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Recent Projects

• Q-Park, Liverpool One
• University of Derby
• North West Kent College
• O2 HQ, Slough

International Projects

• RBS Castlerock, US
• Harley Davidson Museum, US
• HALO, Illinois
• Schlumberger, New York

faq /

Sunshading has long been an integral and vital element in European architecture yet, in Britain, it is only now becoming recognised as a critical issue. As well as fulfilling the key functions of controlling heat gain and glare it is being employed as an aesthetic element in the overall design of buildings.

For the designer there is, however, a need to understand which system is most suitable for any given application and, crucially, the relative merits of external or internal sunshading.

External systems fall into two principal categories: fixed or adjustable brise-soleil and motorised fabric or venetian blinds. Internally, venetian or fabric roller blinds are employed along with traditional curtaining.

A need for both internal and external systems

There is often a need for both internal and external systems. It's not just a question of ‘I'll have one but not the other’.

Glare to eyes from light bouncing off computer screens affects staff performance and internal blinds offer a cost effective solution especially as, under EC regulations, employers are required to protect staff by providing an adjustable sunshade. External blinds are generally less effective in combating the problem of glare.

External systems nevertheless offer significant advantages when it comes to the battle against solar heat gain reducing it by up to 90% against only 45% when using internal blinds.

performance advantage alone can help to recoup the cost within a couple of years

Levolux's David Gordon points out that: 'This performance advantage alone can help to recoup the extra cost within a couple of years. There is no doubt that if you can stop the sun hitting the glass in the first place it is cheaper than allowing it to enter the building and throwing it back out by mechanical means. Capital costs such as air-conditioning plant are reduced as is ongoing energy consumption. We have been involved in projects where an external system has been put onto a building and it has paid for itself within three years'.

Conventional brise-soleil systems are a highly effective method of controlling heat gain in buildings and frequently contribute much in achieving a stunning architectural concept since they can be tailored to specific needs and are offered in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

They take the 'sting' out of the hot summer sun, require little maintenance and do not obscure the windows so maximise visibility for the building's occupants. In reality a combination of brise-soleil and internal blinds is generally still required since, inevitably, low winter sun hits the glass below the level of the louvres.

External venetian or fabric roller blinds are becoming increasingly popular and can be fixed to both new or existing structures. Like all external systems they are a highly visible design element and are efficient in reducing heat gain.

Some, like the Levolux Markisolette motorised fabric system, are innovative. Based on a combination of a well proven awning principle and external roller blind they have the unique attribute that, when in the down position, the blind 'kicks out' still providing shading but at the same time allowing the building's occupants a view.

24 hours a day 365 days a year

Modern blind fabrics are available in a wide range of colours and types and are highly resistant to the weather, do not fade, rot or attract dirt. Motorised and controlled by sun sensors the blinds retract automatically when the sun goes in or wind sensors detect speeds that could result in damage. Inevitably this means that, at times, there may be a compromise between providing sunshading and protecting the blinds while, in comparison, a brise-soleil system is in place 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

With any moving system there is a need for maintenance, as such all Levolux systems are offered with full maintenance back-up and a three year warranty.

David Gordon believes that the bold visual presence offered by external systems, 'helps architects to establish distinctive identities for their clients' buildings'. Local authority planners also generally welcome the innovative appearance of such systems while, for the M and E consultant, they offer solutions by reducing heat gain.

Offering a more traditional approach, internal blinds or curtains also need regular cleaning and occupy window space, but for the interior designer they are an essential design tool and offer significant advantages when combined with external sun shading systems.

privacy and visual security

In addition they provide privacy and visual security and, like external blinds, can be motorised and linked to a sun sensor system to operate automatically in groups or 'waves', again providing an aesthetically pleasing pattern across the building's facade when viewed externally.

Internal blinds are also an ideal solution where light sensitive materials are displayed such as in art galleries, libraries and museums.

enhancing visual effects and creating a good working environment

Most importantly, for the building designer, both internal and external systems should be seen as tools which, when either combined or used individually, represent highly effective ways of enhancing visual effects and creating a good working environment for staff.

As David Gordon of Levolux points out: 'It's a well-known fact among employers that, when midday summer sunshine sends building temperatures soaring, staff work-levels start to plummet.'