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How Lutron Shades Grew with a Family's Needs
When Great Technology Proves Itself, Expansion Becomes Inevitable
Sometimes the best endorsement for a technology solution comes not from reviews or specifications, but from daily living. When we installed motorized shades in one room of this beautiful home, the clients experienced firsthand how automated window treatments could improve their comfort and privacy. What started as a targeted solution for morning glare in their great room gradually became a whole-home system as they discovered new ways the technology could enhance their lifestyle.
The Smart Foundation: Planning During Construction
The original requirement was straightforward—large windows in the great room were creating uncomfortable morning light conditions. Since the home was still under construction, we had the luxury of planning the installation properly from the start.
We installed hardwired Lutron Sivoia QS shades connected to a RadioRa3 system that also controlled the home's lighting. The clients chose dark fabric that effectively managed light levels while preserving their beautiful outdoor views. With all the wiring completed during construction, the finished installation was well-integrated and worked well from day one.
Living with the System: Good Technology Sells Itself
After moving in and experiencing the automated shades daily, the clients quickly appreciated benefits they hadn't initially considered. The programmable schedules provided privacy exactly when needed, and the integration with their lighting enabled easy ambiance control throughout different times of day.
As they settled into their routines, they began noticing other windows throughout the house where similar control would be valuable. Bedrooms and other areas could take full advantage of natural light, enhance privacy, and better maintain consistent temperatures. The request came naturally: could we add more shades to match what they loved in the great room?
The Expansion Challenge: Lutron's Flexibility Shines
Here's where many other shading systems would hit a wall—and put some holes in it too. The shades they wanted to add weren't pre-wired during construction, and running new electrical would mean opening walls and significant disruption.
Lutron's solution was elegant: battery-powered Sivoia QS shades that integrate seamlessly with the existing RadioRa3 system. We added upper window treatments to the original great room using battery power while the lower shades remained hardwired, and the system treats them as one unified installation. The battery-powered units, custom-cut to fit unique openings, house D-batteries that last approximately four years. The same approach was used for the additional shades the client wanted to add.
Most importantly, all the shades—whether battery or hardwired—work together through the same Lutron Pico wireless remote controls and automated schedules. The client can't tell the difference between power sources, and neither can guests.
Lutron Made It Easy
Avidia president Matthew Cwiokowski pointed out, "If we had used a different product, we would have been stuck." Most shading manufacturers can't seamlessly blend battery and hardwired systems, forcing clients to choose between more invasive wiring work or settling for mismatched solutions.
Lutron's RadioRa3 platform treats all connected shades as part of one system, regardless of power source. This flexibility turned what could have been a complicated retrofit into a simple expansion that perfectly matched the original installation.
Want to explore how motorized shading can adapt to your changing needs? Contact Avidia here or click the chatbox below to discuss your project.