When you’re trying to balance energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal, many property owners are turning to architectural solutions that offer both practical benefits and stylish design – brise soleil. It’s a term derived from French that means “sun breaker.” Traditionally used to manage solar gain, it’s increasingly popular in modern building design. Let’s look at the advantages of using brise soleil on your property.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
One of the main advantages of brise soleil is its ability to enhance energy efficiency. By controlling the amount of sunlight that enters a building, brise soleil helps to reduce the need for artificial cooling systems during hot weather. This can lead to significant energy savings, as the demand for air conditioning is minimized. In the winter months, strategically designed brise soleil can also allow for maximum sunlight penetration, aiding in passive solar heating.
Improved Indoor Comfort
Brise soleil helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature by blocking excessive heat from direct sunlight. This prevents overheating in the summer, making indoor spaces more comfortable, which will be an increasing issue in UK households. And by reducing glare from direct sunlight, brise soleil creates a more pleasant and productive environment, particularly in workspaces and living areas with large windows.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond its functional benefits, brise soleil adds a distinct aesthetic value to buildings. Available in a variety of designs and materials, it can be customized to complement the style of your property. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek look with metal fins or a more traditional appearance with wooden slats, brise soleil can enhance the visual appeal of your building while serving a practical purpose.
Increased Property Value
Energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing features like brise soleil can increase the overall value of your property. Potential buyers and tenants often look for buildings with modern, sustainable features that promise lower utility costs and enhanced comfort, especially younger buyers in the future. By incorporating brise soleil into your property’s design, you can make your property more attractive in the real estate market.
UV Protection
Brise soleil provides protection against harmful UV rays. By filtering out direct sunlight, it helps to protect interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading and damage caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. This protective function not only preserves the appearance of your interiors but also extends the lifespan of your furnishings.
Environmental Benefits
By reducing the reliance on artificial cooling and heating systems, brise soleil contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for sustainable building design. Incorporating brise soleil aligns with green building practices and can contribute to achieving higher ratings in sustainability certifications.
Customisable and Versatile
Brise soleil is highly customisable, allowing for a wide range of designs to suit different building requirements and aesthetic preferences. It can be fixed or movable, horizontal or vertical, and can be made from various materials including wood, metal, and composite materials. This versatility ensures that brise soleil can be tailored to meet specific functional and design needs.
Durability and Low Maintenance
Constructed from durable materials, brise soleil is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance. Unlike interior blinds or curtains, brise soleil does not need frequent cleaning or replacement, making it a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for managing solar gain.
Incorporating brise soleil into your property’s design offers a multitude of benefits, from enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort to boosting aesthetic appeal and property value.
If you’re interested in hearing more about installing brise soleil, get in touch with our team at Urban Skies today for more information and advice.