Brise soleil design considerations – A guide to designing Solar Shading with style.

Brise soleil design considerations

The popularity of brise soleil continues to rise substantially year on year and, what started out as a very utilitarian approach to soar shading more than a millennia ago, over time, has been modified and adapted to incorporate more sophisticated designs and detailing.
No longer restricted to straight horizontal and vertical lines, specialised designers and manufacturers create custom screens and louvres in many sizes and shapes that add visual drama to any structure

Brise soleil Form and function

‘Form follows function’ is a theory suggesting that the purpose of something – specifically a building – should be the starting point for its design rather than its aesthetics. It’s a maxim associated with modernist architects in the early-20th century including Le Corbusier with his dictum “a house is a machine for living,”. He was one of the leading advocates for studying the effects of the sun and sunlight on contemporary buildings and an innovator in passive energy control – combining the aesthetic and performance virtues of brise soleil in his Modernist designs. Le Corbusier first used brise soleil on multi-storey buildings in the 1930s, formed from concrete to create a unique identity for his buildings.
Since the first brise soleil system was installed over a millennia ago, the necessity to provide shade has increased and with credit given to Le Corbusier for his ground-breaking research and design, brise soleil has been redesigned to become an integral part of modern architectural design. Although Le Corbusier was very much a follower of Functionalism, he effectively paved the way for brise soleil to become more than a utilitarian aspect of building design. Contemporary brise soleil offers both function and form but doesn’t have to serve a purpose other than bringing character to a building encompassing many options and possibilities which need careful consideration.

Kerb appeal

Offering the possibility of a completely bespoke system, has resulted in brise soleil becoming as desirable as the large expanses of glazing that are a popular feature of modern architecture. Brise soleil itself is considered an important architectural feature – as a decorative aspect enhancing an edifice whilst serving an important purpose.
As the statistics concerning the climate crisis highlight the continued rise in global temperatures, it has become imperative to tackle, not only minimising our impact on the environment going forward but how we live with the climate as it stands. As population grows and development land becomes increasingly scarce – with green areas rightly protected, high rise buildings are taking precedence and brise soleil is proving to be pivotal in the design and construction of these structures.
Artificial methods of climate control use vital resources and as they age, they need more regular maintenance. When considering aesthetics, they can be unsightly and do nothing for much sought after kerb appeal. This is where brise soleil, with all its configurations and design possibilities can make a very attractive addition, creating a visually unique building. Successful property owners, whether from centuries ago or today, have understood that appearance directly impacts the financial success of a property. Buildings incorporating brise soleil can increase their desirability and create a significant marketing opportunity with a unique selling point.

Brise soleil design considerations

Whilst brise soleil, if used solely for a functional purpose, is most effective against the summer sun on an exposed south-facing elevation of a building there is no reason why it shouldn’t also be fitted to other areas and structures as a decorative feature or used as a method of screening, perhaps concealing an ugly or dated façade. In some cases, decorative brise soleil panels have even been used internally as a feature or screen.

Brise soleil has become popular for its flexibility of design and variability of construction materials facilitating a distinctive and unique look – perhaps providing a more contemporary appearance, to distinguish it from copy-cat structures (as in the case of Le Corbusier) or to accentuate the style of the building. Custom design and manufacturing incorporating bespoke colours, shapes and patterns allow a continuation of a colour scheme, theme, style or corporate brand from the interior of the building to the exterior. Brise soleil offers reasonably priced, adaptable and customisable solutions without the disruption, inconvenience or expense of a major overhaul. Whether the desired effect is a spectacular statement or a subtle enhancement to a building, there are factors to bear in mind when considering the aesthetic qualities of brise soleil.

Below is a list of design considerations when choosing brise soleil:

• Feature –
  Although installing and removing/replacing brise soleil may be much easier than a complete exterior overhaul, it is built to last, therefor brise soleil design is an important consideration. For example, how much of a design feature is the brise soleil system going to be? Whether commercial or residential, there is the option to incorporate a more understated brise soleil system that subtly accentuates the exterior, whilst diffusing the glare of the sun, or create a wow factor with a bold design that will stand out as a focal point of the building.
• Shapes –
  Don’t be afraid to get creative with shapes, patterns and forms. Brise soleil does not have to follow rigid, straight lines. It can be curved/bowed/arched, staggered, twisted, angled and used to create wave formations and patterns. Highly creative brise soleil design can entirely conceal an ugly or outdated façade. Depending on deign intent it can imply a sense of movement, the ethereal, or space-age futurism. It can help to conceal an uninspiring rectilinear building – almost defying the observer to believe that there is a building underneath.View Solinear’s Walthamstow Hall bespoke curved brise soleil project
• Materials –
  When choosing materials, it is advisable to extensively research options and consult with the experts as brise soleil is built to last it is vital that the manufacturing material is appropriate. Whilst some prefer the more sleek, contemporary, industrial appearance of steel or aluminium, others consider it ‘cold’ and prefer the natural warmth of timber…Aluminium and steel are favoured because they are strong yet lightweight as well as fire-resistant and therefore ideal for large expanses of brise soleil. They are also extremely versatile allowing manufacturing in a variety of shapes and anodised and powder-coated to offer endless design possibilities incorporating multiple colours and effects. Options also include a highly realistic timber effect brise soleil.
  Although aluminium and steel are favoured because of their light weight and strength, they are also considered less environmentally friendly compared to other options and prices can fluctuate.View Solinear’s Majestic bespoke bronze finish aluminium brise soleil project
  View Solinear’s The Wullcomb bespoke vertical aluminium brise soleil projectTimber is popular as it can be a more sustainable option compared to other materials such as steel. The nature of timber is that it varies in shade and grain and looks inviting and warm; adding character to what could be an otherwise stark building and where aluminium’s appearance may be considered too industrial.Western red cedar is specified more often than other species of wood for its appearance, durability and sustainability.

