Harnessing Comfort and Efficiency: The Benefits of Sunshades and Sun Control Devices in Modern Architecture

When designing and constructing sustainable and comfortable spaces, architects and building designers are turning to innovative solutions such as sunshades and sun control devices to enhance building aesthetics, increase occupant comfort and improve energy efficiency. Sunshades are at the forefront of this movement, offering a variety of functional benefits and design features that make these systems a cost-effective solution for education facilities, multifamily buildings, office spaces, healthcare projects and more. 

As we explore the advantages of architectural aluminum sunshades and sun control devices in the building and construction industry, we examine the fundamentals of these systems, the many benefits offered from these products and how their features are shaping the future of architectural design. 

What are Sun Control Devices?  

Sun control products are used to help regulate the amount of natural light entering a building. Sunshades are metal louvers installed horizontally or vertically over a window, curtain wall system or storefront framing system to prevent the infiltration of solar heat or glare while allowing natural daylight and views. These systems help improve the energy efficiency of buildings without compromising aesthetic appeal.  

The Benefits of Sunshades in Architectural Design 

Compatible with storefront framing systems and curtain wall systems, sunshades are more than just decorative elements on a building’s exterior—these systems play a crucial role in contributing to the project’s overall energy efficiency as well as occupant comfort and well-being. Here are four key advantages that these systems provide: 

1. Energy Efficiency: By blocking direct sunlight, sunshades reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to significant energy savings. Helping to maintain a stable interior temperature, these systems cut down on the energy required for heating and cooling a building. 
2. Enhanced Occupant Comfort: Sunshades help minimize glare and reduce the intensity of sunlight entering the interior of a building, which can improve occupant comfort and well-being. This is beneficial in multifamily buildings, education facilities, healthcare settings, commercial office spaces and more. 
3. UV Protection: Sunshades offer dynamic solutions to optimize natural light, helping protect building occupants from harmful UV rays. These systems help mitigate solar impact and prevent excessive heat buildup and glare. 
4. Design Customization: With a variety of materials and designs available, sun control devices can be tailored to complement the architectural style of any building. 

Types of Sun Control Devices 

A variety of sun control devices are available to architects and building designers who want to effectively manage sunlight penetration. Kawneer provides a variety of light shelf systems that provide several benefits to the building and its occupants.  

• Versoleil® SunShade Outrigger System: Our Versoleil® Outrigger SunShades are adaptable systems that offer many combinations of outriggers, louver and fascia caps. The system’s versatility provides distinct aesthetics, maximum shading and energy savings. Compatible with curtain wall and storefront systems, our outrigger system’s innovative construction combines aesthetics, performance and efficiency. The system’s standard 30″ depth with outrigger arm, blade and fascia options provide superior shading capabilities that reduce solar heat gain to help maximize energy savings and reduce glare. 
• Versoleil® SunShade Single Blade System: Pre-engineered for multiple Kawneer curtain wall or storefront framing systems, the Versoleil® SunShade Single Blade System adds aesthetic appeal to any building envelope. Seamlessly incorporated into multiple storefront framing systems in horizontal configurations, the Single Blade System gives architects flexibility and several combinations to craft their vision while controlling solar heat gain and glare. Highly configurable blade options allow for maximum shading and energy-saving potential. 
• InLighten® Interior Light Shelf: The InLighten® Interior Light Shelf is designed to reflect sunlight deeper into the interior of a building and helps reduce the need for electrical lighting as well as energy consumption. This solution leverages minimal material content, sightlines, weight, installation and maintenance efforts, all while maximizing value, daylighting and design options. 
• 1600 PowerShade® Sun Shade System: Kawneer’s 1600 PowerShade® Sun Shade System meets rigorous structural loads while minimizing material requirements. Fully tested and factory fabricated, this pre-engineered, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) sunshade conserves and generates energy while lowering building operating costs, providing sleek design, easy installation and simple maintenance. Each project featuring the 1600 PowerShade® Sun Shade System must be fully engineered and reviewed based on project requirements. 

Determining Energy Savings with Kawneer’s Solector® Sun Shading Estimator 

Our Solector® Sun Shading Estimator is an online tool that allows users to estimate and compare the thermal performance of various glazing and framing systems, including curtain wall and storefront framing systems, with various Kawneer sun control devices.  

This innovative tool helps architects and designers estimate and compare thermal performance of specified glazing and framing systems and indicates the impact of our various solar protection devices, such as Versoleil® SunShades, InLighten® Interior Light Shelf and the 1600 PowerShade® SunShade System.  

To use the tool, select a location and input parameters to estimate cooling energy savings, heat transmission and shading ability for initial design considerations. View our Solector® Sun Shading Estimator. 

Our Commitment to Sustainable Design and Innovation 

At Kawneer, we believe in a balanced holistic approach to sustainability through our three pillars: Planet, People and Product. We are striving to make the world healthier, more sustainable and balanced by focusing on our business practices, product design, production, operations and our people.  

We provide product transparency to disclose what goes into our products, lifecycle analysis, and compliance with leading sustainable building standards. With advanced manufacturing processes and highly recyclable aluminum products, we are focused on continuing to reduce our environmental footprint. 

Kawneer is committed to accelerating this approach through our ‘BALANCE’ philosophy. This does not represent a new path but an ongoing journey. We are dedicated to constantly improving our sustainability impact for future generations. 

Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.  

Get in Touch with Us Today 

Our team of experts are dedicated to helping you deliver groundbreaking projects that build positive legacies to shape a better world. For tailored advice or further information about our products and services, fill out our contact form. 

Together we can create distinctive architecture that inspires the next generation.