Subject: Partnership proposal to manufacture affordable window and door shutters for climate resilience
Hello,
I am writing on behalf of Cabinz CIC, a reuse and resilience social enterprise based in Saltney, North Wales, to invite your organisation to help establish or expand the local manufacture, sale and installation of affordable window shutters and, where appropriate, door shutters or removable protective panels.
There is an opportunity for Men’s Sheds, wood-reuse charities, joinery businesses and local councils to work together on a practical climate-adaptation programme. Properly designed shutters can provide several benefits:
- External shading that stops much of the sun’s heat before it passes through the glass.
- Ventilated or louvred shading that reduces direct sunlight while permitting airflow.
- Movable insulated panels that can reduce heat loss through windows during cold weather.
- Additional security and, where products are appropriately engineered and anchored, protection for vulnerable glazed openings during severe weather.
Shutters are already recognised as an overheating-control measure. Welsh Government Approved Document O lists shutters among the fixed shading devices that can be used to limit unwanted summer solar gain. Current public-health guidance also describes external shutters, roller blinds and awnings as effective measures for preparing homes for hot weather.
Cabinz CIC has prepared the attached illustrated concept sheet, “Low Cost Sun Heat Resistant Window Shutters”, showing three possible designs made from readily available materials:
- Full-height solid external shutters for maximum shade, privacy and security.
- Louvre-style shutters that provide shade, diffused light and ventilation.
- Top-hung or “Bahama” shutters that shade high summer sun while allowing the window to remain ventilated.
These illustrations are intended to stimulate local prototyping rather than prescribe a single design.
Materials and assistance available from Cabinz CIC
Cabinz CIC currently has:
- Large stocks of new, low-cost hinges, strap hinges, bolts, screws, brackets and other fittings and fixings available for sale.
- Access to low-cost metal roof sheeting and insulated metal panels, which may be suitable for certain shutter or removable-panel designs, subject to safe design, weight, edge protection and suitable anchoring.
- Experience of supplying local Men’s Sheds with new timber donated by a fencing manufacturing company so that prototype shutters can be made and assessed.
- An interest in helping community organisations develop repairable products that can be manufactured locally rather than relying entirely on imported proprietary systems.
A useful background reference is William K. Langdon’s 1980 book:
Movable Insulation: A Guide to Reducing Heating and Cooling Losses Through the Windows in Your Home
The book explains the principle of using movable window insulation and shading to reduce both heating and cooling losses. Although it was written in the United States and its examples must be adapted to present-day UK buildings, regulations and weather conditions, it remains a valuable source of practical ideas. It can be read or borrowed online through the Internet Archive, normally at no charge, although a free account may be required:
Read Movable Insulation on the Internet Archive
Preparing for El Niño and wider weather risks
The Government Office for Science report “Impacts of El Niño on the UK”, updated on 17 September 2026, says that a significant El Niño is likely towards the end of 2026. It states that, from October to December 2026, there is a slightly increased chance of stronger westerly winds and low-pressure patterns associated with increased storminess, heavy rainfall and flooding. It also identifies a slightly increased risk of easterly or northerly winds and cold snaps during early 2027.
It is important not to exaggerate this forecast. The same report says that the precise effects on UK weather remain uncertain and cannot be confidently predicted, and that the report is scientific advice rather than a statement of government policy. Nevertheless, that uncertainty supports sensible, affordable and “no-regrets” local preparation.
The complete government report is available here:
Government Office for Science: Impacts of El Niño on the UK
Proposed local shutter programme
We ask your organisation to consider participating in a pilot programme with the following objectives:
1. Develop clearly defined products
We suggest developing three separate categories so that householders are not given misleading claims:
- Solar-shading shutters, designed principally to reduce direct summer heat.
- Movable insulated shutters, designed to reduce winter heat loss and improve comfort.
- Engineered storm, security or debris-protection shutters, which must use appropriately designed frames, hinges, fasteners and wall fixings.
Simple feather-edge fencing-panel shutters should initially be described as shading or prototype shutters—not as storm-rated or impact-resistant products—unless they have been professionally assessed and adequately tested.
2. Locate households and premises that could benefit
Councils, charities, housing providers and community organisations could use lawful, consent-based referral routes to identify:
- Older and disabled residents.
- People with heart, breathing or other health conditions that make overheating especially dangerous.
- Low-income households unable to afford conventional cooling or proprietary shutter systems.
- Top-floor flats and homes with large east-, west- or south-facing windows.
- Exposed homes and small businesses with vulnerable glazed openings.
- Food banks, community centres, Men’s Sheds and other premises that may be needed during an emergency.
- Buildings that have previously experienced wind damage, overheating, flooding-related disruption or extended power cuts.
Government heat guidance specifically identifies older people, young children, socially isolated residents and people with long-term health conditions as groups at greater risk during hot weather.
3. Establish a local manufacturing network
Different partners could contribute according to their skills:
- Men’s Sheds could build prototypes, make standard-sized shutters and provide practical training.
- Wood-reuse charities could recover, inspect, prepare and supply suitable timber.
- Joinery companies could develop durable production designs, jigs, frames, quality controls and professional installation services.
- Councillors and councils could convene partners, identify small grants, provide workshop space, support referrals and help establish reduced-price schemes for vulnerable residents.
- Local colleges and training providers could use the project to teach joinery, fabrication, repair and climate-adaptation skills.
The aim should not be to undermine existing joinery businesses. It should create additional local demand, training and employment while establishing a subsidised or cost-price route for people who would otherwise be unable to afford protection.
4. Run a small, measurable pilot
A practical first stage could involve:
- Surveying 10 to 20 suitable properties or community premises.
- Producing several standard designs and one or two bespoke designs.
- Recording material costs, manufacturing time and installation time.
- Monitoring indoor temperatures before and after solar shutters are installed.
- Obtaining feedback on ease of operation, ventilation, daylight, security and appearance.
- Inspecting the shutters after winter weather and strong winds.
- Publishing the results so other communities can reproduce successful designs.
Safety and regulatory requirements
Safety must be central to the project. Any external shutter can become dangerous in high winds if it is too weak, inadequately latched or attached to unsuitable masonry or timber.
Design and installation should therefore take account of:
- Local wind exposure and the condition of the building.
- Suitable hinges, stays, bolts, frames, anchors and corrosion-resistant fixings.
- The weight and safe operation of timber, steel or insulated-panel shutters.
- Protection from sharp metal edges and finger-entrapment points.
- Fire escape, ventilation, daylight and access requirements.
- Planning controls affecting listed buildings, conservation areas and some commercial frontages.
- The needs of residents who may have limited strength, reach or mobility.
- A secure method of holding shutters fully open and fully closed.
No shutter, grille or security panel should obstruct a required escape window or exit. Welsh building guidance specifically warns that external shading and security measures must not conflict with means-of-escape requirements, and it contains additional precautions for louvred shutters and child safety.
Cabinz CIC would welcome an opportunity to meet representatives of your organisation, show the available hardware and materials, discuss prototype designs and explore how a local pilot could be organised.
This is a practical project that could combine climate adaptation, reuse, community workshop skills, local employment, household energy efficiency and emergency preparedness. A relatively modest partnership could create an affordable product and service that is currently difficult for many households and small organisations to obtain.
Please let us know whether you could nominate a person to discuss this proposal with Cabinz CIC.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Ridley
Director
Cabinz CIC
Saltney, North Wales