  It is worth bearing in mind, however, that supply lead times can be longer for timber. Compared to aluminium and steel, timber is weightier therefor necessitating stronger fixings and it requires fire retardancy treatment (especially for buildings 18m + high), adding time and cost to the project. A characteristic of timber is that it contains knots and imperfections and is prone to aging, fading or weathering – a desirable feature for some but too inconsistent in appearance for others.
  View Solinear’s ‘The Clubhouse’ Pavilion bespoke chestnut vertical fin brise soleil project
  View Solinear’s Darwin House bespoke western red cedar brise soleil project

  Depending on the purpose of the fixture and the creative intent of the designer, brise soleil can also be manufactured from stainless and galvanised steel, perforated mesh, bamboo, fabric sunsails, plastic and even coloured/textured glass, concrete (self-supporting) space-age fabrics.

  As development of alternative materials continues, modern composites are also an option including Solinear’s Resina. Resembling the grain and character of timber, Resina is an advanced, environmentally sustainable, fibre reinforced hybrid material produced from approximately 60% rice husks, 22% common salt and 18% mineral oil. Resina is available in a variety of shades and colours, ranging from muted naturals to bold hues, making it ideal for those choosing a more sustainable option as well as anyone wanting to create a striking feature.

   

• Colour –
  The availability of coloured brise soleil opens up endless possibilities for bespoke design. As mentioned, Solinear’s aluminium and steel brise soleil is anodised and powder-coated, protecting it from the elements as well potentially incorporating multiple colours and designs including a highly realistic timber effect brise soleil.
  The paint used to coat the brise soleil louvres comes in a wide range of colours and is grouped under the name RAL.
  Coloured brise soleil should be given careful consideration as this process can be costly if mistakes are made, for example, the RAL colour has been incorrectly supplied by the client or the RAL colour was not what the client was expecting. To mitigate these problems Solinear can offer coloured samples, however, this may be chargeable. Alternatively, it is advisable to obtain a printed RAL colour chart from a Solinear representative or local decorator’s merchant to see what the colour looks like. If matching to existing coloured exterior features, ask the supplier for a RAL colour to get an exact match.Find out more by visiting RAL Color Chart | www.RALcolor.com
  View Solinear’s Lister House bespoke coloured brise soleil project
  View Solinear’s Washwood Heath Academy bespoke colour brise soleil project
• Details –
  Alongside colour variations, advancements in manufacturing has resulted in the capacity to produce louvres incorporating a variety of finishes including perforations, patterns and printed to a client’s specifications creating a truly unique, customised brise soleil system.View Solinear’s Caterham School bespoke mesh brise soleil project
• Enviornment and geography –
  Location can impact brise soleil design. Coastal conditions, climate, exposure to harsh weather, pollutants – these can influence the structure and manufacturing material of the brise soleil required.
• Fixtures and fittings –
  Fixture, fittings and accessories can either be finished with a standard powder coating or can also be customised to suit a bespoke system.
  There is also the option of secret fixings to give the appearance of a ‘floating’ brise soleil system. If an uninterrupted flow of louvre blades is preferred the system can be fitted in such a way so as to provide a continuous, unbroken, seamless appearance.View Solinear’s Monks Cross bespoke seamless brise soleil project
• Maintenance and preservation –
  Regardless of purpose, material or environment, brise soleil will inevitably require a degree of maintenance and cleaning to extend its life and aesthetic value. Maintenance instructions are available.
  Concerns regarding preservation of brise soleil aesthetics in vulnerable locations can be addressed with measures such as an anti-graffiti coating.
• Cost –
  Understandably cost can influence design. The cost of brise soleil can vary considerably from hundreds of pounds for a more basic system to hundreds of thousands for a tailored solution. Cost can depend on a variety of factors including quantity, materials, manufacturing and any bespoke requirements, installation and the hiring and transportation of specialised equipment.
• Timescale and availability –
  Depending on design requirements allow for potentially lengthy lead times especially if a more intricate, bespoke brise soleil system is required. Material, manufacturing and any custom requirements will influence time and availability.

Custom brise soleil design service

For those looking for something a bit different that doesn’t fit Solinear’s standard designs, a more bespoke design service is available. In some situations, an architect may have specified a certain style of brise soleil for a building to achieve visual impact or custom brise soleil may be required to fit a specific shape, projection or angle. Solinear is proud to offer a wide-ranging selection of visually attractive brise soleil systems with a unique choice of profiles. Solinear’s design team have dedicated considerable time and effort to the development of some of the best profiles on the market to achieve optimum system performance in terms of aesthetics and shading alongside structural integrity.
It’s also worth noting that Solinear’s uses the latest technology to design and analyse new products, using 3D printing for samples and models to ensure everything is to Solinear’s exacting standards before production starts.

If a bespoke profile is required to create a truly unique look or off-the-shelf just will not do for then contact Solinear. Whatever the circumstances, Solinear is ready to take up the challenge with the brise soleil design team on hand to discuss requirements and expand on any of the points mentioned, offering experience and knowledge, helpful advice and suggestions.