Evolve Zero is Here! 5 Things You Need to Know...

1: Evolve® Zero means zero deflection

The blinds industry has always had a problem with tube deflection. In simple terms, tube deflection occurs when the central tube of a roller blind bends or sags under the weight of the blind attached to it. Because of this, the blind fabric sags, which causes visible V-shaped ripples or ‘smiles’.

In the past, countering deflection was a process to find an end result that was acceptable for the client. Getting a perfectly flat, non-sagging fabric on wide roller blinds was effectively impossible. 

The patented anti-gravity compensation system at the heart of Evolve® Zero counters deflection with never-before-seen results. We’re able to achieve less than 1mm of deflection on a previously impossible 5 metres width with a 44mm tube. 

In contrast, the largest width Umbra was previously able to manufacture was 4 metres wide on a 75mm tube, which would still result in 3-4mm of deflection (depending on the fabric).

2: Wider Roller Blinds Than Ever Before

Over the past decade, large glazing areas have become a staple of modern architecture; offering amazing natural light intake and panoramic views. However, shading these large glazed areas has always been a challenge. In the past, you could either:

Shade the window with multiple separate blind units, leaving a light/privacy gap between each blind. 

Opt for a wide-enough blind, which would need to be mounted on an enormous tube. This way you eliminate gaps, but deflection would still be present to a certain degree. Moreover, these massive tubes are usually too big for the concealment space above the window and are too unsightly to be on show in a residential setting. 

Neither of these solutions is ideal: you’re either compromising on privacy and light intrusion or you’re settling for a large, unsightly tube with sagging fabric. 

Evolve® Zero solves both of these issues. With its patented Zoomtech® anti-deflection technology, Umbra can deliver blinds capable of spanning wide areas of glazing with zero deflection with a single, gapless blind. 

If aesthetics are a top priority, no other product performs across wide spans like Evolve® Zero

3: Smaller tube size = easier concealment

Speaking of modern architectural trends, blind concealment has become another staple of glazing areas in contemporary interiors. 

Blind concealment boxes are designed to hide roller blind systems, keeping them out of sight until they’re needed. 

However, these concealment spaces are usually too small for the tube size required to span the width of a large window. 

Now though, thanks to Evolve® Zero’s ability to perform on smaller tube sizes, the roller blind fits perfectly in most commonly specified concealment spaces.  

4: The function of Zero with the style of Evolve®

Since launching in 2022, Umbra’s Evolve® roller blind system has become famous with our clients for its style and simplicity. 

With 6 sophisticated hardware colour options, a wide array of fabrics and a minimalistic design, Evolve® Zero excels at both form and function.  

5: Optimised for automation

Like our standard Evolve® range, Evolve® Zero is optimised for motorisation and automation. 

We recommend hardwiring your blinds to a mains power supply wherever possible. However, hardwiring is unfeasible in many situations and a battery-powered motor is available. 

Thanks to its small tube size, Evolve® Zero can be motorised by a quiet battery-powered motor on any size all the way up to 5m wide.  

Evolve® Zero is a true innovation in roller blinds. 

We at Umbra know only too well that the word ‘revolutionary’ and ‘innovative’ are overused to describe new products. Evolve® Zero isn’t one of them. 

For years, the issue of tube deflection has been a problem unsolved; seemingly impossible to fix. Something that required a level of reluctant acceptance by the client. 

Evolve® Zero solves several problems associated with roller blinds in one fell swoop. We believe it’s the ultimate shading innovation for modern architecture. Umbra is proud to be the only UK manufacturer with the ability to produce roller blinds with Zoomtech® inside.