The British climate is unpredictable and it is becoming ever more challenging to find ways of insulating and ventilating our homes to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. Installing a Brise Soleil is one way of controlling the temperature and comfort of your home.
What is a Brise Soleil?
A Brise Soleil is a type of solar shading that uses a series of parallel blades fitted above or to the outside of windows to control the amount of heat and light that enters a building.
The advantage that Brise Soleil has over other types of solar shading is that it is available in either a fixed or motorised system, with motorised systems automatically following the sun’s trajectory to ensure optimal light and shade throughout the day.
Alternatives to Brise Soleil
If a Brise Soleil is deemed unacceptable but the desire remains to have large windows, the alternatives would be strategically planting foliage or deciduous trees to deliver shade, installing standalone structures such as pergolas or using internal blinds.
Deciding on the optimal solution
Every property is different, so it is important to take into consideration the size, occupancy and location of the property when determining the most effective solution for creating a comfortable indoor environment.
Often it is necessary to balance cost and convenience, with internal blinds being the cheapest and quickest solution though lacking charm and adjustability and a Brise Soleil representing a long-term financial investment that will over time pay dividends in terms of energy efficiency and occupant comfort.