.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=brise%20soleil%20spec%20article%20(5).jpg "Oxford Brookes brise soleil feature image")
Optimising project performance means making the right decisions during the specification stage.
Maple have been designing, supplying and installing brise soleil for over 20 years, so we know a thing or two about the considerations needed when specifying brise soleil systems. It’s important to note that most brise systems are bespoke, therefore considerations can differ depending on certain variables.
To provide you with a helpful starting point, here is a guide on five things to consider when specifying brise soleil.
PURPOSE
The first consideration should be what the brise soleil is intended for, is it to provide solar shading, visual impact or both? If the intention is shading, then the building’s orientation and geographical location need to be considered. Hotter climates require more extensive shading to reduce solar heat gain and understanding the sun’s path throughout the year helps optimise blade angles for all seasons.
-1.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=brise%20soleil%20spec%20article%20(4)-1.jpg)
FIXING CONSIDERATIONS
The fixing grounds can have a large impact on specifications as it dictates the fixing methods required.
When fixing to curtain walling, specialised curtain wall brackets are required, and façade companies often review the curtain wall design in the early stages to ensure compatibility.
The fixings that attach the brise soleil to the building can form a 'thermal bridge' allowing heat to escape from the building therefore fixing brise soleil onto curtain walling or steelwork also requires thermal breaks. Brise soleil is a great way to reduce energy costs as it reduces heat gain, however, it would be redundant if it allowed heat to enter the building or cold air to escape.
Alternatively, if the system is being fixed to concrete, this poses less of an issue as concrete is much thicker and the fixings don’t penetrate through the concrete, just the surface.
-1.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=brise%20soleil%20spec%20article%20(3)-1.jpg)
finishes
Achieving the required aesthetics, performance and budget of your brise soleil project can also come down to the choice of finish. Anodised aluminium blades offer great corrosion and UV protection and an A1 fire rating. However, compared to powder-coating, it is more expensive and offers fewer colour options.
Powder-coating is a more cost-effective option to anodising and has over 2,000 colour options. PPC can retain colour vibrancy for up to 25 years although, unlike anodising, prolonged exposure to UV rays and corrosive environments can reduce its lifespan.
BLADE TYPE
Brise soleil offers two different blade types: aerofoil and rectangular. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to the desired aesthetic as the difference between the blades is minimal performance-wise.
-1.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=brise%20soleil%20spec%20article%20(2)-1.jpg)
MATERIAL
Timber brise soleil systems are very popular due to their natural, rustic aesthetic. However, as attractive as they may be, they aren’t always the most feasible when it comes to practicality as timber blades require specialist weather treatment and stronger fixings which means additional costs.
On the other hand, aluminium is more lightweight, malleable and sustainable, making it the most popular material for brise soleil systems. Also, aluminium can be powder-coated to mimic timber so specifiers can achieve the best of both worlds.
