Cutting-edge solar shading solutions
Designed to achieve energy benefits and ensure thermal comfort in buildings, solar shading solutions offer a wide range of options. Some are particularly innovative, like expanded metal.
What is solar shading?
This term generally refers to devices that protect indoor spaces from solar radiation, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Solar shading solutions are systems applied to the exterior of transparent glass surfaces.
Shading does not only control the amount of sunlight coming in from outside, but can have other functions.
- It can optimise thermal gains during colder months, keeping indoor spaces warm.
- In hotter periods, it reduces temperatures, acting as a barrier against solar heat.
Suitable for structures with large windows, solar shading solutions are also a valuable option for regular residential buildings.
It is also important to make a distinction between solar shading devices and darkening closures.
- Solar shading solutions reduce the surface exposed to solar radiation.
- Darkening closures, on the other hand, are additional elements for windows and include shutters, blinds, and roller blinds.
We have a wide variety of solar shading solutions:
- sun awnings;
- canopies;
- adjustable louvres;
- sunscreen panels.
Of all these solutions, panels are the best for building contexts with a large surface area to be preserved from sunlight. It is no coincidence that they are used for facades and in general for the external structures of buildings that make glazing one of their architectural features.
What is the sun shading strategy?
Sun shading is a design technique used in architecture and urban planning to manage sunlight exposure on buildings. It helps improve indoor comfort, reduce glare, and enhance energy efficiency by controlling heat gain and lowering cooling costs.
Types of sun shading
Sun shading methods can be categorized into external, internal, and dynamic strategies.
- External shading includes fixed or adjustable structures that block direct sunlight. Overhangs, awnings, and louvers provide shade while allowing ventilation. Green walls and vegetation also offer natural cooling.
- Internal shading involves blinds, curtains, and reflective films applied to windows. These elements reduce glare and limit heat from entering a space.
- Dynamic shading uses automated systems like smart glass, retractable screens, and adjustable louvers that respond to sunlight and weather conditions.
Passive design considerations
Proper building orientation can maximize shade in summer while allowing sunlight in during winter. Using materials with high reflectivity or thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Benefits of sun shading
- Energy savings: reduces cooling costs by minimizing heat gain.
- Thermal comfort: helps maintain a stable indoor temperature.
- Glare reduction: improves visual comfort for occupants.
- Aesthetic appeal: enhances the building’s look and functionality.
What materials are used in solar shading?
Among the most popular materials for creating solar shading systems for building facades are metal, wood and glass.
- Wooden solar shades are very aesthetic and create a natural effect. Exposure to external agents requires constant maintenance, which is why one can opt for wood plastic composite (WPC), made of wood fibres and thermoplastics such as polythene or PVC.
- Glass solar shading is an architectural solution made of glass panels. They block direct sunlight from reaching the windows of the building. This can help to keep the building cooler in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning.
As for metal panels, expanded metal is the choice that combines results and aesthetics.
- In many buildings, natural daylight is a desirable feature of the indoor environment. However, excessive heat, glare, and the intensity of direct sunlight are often less welcome.
- To mitigate these effects, architects frequently incorporate expanded metal mesh on the exterior of glazed facades.
By carefully designing the size and shape of the diamonds in the mesh, the strands can be positioned to deflect direct sunlight and cast shadows on the glazing, while the openings allow for outward views and the entry of diffused or reflected daylight.
Additionally, the pattern can be customized for different building orientations, ensuring an optimal balance of shading and daylighting on each side.
Expanded metal therefore has all the qualities needed to serve as a protective screen for a facade, ensuring living comfort and contributing to energy savings.
- To mitigate external heat and reduce glare, the mesh created by the expanded metal is an optimal solution.
- The manufacturing techniques allow for the production of models with variable open areas: it facilitates the sun control onto glass surfaces such as windows.
- Simultaneously, the arrangement promotes a better use of natural light, enhancing the perception of the surrounding environment.
The mesh does not completely obstruct the view thanks to its transparency, making it ideal for the natural flow of light.
Expanded metal is not a standard product: it takes on shapes and colours that transform it into a functional and aesthetic component.
Energy efficiency is then accompanied by architectural harmony that materialises in movement and visual lightness.
Why is sun shading important?
Sun shading is a key element in modern building design that helps improve energy efficiency and comfort for those inside. By controlling how sunlight enters a building, sun shading systems reduce heat buildup, lower cooling costs, and create more comfortable indoor spaces
One of the biggest benefits of sun shading is its impact on energy consumption.
- Without proper shading, direct sunlight can cause indoor temperatures to rise significantly, leading to higher use of air conditioning.
- This increases electricity costs and puts more strain on energy resources.
- By blocking or filtering sunlight before it reaches the windows, sun shading reduces the need for artificial cooling.
- As a result, buildings become more energy-efficient, lowering carbon footprints and contributing to a greener future.
In addition, too much direct sunlight can create uncomfortable indoor environments. Rooms can become too hot, making it difficult to work, relax, or sleep.
- Sun shading helps regulate indoor temperatures, preventing overheating and excessive glare.
- This means people inside can enjoy a more stable and pleasant environment, without having to rely on air conditioning or heavy curtains.
It is important to note that good sun shading doesn’t mean blocking all sunlight: it means controlling it effectively.
- Well-designed shading systems such as expanded metal panels allow natural light to enter while reducing glare and heat.
- This creates bright, welcoming spaces that use less artificial lighting, leading to additional energy savings.
So sun shading is more than just a design feature. It is a smart solution for improving energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and sustainability.
By reducing heat gain, lowering energy use, and protecting interiors, sun shading benefits both people and the environment.
Whether for homes, offices, or commercial spaces, it becomes a step toward a more comfortable and energy-efficient future.
