I was just talking about this last week with a Fellow RCer about a small opening screen. I want todo a drop down screen in my living room but I dont want to see the "flap part" Ultimately I'll probably never do it at my home.

Ironically I just walked a job this morning that may require such a thing anyway. Client wants a drop down screen, designer/wife says no go with the traditional screen options and the ugly flap. They would be OK with a "slit" similar to the modern long airvents they have.

Before I go down the route of having to do something custom is there such a thing already on the market?

Thanks!

Yes, you could get a surface mounted screen and mount it to the ceiling joists and have it finished with an access panel with a slit in it. Probably want to make sure about the amount of leader at the top of the screen.

I’ve done the flush mount screen innovation drop down screen. It has a slot that the screen drops down through. Took a bit of work to retro it in. Had to get a carpenter to reframe the ceiling to get it to go in.

[Link: screeninnovations.com]

Not sure how a small slit in the ceiling would work without access from another space to get the screen and motor in position.  If there's attic above it could be possible with a lot of work but how do you get it up there?  If there is another level above maybe some kind of access to the space from the floor above?  Below carpet or a removable wood floor access??

Anything is possible. recess the mounting of the screen 3/4 inch and after you have it set up, then have the drywall guys come back and finish it.

Just be aware that if ans when the screen needs service or replacement, the drywall will need to get torn up.

I have no experience with it, but here is an option.

For access to motors etc... use a large in-ceiling speaker for LCR like these [Link: totemacoustic.com]

We have an installation with a ceiling mount TV where we use one of those totem in-ceilings as the access hole for getting to the lift. Obviously i cant fit in there but any one of you young slender gents should be able to pull it off.

Stewart makes one that comes in several pieces. The can, the screen, and the cover that has the slit built in it. It is for commercial but could be used anywhere.

Thanks Guys, I actually do have access above for service. Clients are aware that this would mean some significant damage later if/when the screen goes regardless.

I didn't think about recessing the screen a bit and covering it with drywall/wood. I would just need to find one that the door doesn't flap down. Looks like the Stewart/epv screens would work!

why do you need a door? Why not mount it to the joist above the ceiling and, with sufficient leader, drop the screen through the slit? Save you and your customer some money.