Doric Products won the coveted ‘Most Innovative Window System’ award at the AUSFENEX19 Design Awards for their Ventus automated plug and play louvre system. This marks Doric’s 5th win of the innovation title at the prestigious awards program – the title recognises creative and original products that specifically take into consideration issues relevant in today’s market, including solar, thermal, noise, security and environmental factors.

A product resulting from a collaboration between Doric and Ventus, the automated plug and play system is a simple-to-install 24V controller that allows louvres and awning chain winders to be controlled via wireless controls.

Ideal for both residential and commercial applications, the automated hardware system can operate up to eight windows on one controller with an infinite number of remotes.

“There is no doubt the Ventus automated plug and play system is a deserving winner. We are so very proud of this product and are thrilled to receive this recognition,” Niels Verhaar, product manager – louvres at Doric said.

“When briefing the design team, we knew we wanted a simple-to-use plug-and-play technology as a true retro option. The automated control system caters to multiple window types and that, most importantly, allows the window fabricator to maintain control from fabrication to installation. Too many times, we were hearing about window fabricators needing to outsource to an electrician or alike.

“The Ventus allows the architect to spec a system that the fabricator can then install, commission, and automate with ease, with no external support required. The fabricator retains their role as a window expert, meaning the end result and the sale revenue belong to the fabricator alone.”

The Ventus automated plug and play system uses quick connector plugs and wireless controls to provide for an easy way to automate multiple openings, including those that may have been considered inaccessible in the past.

By providing greater flexibility in access and control, combined with the system’s automated response to environmental factors including wind, rain, changes in light, smoke and humidity, Doric ensures the end user has greater influence over airflow and temperature, leading to significant savings in power usage and costs while also benefiting the environment.

“Proper ventilation is vital to healthy and comfortable living spaces. The Ventus plug and play takes this one step further by using external signals from the wind, light and rain sensors.

“It allows us to gain greater control of the space, how we vent and how we protect against the elements. The system takes charge of this control even if you’re not there. The perfect harmony between technology and nature,” Verhaar noted.

Additional accessories such as humidity and AC sensors enable the windows to close when the air-conditioning is activated; alternatively, once the room reaches a predetermined temperature, the windows can be reactivated to open again and allow ventilation and airflow.

“At Doric we are constantly working to raise the bar for the industry; our focus is on innovation and how we can produce new or take existing products to create new solutions using the latest technologies – the Ventus plug and play system is no exception. This is the Doric difference,” Verhaar added.

The Ventus automated plug and play system is manufactured using high quality materials and has been rigorously tested above and beyond Australian Standards. Components of the Ventus automated plug and play system have been cycle tested to 30,000 cycles, matching the lifecycle of the building.

The Ventus automated plug and play system has been successfully installed at select buildings and residential properties around Australia over the last 18 months. The system is also being installed in several countries, including the Philippines and Fiji, with projects underway in Malaysia.

“In Australia we have been heavily involved in specifying and creating a system for the NDIS scheme, whilst we are also working on smoke ventilation windows, and tailored systems for commercial schools and office spaces,” Verhaar concluded.

The Ventus plug and play system is compatible with building management systems, CBUS, smoke detection and fire services and can work as a perfect standalone control system.