Enviroblinds is proud to have partnered with Kier Construction to deliver a specialist shading solution for Kirkland House Autism Unit, a new development commissioned by Leeds County Council. The site, formerly Kirkland House care home, now provides modern accommodation for adults with severe learning disabilities and autism, featuring six single-storey residential units and dedicated staff facilities.
Meeting Unique Challenges in Mental Health Environments
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for residents was essential. Traditional internal blinds can pose risks in mental health settings, as they may be tampered with or used in ways that could cause self-harm. To address this, external blackout blinds were specified for the project.
Our external blinds are designed with safety and durability in mind. The blackout fabric is secured to the guide rails using an integrated zip system, deterring removal or damage. Tamper-proof silicone seals and additional fixings ensure the blinds remain securely in place, even when exposed to external forces. For ease of use, each pair of motorised blinds is operated by a single wall switch, simplifying controls for both residents and staff.
Enhancing Comfort and Wellbeing
Beyond safety, external blinds offer significant benefits in terms of thermal and visual comfort. By reducing solar gain, they help maintain a cooler indoor environment—an important factor in mental health settings. References to research published in The Lancet Planetary Health on the 13th October 2025 highlights that temperatures above 27°C can reduce sleep quality and increase the risk of self-harm. By mitigating overheating, our blinds contribute to a healthier, more comfortable living space.
This project supports Leeds City Council’s “Best City Ambition,” which aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals with high care needs. External shading is a key part of this strategy, providing both safety and comfort for vulnerable residents.
Why Choose Enviroblinds?
Enviroblinds specialises in robust external shading solutions which can be adapted for mental health environments. Our products are engineered to meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and user comfort—making them the ideal choice for healthcare, education, and residential care settings.
Outdoor Roller Shades | Stylish External Screens
#externalblinds #blackoutblinds #healthcarearchitecture #mentalhealthdesign
