Natural light can be a powerful way to create a healthier and happier environment. It can also cause a distracting glare and make a room uncomfortably warm. Solar shading is one way to mitigate the negative impact of daylight whilst taking advantage of its benefits.
What is solar shading?
Solar shading is a form of ‘daylighting’, which is the term used to refer to the range of strategies used to take advantage of natural light without causing excess glare and heat. In the case of solar shading, the aim is to ensure sunlight can still enter the building in colder, darker times but does not cause overheating when the weather brightens. This can be achieved with fixed devices or dynamic devices that adjust.
Examples of solar shading include drapes, curtains, automated blinds, screens, overhangs, canopies, balconies, electrochromic glass/smart glass, and Brise Soleil. Brise soleil, also known as a sunshade or louvre, is a series of blades in different patterns fixed permanently to the outside of a building. Trees and other foliage can also be incorporated as part of solar shading.
Why is solar shading important?
There are a range of advantages to solar shading; for example, it makes a property more energy efficient by using natural light, thereby reducing reliance on artificial sources, and by regulating the temperature, thereby minimising the need for air conditioning. This increased efficiency will also lower energy costs; what’s more, it will do so without sacrificing valued features such as large windows. The overall impact is a more comfortable space for living and working.
The presence of solar shading features can also have an impact on the overall aesthetic of a building. In addition to its practical purpose, it can be used to make a visual statement and add character. It is therefore important to consider this aspect when choosing any form of solar shading.
If you want to take advantage of big windows and natural sunlight whilst controlling the glare and temperature inside your building, solar shading can be an effective option.
