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Press Release

Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain

A' Design Award 2026 Gold Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

24 April 2026

Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain by Kris Lin
Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain by Kris Lin
Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain by Kris Lin
Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain by Kris Lin
Horizon Shade Sunshade Curtain by Kris Lin

Kris Lin · CLIENT: Kris Lin International Design

Horizon Shade is a motorized sunshade system designed for large architectural facades. The system uses a seamless single panel that spans up to 20 meters, serving villa terraces and commercial openings. Precision extruded aluminum profiles, high strength coil tubes, and zipper guided side rails resist bending and keep the fabric stable across the full span. An automatic balancing mechanism regulates tension and prevents distortion. Operation is possible by remote control, wall switch, or smart home system. Shading is treated as an extension of the facade.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
Architectural Scale Shading Innovation,
A motorized shading system for large façades, featuring a seamless 20 m single panel.
Integrating ultra scale, full blackout, and intelligent control, it transforms shading from a product into an architectural system unifying light and spatial experience.

Engineering Meets Architecture
Self balancing, anti bending, modular, and guided resolving deformation across spans.
A structural interface linking façade, daylight, and outdoor space.
Dimensions & Packaging
Designed for Large Scale Opening, Designed for large scale architectural openings, the system achieves a seamless span of up to 20,000 mm, meeting the shading demands of villas, terraces, and commercial facades.

High Performance System Configuration,
The system offers aluminum cassette options of 100 mm, 120 mm, and 140 mm, paired with 70mm or 85 mm reinforced coil tubes. Side guide rails measure approximately 57 mm in width andincorporate zipper guided stabilization. Optional LED lighting modules can be integrated. Thesystem ensures strong wind resistance and stable mechanical performance.
Tags
Sunshade curtains, 20-meter single curtain, intelligent electric curtains, wind and rain sensing system
Production Technology
Precision Engineered Structure,
The system is constructed using precision-extruded aluminum profiles and high strength coil tubes, ensuring excellent resistance to bending and structural stability even at large spans, meeting architectural grade performance requirements.
Patented System Integration,
Core innovations include an automatic balancing system, combined rail down structure, zipper guide track, and hidden anti wrinkle shading mechanism. Outdoor grade fabrics with Grade 8 colorfastness are combined with modular aluminum cassette systems to enable efficient production, stable installation, and long term durability.
Design Challenge
Engineering a 20 Meter, 600 kg System
The primary challenge was achieving structural stability and smooth operation at a 20 meter span,where the system weight reaches approximately 60o kg. At this scale, deformation, uneven tension,and instability become critical risks.
The substantial weight also created significant installation challenges, requiring 5-6 workers tocoordinate precise alignment and assembly on-site, increasing both labor intensity and construction complexity.
Balancing Performance, Installation, and Design
To address these constraints, the design integrates a self-balancing system, reinforced roller tubes,and zipper-guided tracks to ensure structural reliability.
At the same time, a modular and integrated system logic was developed to improve installation efficiency and precision. The project ultimately achieves a balance between engineering performance, construction feasibility, and architectural expression.
Project Duration
This project will commence in Shanghai, China in January 2025 and will be completed in Shanghai, China in August 2025.
Operation Flow
Effortless Smart Control
The system operates via a motorized mechanism and can be controlled through remote control, wall switches, or smart home systems, allowing users to easily adjust shading conditions.
Stable Movement Across 20 Meters
The fabric moves smoothly along the guide rails, with the zipper guided system ensuring stability across the full 20 meter span. The automatic balancing system continuously regulates tension, preventing distortion and ensuring precise and smooth operation, enabling flexible transitions between light and shade.
Research
Researching Ultra-Wide Shading Systems
This research focuses on addressing structural stability challenges in architectural-scale shading systems under large spans. The objective was to develop a system capable of stable operation.
across a 20-meter span.
From Testing to Architectural Application
Through structural analysis, prototyping, and mechanical testing, the performance of aluminum profiles, coil tubes, and guide systems was systematically evaluated. Results demonstrate strong wind resistance, structural stability, and smooth operation, offering a reliable and scalable shading solution for contemporary architecture.
Inspiration
Designed for a 20 Meter Span,

Addressing instability and deformation at 20 meter scales, the system is conceived as an extension of the architectural facade.It transforms shading into a seamless architectural system, combining structural stability with minimal expression.

From Passive Curtain to Responsive System

Adapts to environmental changes, transforming shading into an active, energy-efficient system.
Image Credits
Kris Lin International design
Patents
Kris Lin International design

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