Zip screen curtains have become the standard specification for hotel terrace enclosures worldwide. From Gastgarten in Munich to beach clubs in Dubai and rooftop bars in New York, the zip screen system delivers weather protection, UV control and privacy without sacrificing the open character of an outdoor terrace. This guide covers everything a hotel designer, procurement manager or architect needs to specify a zip screen system correctly.
What Is a Zip Screen Curtain?
A zip screen curtain is a motorized or manually operated side curtain where the fabric is locked into aluminum side channels via a continuous zip cord along both vertical edges. This zip-channel system prevents the fabric from billowing, lifting or losing tension in wind — the fundamental failure mode of conventional side curtains and drop blinds above 30–40 km/h.
The fabric rolls onto a motorized tube housed in a top cassette. When retracted, nothing is visible except the slim side channels and a cassette at the top — a clean, architectural appearance that suits premium hotel environments. When deployed, the fabric creates a sealed wall: rainproof, wind-resistant to 140 km/h and UV-blocking to 97%, while maintaining outward visibility depending on fabric openness factor chosen.
Fabric Selection for Hotels
| Fabric Type | UV Block | Transparency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC-coated polyester (solid) | 97–99% | Opaque | Rain + wind enclosure, maximum privacy |
| Fiberglass mesh (1% open) | 90–95% | Slight view through | Glare + UV, maintains view |
| Fiberglass mesh (3–5% open) | 75–85% | Semi-transparent | View preservation + solar control |
| Clear PVC (transparent) | 30–50% | Clear view | Maximum visibility, winter enclosure |
For hotel applications, the most common specification is 1% open fiberglass mesh in a neutral tone (grey, beige or off-white). This fabric maintains outward views for guests while blocking 90–95% of UV radiation — reducing glare for daytime dining without making the terrace feel enclosed. For evening use and complete privacy, solid PVC fabric provides a fully opaque wall that doubles as a projection surface for ambient visuals.
Sizing and Layout for Hotel Terraces
A single zip screen unit can cover up to 6,000mm width and 5,000mm drop in a single run. For wider or taller openings, multiple units are installed side by side with a shared intermediate channel post. For hotel terraces with columns or irregular geometry, units are sized individually between structural elements — the system adapts to any plan shape.
For terrace openings above 4,000mm width, we recommend specifying a dual-motor unit with two separate fabric rolls meeting in the center — this reduces motor load, improves wind performance and allows the terrace to be partially opened from one side.
Integration with Bioclimatic Pergola Overhead
The most common hotel terrace specification pairs zip screen side curtains with a bioclimatic pergola overhead. The pergola roof handles vertical weather and solar control; the zip screens complete the enclosure at the sides. Both systems can be controlled from a single wall panel or integrated into the hotel BMS (Building Management System) via Somfy TaHoma or KNX protocol.
All zip screen side channels are designed to accept the same mounting bracket system as the bioclimatic pergola structural posts — so the complete system installs to the same frame with a unified visual appearance and single trade installation.
We provide BOQ-ready pricing, shop drawings and full technical packages for hotel procurement teams. Send your project brief for a complete specification response within 72 hours.
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