Derived from French, meaning “sun breaker,” Brise Soleil refers to a system of sunshades or louvres designed to protect buildings from solar heat while allowing natural light to enter.
With modern architecture constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and design, Brise Soleil has become symbolic of sustainable modern building design. The principle behind the design is to control the amount of both sunlight and heat that enters a building, creating an eco-friendly, comfortable environment for those inside.
How Does It Work?
The core function of a Brise Soleil system is to control the amount of solar heat that enters a building while allowing natural light to filter through. This is achieved through the strategic placement of sunshades, fins, or louvres that block or diffuse sunlight based on the building’s orientation and the angle of the sun.
Brise Soleil systems work by deflecting sunlight away from the building’s windows, reducing the amount of direct solar radiation that enters the interior. By managing solar heat gain, these systems help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning or artificial cooling systems. In winter months, they also help retain heat inside the building, hugely contributing to overall energy efficiency.
The design of Brise Soleil systems is carefully considered to ensure that they allow sufficient natural light into the space. The slats or fins are typically positioned at angles that allow daylight to enter the building while minimising glare and harsh sunlight. This balance between light control and energy efficiency is key to making Brise Soleil systems a practical and sustainable solution for modern architecture.
What Are The Different Types of Brise Soleil Products
Brise Soleil systems are available in a range of materials, including timber, aluminium and glass. Or, you can have something completely bespoke depending on your building project.
Brise Soleil systems are available in a range of materials, including timber, aluminium and glass. Or, you can have something completely bespoke depending on your building project.
Timber
Timber is one of the most neutral and possibly aesthetically pleasing materials for creating Brise Soleil systems. It offers a warm, organic feel that can help soften the modern architecture of a building while blending into the surroundings.
The timber fins used in Brise Soleil applications come in a wide range of species and finishes, allowing for flexibility in both appearance and performance. If you’re looking for a more natural, earthy finish to your building, timber can be a stunning option.
If sustainability is a priority for your project, wood materials are a fantastic, renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Aluminium
Aluminium gives a striking look to any building. If you need to achieve a modern, sleek look to your building, this metal can create a modern and durable aesthetic to the exterior.
Aluminium aerofoil profiles are available in a range of widths from 60mm to 600mm as single-piece extrusions. For larger profiles, two- or three-part extrusions can be clipped together to achieve the desired size. The choice depends on the building’s shading requirements, span and aesthetic goals.
Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly customisable, making it a practical choice for a wide range of architectural styles and environments. Its durability and ability to withstand the elements make it particularly well-suited for both residential and commercial buildings.
