A Conversation with TARAL TRIVEDI, MD, Somfy India In an exclusive conversation with Homes & Buildings, Taral Trivedi, Managing Director of Somfy India, shares his perspectives on India’s evolving smart home landscape, the challenges of affordability, and the growing intersection of sustainability, technology, and comfort.
Is the Indian consumer ready for fully integrated smart homes, or does modular adoption remain dominant? How is Somfy catering to this evolving demand?
The Indian market, being quite pricesensitive, is still not fully ready for complete end-to-end smart home solutions. Presently, modular adoption dominates, with integration largely
limited to lighting, shading, and AV systems. At Somfy, our business extends beyond motorisation and automation. For over 50 years, our pioneering spirit has been rooted in
delivering comfort and convenience. We are proud that Somfy Smart Shading now operates on Zigbee® 3.0, ensuring seamless interoperability. This global IoT standard creates an
ecosystem where products work effortlessly together, easing integration for manufacturers, installers, and end users. Being a part of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Somfy remains committed to developing open, secure, and scalable solutions for connected living.
Affordability often remains a barrier to adoption. How is Somfy
making smart home technologies more accessible to a broader market segment?
Recognising this challenge, we introduced affordable solutions such as Retractable Curtain Tracks and entry-level curtain motors. These products are designed for quick, effortless installation and are priced accessibly, without compromising on quality. For example, our retractable tracks can motorise curtains up to four metres wide and 20 kilograms in weight, while our entry-level motors can handle up to 10 metres and 35 kilograms. Backed by a three-year warranty, these innovations make smart shading solutions available to a wider audience.
Sustainability is becoming central to architecture and urban living. How is Somfy aligning its innovation roadmap with India’s sustainability goals?
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Somfy’s DNA. Climate change and A Conversation with TARAL TRIVEDI, MD, Somfy India In an exclusive conversation with Homes & Buildings, Taral Trivedi, Managing Director of Somfy India, shares his perspectives on India’s evolving smart home landscape, the challenges of affordability, and the growing intersection of sustainability, technology, and comfort. 97 the urgent need to cut CO2 emissions have fundamentally altered the way buildings are designed. Our solutions are centred around three pillars: dynamic insulation, natural light management, and natural ventilation. Motorised solar shading, for instance, optimises thermal exchanges, keeping
interiors cooler and reducing reliance on air conditioning. Natural light management improves occupant comfort while cutting down artificial lighting needs, and automated
windows promote ventilation without excessive energy use. Moreover, through our Act for
Green initiative, 80% of Somfy’s products today meet strict eco-design standards, reducing environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
Older buildings often pose challenges when integrating
smart technologies. What retrofitfriendly innovations does Somfy offer for legacy properties?
We have specifically designed solutions for such challenges. Our Retractable Curtain Tracks and battery-operated WireFree motors allow easy retrofitting without the need for extensive civil works or rewiring. These battery-powered options offer six to nine months of autonomy and can be fully recharged overnight. Installation is quick and hassle-free, and radio control technology enables seamless wireless operation, making smart upgrades accessible even in older homes.
Developers are increasingly looking for differentiation. How does Somfy collaborate with real estate projects, and when should automation ideally be integrated?
Our approach to project collaboration is end-to-end — from design build to product specification, installation, and commissioning. Early integration is crucial. When involved during the design phase, we can optimise motorisation quantities, advise on façade symmetry, and reduce capital and operational costs. A case in point is a recent partnership
with a global EDA solutions provider, where we designed a dynamic solar shading system with flexible local controls. Using our Sonesse 50 UQ motors, we operated two blinds with a
single motor, delivering high acoustic performance and energy efficiency without inflating costs. Seamless execution across design, installation, and post-commissioning phases has become a Somfy hallmark.
Finally, how do you see the role of smart automation evolving in India’s homes in the coming years?
Smart automation is no longer a luxury; it is fast becoming an expectation. Indian consumers are increasingly aware of the value it brings — from energy savings to improved comfort and sustainability. Somfy’s vision is to enable homes that not only offer luxury and convenience but also contribute meaningfully to greener, more resilient urban living. We believe the future of smart homes will be defined by simplicity, sustainability, and seamless experiences — and Somfy is proud to be shaping that future.
