Brise soleil or solar shading is a way to keep buildings cool without mechanical intervention. By shutting out excessive sunlight, it can prevent too much solar gain. How does it work and why is it important? This blog will explain.
What is brise soleil?
It is an architectural feature on a building that cuts out direct sunlight when it is at its strongest. It doesn’t block light though and still allows sunlight to enter when it is at its lower levels – morning, evenings and in the winter. This is beneficial to provide solar gain when it is needed but not during the height of summer.
Why do architects need to consider brise soleil?
Heat gain through an unshaded window can be as much as 700 watts/m. As the temperature rises, so do the costs of air conditioning and cooling systems. By using TEK solar shading (brise soleil), heat gain can be reduced to as little as 119 watts/m.
Part O of the Building regulations are designed to prevent overheating. Passive cooling is both energy efficient and better for the environment. Brise soleil provides shade, keeps buildings cooler, therefore, negating the need for air conditioning and other mechanical cooling systems. In addition to providing a more comfortable temperature for users of the building, brise soleil can also reduce glare which is beneficial in offices where screens are used. Often blinds get pulled and lights put on which further impacts on energy usage.
Where should solar shading be positioned?
Brise soleil is most effective when it is positioned on south facing elevations where solar gain is at its highest. Horizontal brise soleil blocks the sun when it is high in the sky, during summer and allows it to enter when it is lower (in winter, later in the day). On the East and West facing facades, vertical brise soleil can be used to good effect to block early morning and evening sun. It is also possible to implement brise soleil that is adjustable in order to follow the sun.
Aesthetics of brise soleil (solar shading)
Brise soleil is usually made of aluminium or timber. Aluminium is a great all round material and lends a contemporary air to the building’s aesthetic. It is also fire resistant, strong and resistant to corrosion.
There are numerous aesthetic benefits to brise soleil. Architects can choose a design that complements the building or one that is visually striking and uniquely different. Colour and shapes can be used to great effect to provide a stand-out building. Depth and shadows can also be created using brise soleil, playing with light and reflection. The repetition in design also provides architectural rhythm.
If you would like to explore our solar shading solutions, get in touch. We are based in the West Midlands and manufacture onsite which means we can respond quickly to our customers on and off-site.
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