What is the difference between brise soleil and standard solar shading?

“Brise soleil” is a term often used for fixed horizontal or vertical solar shading elements, usually projecting from the façade. Standard solar shading can include a wider range of systems, such as fins, screens or integrated louvres, which may be fixed or adjustable. Brise soleil is typically optimised for peak summer sun angles, whereas other shading systems might be designed to perform across a broader range of conditions or provide additional functions such as privacy or screening. We work with designers to choose the most appropriate system for each façade rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Brise soleil is a French term meaning “sun breaker” and is commonly used to describe fixed horizontal or vertical brise soleil systems that project from a building’s façade to provide shade and reduce solar gain.

While brise soleil refers specifically to these fixed systems, solar shading systems encompass a wider range of solutions—including fins, screens, and integrated louvres—which can be fixed or adjustable. Brise soleil is typically optimised for peak summer sun angles, whereas other architectural solar shading solutions can perform across a broader range of conditions or deliver additional benefits, such as privacy or the screening of rooftop plant equipment.

At Solinear, we collaborate closely with architects and designers to determine the most effective brise soleil design or solar shading solution for each project—ensuring performance, aesthetics, and integration are perfectly balanced rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.