Brise soleil is a simple French term, meaning ‘sun blocker’. So, in theory, any material that blocks the sun and reduces solar gain falls into the category. That includes expanded mesh.
In a nutshell:
- Expanded mesh can be used for brise soleil systems
- Expanded mesh panels are cost-effective and strong, and can be manufactured with minimal waste
- For clean lines and a sleek finish, aluminium blades or timber fins may be better
- Expanded mesh can be coated in different colours and finishes, and come in a range of patterns
- Expanded mesh can look ‘industrial’ when viewed close up – it’s mainly used as solar screening for large spaces
There’s a lot to recommend it. Expanded mesh is cost-effective, has inherent strength and, because panels are formed from a single piece of metal, there’s next to no waste.
However, it is often seen as a practical industrial product, and may not be suitable if architects are looking for clean lines and a sleek finish. Here, aluminium blades or timber fins may be more appropriate.
All that said, expanded mesh has more design possibilities than you might think. Sheets can be coated in a range of colours and finishes, and come in different patterns, created by the shape and size of the ‘eyelet’.
Even so, it can look like security mesh close up. That’s why expanded mesh brise soleil is mainly used as solar screening for large spaces, such as games halls, swimming pools or entrance halls and atriums.
To discover more about the pros and cons, and help make the right decision, it’s best to talk to a solar shading specialist.
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