Automatically managing shades throughout the day sounds simple in theory, but achieving the right balance of natural light, glare reduction, comfort, energy efficiency, and homeowner convenience is a complex challenge. As the sun’s position changes from sunrise to sunset, shading systems must continuously adapt to maintain ideal indoor conditions without requiring constant user intervention.
In this CE Pro interview, Senior Editor Nick Boever sits down with Clint Childress, Director of Residential Markets at Draper, Inc., to discuss TourneSol, Draper’s new heliotropic shading solution, and the company’s latest IntelliFlex I/O DC control platform designed to simplify intelligent shade automation.
“Just like a sunflower tracks the sun as it moves across the sky, TourneSol continuously adjusts your motorized shades based on the sun’s position to manage direct light in a natural, intuitive way,” explains Childress.
Childress explains TourneSol’s heliotropic technology allows it to make subtle adjustments throughout the day to optimize daylight while reducing glare and harsh direct sunlight with the system being designed to help homeowners maintain comfortable indoor environments, protect furnishings from UV exposure, and support overall wellness through more natural lighting conditions.
The conversation also explores the role of Draper’s IntelliFlex I/O DC control platform, which serves as the foundation for TourneSol’s automated functionality. Childress discusses how the low-voltage architecture simplifies installation by delivering both power and communication over CAT5e cabling, eliminating many of the complexities associated with traditional motorized shading systems. The result is a cleaner installation process, quieter operation, and a platform that can scale from a single room to an entire home.
Boever and Childress also examine the homeowner experience, including TourneSol’s virtually imperceptible automated movements, responsive manual overrides, and integration flexibility with broader smart home ecosystems. Together, TourneSol and IntelliFlex I/O DC represent Draper’s vision for shading systems that work proactively in the background, delivering a more intuitive, comfortable, and connected living environment.
