Erratic weather and the need for solar shading.
Numerous people will have heard the phrase ‘four seasons in one day’ – and besides being the title of a popular song, it is a regular comment on the erratic weather that occurs in Melbourne, Australia and is becoming more and more pertinent to weather in the UK. In the space of a few of hours we can experience freezing temperatures and snow followed by the intense heat from sun. Sudden, tumultuous storms wreak havoc and then dissipate as quickly as they arrived making way for bright, clear blue skies and warm sunshine. With such changeable weather it could be time to consider brise soleil to help temper the environment inside your building.
Solar shading – a significant benefit
Obviously, there is no on/off switch for the weather – and quite rightly so – imagine the disagreements for a start! So, when the sky turns a dark dishwater grey, the usual reaction is to switch lights on, however, when the gloom dissipates a few moments later, making way for bright sunshine; the artificial light is no longer required therefore it’s necessary to turn the lights off again and close curtains or blinds. This scenario could happen several times a day. The same principle applies to controlling the temperature in a quickly changing climate; when it becomes unbearably hot or bone-chillingly cold, people will inevitably turn to artificial methods of creating a more comfortable locale. Physically, people can experience discomfort and suffer because of continual and rapid changes in artificial heating and cooling.
Whilst these methods are becoming more and more efficient as technology evolves, they can still be a drain on vital resources and the environment, and, as energy prices rise, the consumer could find themselves with a considerable bill.
This is where solar shading can be of significant benefit.
The convenience of solar shading
Besides the monetary and environmental consideration, the UK is increasingly experiencing rapidly changeable weather so the convenience of reducing the necessity to frequently heat up and cool down a room or building can be assisted by installing solar shading. Thus, saving time, effort and attention – taking the guesswork and frustration out of heating and cooling.
Besides climate control, solar shading alleviates the dazzling glare and UV rays from the sun without compromising the visual comfort of the occupants within. Simultaneously, solar shading that overlays a glazed area offers privacy as occupants can see out but not be seen by those on the opposite side of the solar shading.
In summary, the need for an internal window covering, which can restrict views and natural light, is greatly reduced alongside a decreased reliance on extra heating and cooling methods. This can be especially beneficial for large buildings and public spaces with multiple occupants including schools, offices, hospitals and healthcare facilities, retail units, hospitality venues and hotels where energy costs can escalate and privacy, comfort and ventilation are of the utmost importance.
What is solar shading?
Solar shading, also known as brise soleil, is a method of solar control which has been developed from primitive, tried and tested louvre systems. It can be used to enhance the amount of solar heat gain and visible light that is admitted into a building whilst preventing penetration from harsh summer sun rays. Conversely, solar shading isn’t just useful during times of high sun and heat – it also helps to keep a building warmer in the winter.
Solar shading is especially vital where there is a large expanse of glazing.
A range of materials are used to manufacture solar shading including aluminium, timber and sustainable composite wood and as research continues, new materials are being developed adding increased versatility to the range.
How does solar shading work?
Functioning in an entirely different way from traditional blinds – which reflect, distort, and restrict light and vision – solar shading fins or blades simply and imperceptibly defuse solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the glazed area. Horizontal or vertical angled blades allow low-level sun to enter a building in the mornings, evening and during winter but cut out direct summer sun which rises to a maximum angle of 62 degrees in the UK. Solar shading works continuously, like a heat exchanger, dissipating the sun’s heat and energy into the atmosphere without compromising visual accessibility, natural daylight and natural ventilation.
During cold snaps, solar shading acts as insulation assisting in the containment of heat – preventing it from seeping through glazed areas – keeping a room at a comfortable, ambient temperature.
Washwood Heath case study: www.solinear.co.uk/case-study/washwood-heath-academy-burney-lane-stechford-birmingham/ or partially covers glazing in an area that requires the most protection as seen in the Morrisons, Sittingbourne case study: www.solinear.co.uk/case-study/morrisons-curved-external-steelwork/. Solar shading can also be in the form of a 90o angled projection (shelf or walkway), adjacent to the glazed area as seen in Solinear’s Lister House case study www.solinear.co.uk/case-study/modern-solar-shading-for-state-of-the-art-primary-health-centre-building/.
Solar shading does not have to be static but instead can be installed as sliding panels of fins or blades as featured in Solinear’s Darwin House case study: www.solinear.co.uk/case-study/darwin-holdings-as-featured-in-grand-designs-magazine/. These sliding panels can be manufactured to offer the flexibility of positioning in an area that perhaps requires more privacy and/or the most protection from solar gain as the seasons change. In some cases, the panels need to be manoeuvrable if they overlap a potential means of escape in an emergency. Solar shading can also be controlled through a variety of operable solutions and with such irregular weather in the UK, having the option to control solar shading, if required, is very beneficial.
The advantage of solar shading is that, even in the most hostile of environments, it is robust and long-lasting and, depending on access and materials used in manufacturing, it is easy to maintain too. Solar shading can also create an incredible architectural feature façade, enhancing a building whilst being practical and functional.
