Solar shading is another term for Brise Soleil, and it’s basically a way to keep buildings cool and comfortable without needing mechanical interventions such as air conditioning. By preventing excessive and direct sunlight from entering internal spaces, solar gain – and overheating – can be avoided naturally. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Brise Soleil
Brise Soleil is a form of architectural shading that is placed on the exterior of a building. It’s less common in the UK but is seen widely in Europe. Firms such as //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading/ are able to let predictable amounts of light into the building, particularly when sunlight is at lower and comfortable levels. When the sun reaches an uncomfortable midday peak, the Brise Soleil shades the interior from harsh glares.
Why do architects use Brise Soleil?
When a window is unshaded, the heat gain can reach 700 wats/m. This means that buildings have to run expensive cooling systems and air conditioning to keep internal temperatures comfortable. Solar shading, such as Brise Soleil, effectively reduces solar gain to as little as 119 watts/m, keeping buildings cool and comfortable, and avoiding overheating.
What are the benefits of Brise Soleil
Brise Soleil solar shading systems are a form of passive cooling that is good for the environment and energy efficient. It keeps building users cool without the need for air conditioning and can also reduce light glare onto screens. As an added benefit, it looks fantastic and offers a real design feature that can elevate the entire aesthetic of a building, multiplying the functional and visual gains.