The Predikheren in Mechelen is a former 17th-century monastery that has undergone a complete renovation in recent years. The monumental building, listed as protected heritage since 1979, has been transformed into a cultural hotspot featuring a library and a hotel. One of the most striking features of the Predikheren are its large arched windows, characteristic of historic monastic architecture. The client was looking for solar shading for these arched windows that could effectively block sunlight without compromising the building’s architectural character.

The main contractor approached our Belgian partner Tendacor to develop a system that met high aesthetic and functional requirements. The solar shading needed to fit perfectly onto the arched windows, be suitable for acoustic spaces, and be equipped with motors without remote controls. Together with Tendacor, we developed a tailor-made solution using our GJ–MW Round screens, the ideal solar shading solution for arched windows. To convince the client, a mock-up was first built and thoroughly tested. Our fabrication partner SolFaction accepted the challenge of processing acoustic fabrics – normally unsuitable for rolling systems – into a curved, rounded shape. Due to the fabric’s thickness (approx. 0.90 mm) and the specific tension exerted on the material, we tested various mounting and fabrication methods. Ultimately, custom carbon battens were extruded specifically for this project, precisely calculated to prevent overlapping when rolling up on the tube.

The mock-up successfully convinced the client, after which a total of 24 solar shading screens were produced. These are fitted with Alphalia Silent composite fabrics from Serge Ferrari, known for their high sound absorption. The screens were successfully installed by Tendacor in the summer of 2024. The result is a technically and aesthetically refined shading system that integrates seamlessly with the unique architecture of the Predikheren – a fusion of heritage, design, and innovation.