Homeowners and developers want well designed features that cover several bases: stylish, secure and sustainable. With rising energy costs and regulation in place to boost sustainability, homeowners and businesses are more aware of responsible design changes. Solar shading is a design choice that can be a vital tool for balancing comfort, style and sustainability.
What is solar shading?
Solar shading is used to help control the amount of sunlight that naturally makes its way into a property. Solar shading comes in many different forms, such as Brise Soleil, louvred facades and sliding shutters. It helps to act as a barrier to reduce solar glare, overheating and can make the temperature in a property more comfortable, whilst reducing the need to use up energy. Indoor environments can be temperature controlled in a more effective way than just relying on blinds or curtains.
Energy efficiency and cost savings
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest growing priorities for property owners, especially as the cost of living and energy bills continue to rise. In the UK, we’re seeing more heatwaves in the summer with high temperatures. A common gripe that you often hear is that the UK just ‘doesn’t have the infrastructure’ to cope with this.
Offices, homes, schools and businesses can excessively overheat, meaning that everyone working or living in them can be uncomfortable. This means relying heavily on air conditioning and fans, which can use up lots of energy. UK offices, schools and homes often overheat, forcing occupants to rely on fans or air conditioning. Solar shading can try and block this heat before it enters a property, thereby reducing indoor temperatures
Conversely, in colder months, solar shading can be angled in a way where the lower sun can provide passive heating, which could keep a property warmer and central heating bills and carbon emissions lower.
Comfortable Environment
Lots of heat and sunlight streaming into a property can cause a whole host of irritating issues. If you’re trying to work, glare on a laptop screen can make things tough; warm rooms and sweaty temperatures can make everyone in the property uncomfortable and irritable.
The impact on wellbeing can be considerable people that find it hard to cope with soaring temperatures. Solar shading makes the climate inside more stable and comfortable, reducing excessive heat and brightness. For businesses and schools this is one way to help everyone stay more productive.
Architectural style
Solar shading systems look great and hold their own as design features too. With sleek design, built with sustainable materials and bold geometric patterns, solar shading can add to a property’s identity. It’s a worthwhile investment that signals positive elements about a property’s sustainability and aesthetic credentials.
It is a smart investment in your property’s energy efficiency, comfort and design, meeting the demands of modern living while reducing environmental impact. It can also act as an extra barrier that maintains daylight while shielding interiors from outside view and add long-term value to a property, as buyers are attracted to lower running costs and environmentally responsible design.
For more info and advice about different types of solar shading for your property, get in touch with our team at Urban Skies today.