Sunlight can be a benefit, but it can also be a hindrance. If there is focused sunlight on a building, it can start to create a dramatic rise in temperature in the building. Depending on the construction materials, this can get even worse for those working inside. For example, if you look at office buildings from the last thirty years or so, brick, glass and concrete are the major materials used. Whilst this will make for a robust build, it did mean that comprehensive cooling systems also had to be added to the building. All of this considerably increased the cost, both in terms of money and the environment.
Modern architects have a much more environmentally friendly attitude and a design canvas to match. Reducing the amount of heat that a building absorbs and generates is one of the fundamental design ethics they need to take into account. This is why you will start to see lower floored buildings. These are constructed with materials such as steel frames, toughened glass and recycled materials forged into bricks.
Some have even excluded the use of air-con completely. The use of Brise Soleil, like that from Alu Systems, is one of the many ways that a natural shade can be cast over the building to keep sunlight away. This, combined with heat absorption units like solar panels, can reduce a building’s carbon footprint or even balance out its initial cost.
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