Solar Shading Of Buildings

By (author) Littlefair P. J.
Short description/annotation
This report describes commonly used shading devices and some new developments. It gives the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of shading device. The guidance focuses on shading requirements in the UK and similar climates and latitudes.
Description
This report describes commonly used shading devices and some new developments. It gives the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of shading device. The guidance focuses on shading requirements in the UK and similar climates and latitudes.
Table of contents

Executive Summary
1 Introduction
1.1 Why Shading?
1.2 Examples
2 Principles
2.1 Movement of the Sun and Window Orientation
2.2 Loss of Daylight
2.3 View Out
2.4 Fixed and Adjustable Shading
3 External Shading
3.1 Overhangs
3.2 Light Shelves
3.3 Awnings and Canopies
3.4 Fixed and Moveable Louvres
3.5 Other Shading Devices
4 Glazing
4.1 Standard Solar-control Glazing: Reflective and Absorbing
4.2 Soft-coat Low-emissivity ‘Heat Mirror’ Glazing
4.3 Reducing Window Area
4.4 Window Films
4.5 Other Glazing Types
5 Mid-pane Devices
5.1 Mid-pane Blinds
5.2 Shading in Double-skinned Facades
5.3 Other Mid-pane Shading Types
6 Internal Shading
6.1 Venetian Blinds
6.2 Vertical Louvre Blinds
6.3 Roller Blinds
6.4 Curtains
6.5 Other Internal Shading Devices
7 Conclusions
7.1 Notes to Table 15
8 References
Appendix: Measuring and Calculating Shading Performance
A.1 Measuring Solar Gain
A.2 Effect on Daylight
A.3 Openness Coefficient
A.4 Databases of Shading Performance
A.5 Modelling Performance
A.6 Life-cycle Assessment

Biographical note

Paul Littlefair, Principal Lighting Consultant, BRE, UK