens and surfaces, making everyday activities such as watching television or working from home more difficult.
By installing external awnings, the sunlight is stopped before it reaches the glass. This is far more effective than internal blinds or curtains, which still allow heat to build up inside the room. The result is a noticeable reduction in glare, a more consistent level of natural light, and a cooler indoor environment.
This is particularly beneficial in open-plan spaces like kitchens and dining areas, where large windows are often a key design feature but can also create challenges when exposed to strong sunlight.
Protecting Furniture and Interiors from UV Damage
Another key benefit of Weinor awnings is their ability to protect the interior of the home from harmful UV rays. Over time, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage to furniture, flooring, and soft furnishings. Fabrics can fade, wood can discolour, and finishes can deteriorate — all of which reduce the lifespan and appearance of your interior spaces.
By acting as a barrier against UV radiation, awnings help preserve the condition of your home. This is especially important in properties like this one in Alresford, where large glass doors and windows allow high levels of natural light into the living space. With the awnings in place, the homeowners can continue to enjoy a bright home without worrying about long-term sun damage.
Enjoying Uninterrupted Views with Comfortable Shade
One of the standout features of this installation is how it enhances the connection between the home and its surroundings. The property overlooks open countryside, and maintaining that view was essential to the customer.
The three Weinor awnings provide generous shade without obstructing sightlines, meaning the homeowners can sit out on their patio throughout the summer while still enjoying uninterrupted views of the fields beyond. Whether relaxing with family or entertaining guests, the space now offers both comfort and visual appeal.
This balance between shade and openness is one of the reasons awnings are such a popular choice for homes in areas like Alresford and across Hampshire.
Smart Awning Control with Somfy Wind and Sun Sensors
To maximise convenience and performance, this installation was equipped with advanced automation from Somfy. These smart controls take the effort out of managing the awnings and ensure they respond automatically to changing weather conditions.
Somfy sun sensors detect increases in sunlight and extend the awnings to provide shade when it’s needed most. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature both outside on the patio and inside the home, without the homeowner needing to manually adjust anything.
Wind sensors add an extra layer of protection by automatically retracting the awnings when wind speeds reach a certain level. This helps prevent unnecessary wear or damage, extending the lifespan of the system and providing peace of mind — particularly when the homeowners are not at home.
Together, these features create a fully automated shading solution that is both practical and highly efficient.
A Garden Space That Works Throughout the Seasons
Since the installation, the way this garden is used has completely changed. During peak summer months, the patio remains cool and shaded, making it far more comfortable for outdoor dining and relaxation even during the hottest parts of the day.
However, the benefits are not limited to summer. In spring, when the sun is lower and often more intrusive, the awnings help reduce glare into the home, improving comfort indoors without sacrificing natural light. This makes the space more usable across a wider part of the year, rather than just on exceptionally hot days.
By investing in a high-quality awning system, the homeowners have effectively extended their living space and made their garden a far more functional and enjoyable area.
Why Choose Winchester Awnings for Weinor Motorised Awnings in Alresford?
With over 30 years of experience, Winchester Awnings has built a strong reputation for supplying and installing premium awnings across Alresford, Winchester, and the wider Hampshire area. We understand that every property is different, which is why we take a bespoke approach to every project — ensuring the final result is tailored to both the home and the customer’s lifestyle.
We work with industry-leading manufacturers such as Weinor and Somfy to deliver systems that combine durability, performance, and style. From initial consultation through to professional installation, our focus is always on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
If you’re considering installing awnings in Alresford or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today at hello@winchesterawnings.com to arrange a free consultation and discover how we can transform your outdoor space.
Available Services
- No Obligation Quotations: Customers can obtain detailed estimates without any commitment.
- Expert Advice: Professional consultation to find the perfect awning solution.
- Professional Fitting: Installation is handled by trained and experienced professionals.
Additional Benefits
- Made to Measure: Each awning is custom-made to fit specific needs.
- Family Run Business: Personalised service with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- Survey Service: Initial surveys to ensure precise measurements and perfect fit.
For more inspiration and to explore our full range of shading solutions, visit our Winchester Blinds and Shutters website where you’ll find additional products designed to enhance both indoor and outdoor living spaces.
As part of the same trusted team, Winchester Blinds complements our awning installations with high-quality blinds and shutters tailored to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multiple awnings better than one large awning for wide patios?
In many cases, installing multiple awnings is the best solution for wider properties. As seen in this Alresford installation, three Weinor awnings were used to span the full width of the house, creating consistent coverage across the entire patio. This approach often provides greater flexibility, improved stability, and a more balanced appearance compared to a single oversized unit.
Do awnings really help keep your house cooler?
Yes, awnings are highly effective at reducing indoor temperatures. By blocking sunlight before it reaches your windows, they prevent heat from entering the home in the first place. This is far more efficient than internal blinds or curtains, which can trap heat inside. For homes in sunny areas like Alresford, this can make a noticeable difference in comfort during spring and summer.
How do Somfy wind and sun sensors improve awning performance?
Somfy sensors automate your awning system, making it more convenient and protective. Sun sensors extend the awning when sunlight increases, helping maintain shade and reduce glare. Wind sensors automatically retract the awning during strong winds, preventing potential damage. This not only improves ease of use but also helps extend the lifespan of the awnings.
Will awnings block natural light inside my home?
No, awnings are designed to reduce harsh direct sunlight and glare rather than eliminate natural light completely. They create a softer, more comfortable level of light inside your home while still allowing you to enjoy bright, open spaces. This makes them ideal for rooms with large windows or bi-fold doors.
Can awnings protect furniture and flooring from sun damage?
Yes, one of the key benefits of awnings is their ability to reduce UV exposure inside your home. Prolonged sunlight can cause fading and damage to furniture, carpets, wooden floors, and soft furnishings. By limiting the amount of UV light entering through your windows, awnings help preserve the appearance and longevity of your interior.
Are awnings worth it for homes in Alresford and Hampshire?
Absolutely. With a mix of bright summer days and low-angle spring sunlight, homes in Alresford and across Hampshire can greatly benefit from awnings. They improve outdoor comfort, reduce indoor heat and glare, and enhance the overall usability of your space throughout the year, making them a valuable long-term investment.