In the last blog published by Contrasol, we explored the history of brise soleil and how these shading systems have been used for centuries. In this latest blog article, we look at how recent advancements in materials and technologies have taken brise soleil to new heights and explore how some of the latest innovations have revolutionised the world of solar shading systems.
1. Sun-Tracking Programs
Intelligent sun-tracking programs have emerged as a game-changer in the realm of brise soleil technology. These computer programs calculate and predict the position of the sun in the sky throughout the day and across different seasons, taking into account geographic location, date and time to provide accurate information about the sun’s path. Architects and designers incorporating brise soleil into their designs use such programs to optimise daylight and design buildings that take advantage of passive heating and cooling, as well as to design efficient solar energy systems such as photovoltaic panels (see below) or solar thermal systems. By automatically adapting to changing sunlight angles, smart brise soleil systems maximise energy efficiency and comfort inside buildings as discussed in our previous blog articles.
Some advanced solar tracking systems even incorporate light and wind sensors, ensuring proactive adjustments to accommodate cloudy conditions or changing weather patterns. The integration of these smart technologies not only enhances the performance of the shading system but also reduces energy consumption by optimising natural lighting and reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling.
2. Photovoltaic Brise Soleil
With the growing focus on renewable energy, photovoltaic brise soleil systems have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. These innovative shading structures are equipped with solar panels, allowing them to generate electricity while shading the building from excessive sunlight. Photovoltaic brise soleil systems not only contribute to the energy needs of the building but also serve as a dual-purpose solution, providing shade, reducing heat gain and contributing to the overall sustainability of the structure. This integration of renewable energy technology into brise soleil design showcases the increasing synergy between architecture and clean energy practices.
3. Dynamic Facades and Kinetic Buildings
Dynamic facades are an avant-garde approach that leverages shape memory materials or kinetic mechanisms to create shading systems that adapt to varying environmental conditions. These systems respond to factors such as solar intensity, wind speed and user preferences, allowing the shading elements to change their configurations accordingly. The ability of dynamic facades to self-adjust enhances user comfort, optimises energy usage and adds a futuristic flair to architectural design. A number of different types of dynamic facades exist. User-control dynamic facades allow for occupants of a building to control heat and light themselves. An example of such a design is the M9-C Building in Paris, which showcases dynamic shutters that deliver both insulation and shade. The perforated aluminium shutters open and fold back depending on the time of day or intensity of sunlight, giving occupants the option of privacy or exposure to the city’s noises and views. This sort of adaptability can be a significant asset in regions with unpredictable climates, as the shading system will intuitively respond to the environment’s ever-changing demands.
In contrast to this, light projection dynamic façades provide less of a functional feature and more of a striking visual impact. An example is the UNStudio in Cheoran, Korea. The façade creates an optical illusion created by 2 layers of customised aluminium extrusion profile on top of a back layer of composite aluminium cladding. This ‘Moire effect’ creates a wave-like appearance, which changes with the viewpoint of the spectator.
Finally, wind-responsive dynamic façades use wind to create a dynamic pattern of motion without wasting any energy. Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark in Australia is an example of this sort of dynamic façade. Using 250,000 aluminium plates to create a wind-powered façade, the car parks entire eastern side appears to ripple fluidly, which offers a striking visual design feature.
4. Digital Fabrication and 3D Printing
Digital fabrication and 3D printing have significantly impacted the design and implementation of brise soleil and solar shading systems. These technologies offer architects and designers unprecedented freedom to create complex, customised and innovative shading solutions such as perforation patterns, that are both functional and visually striking. Whilst the technology is rapidly evolving, 3D printing as it stands allows for precise material deposition, waste reduction and the optimisation of material usage. This is particularly important for sustainable design, as it minimises the environmental impact of fabrication processes. Digital fabrication and 3D printing also allows for rapid prototyping, enabling designers to test and iterate their concepts quickly, one of the main advantages of this sort of technology.
While digital fabrication and 3D printing offers numerous benefits, it is still somewhat limited by factors such as material properties, structural integrity and long-term durability, which are often uncompromisable factors in the planning of a building. As this technology advances, brise soleil systems will no doubt increasingly incorporate this technology.
5. Environmental Advancements
Continued focus on sustainability has driven the development of brise soleil systems made from environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. The use of green aluminium billets is an example of such a practice, using recycled aluminium which reduces a buildings’ carbon footprint, reducing emissions and minimising the overall environmental impact of aluminium production. The use of timber as a renewable and sustainable construction material has gained popularity as a brise soleil material due to its aesthetic appeal, low carbon footprint and positive environmentally impact. Fire treatments are used to protect the timber from potential fire hazards.
The combination of green aluminium billets and timber buildings could potentially involve using sustainable aluminium production practices for structural components or fittings in timber constructions. This approach could offer a blend of eco-friendly materials and practices to create innovative and environmentally-conscious building solutions.
Conclusion
The world of brise soleil is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by continuous advancements in materials and technologies. The integration of sun-tracking programs, photovoltaic capabilities, dynamic facades, kinetic buildings, digital fabrication and 3D printing and environmentally-friendly materials has elevated brise soleil from a passive shading solution to an intelligent and sustainable architectural features.
As the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings increases, brise soleil innovations are expected to become a standard element in contemporary architecture. These advancements not only enhance the overall building performance but also represent a significant step forward in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future for the construction industry.
