Shade solutions are configured to give a better sense of place, and they can be re-configured when business needs change
tensARC’s Modern Architectural Glazing System
Sails end glare and let natural light filter in, creating dappled shade and keeping a connection to the outside
tensARC’s Modern Architectural Glazing System
Sun studies can evaluate the impact during initial concept evaluation to ensure that needs will be met
Application
Glass facades provide interest and character and are an asset in managing occupant comfort. Issues with excess heat and energy efficiency can now be simply controlled with the addition of InShade sail blinds.
The key is positioning: the right configuration can optimise a space, transforming it with a simple change.
Working from knowledge of how the sun behaves throughout the day, and throughout the year, problem areas can be addressed with targeted solar shading.
Views outside can be retained by placing the sail blinds above eye level – leaving lower sections uncovered.
Sail blinds can be fixed to modern glazing systems where conventional blinds cannot be installed, without compromising the integrity of the glazing system.
Glazing comes alive with InShade sail blinds, ending glare and creating an inviting space to linger and connect.
Advantages
InShade sail blinds are a fully bespoke, holistic solution designed for roof applications that can work well for glazed walls. InShade is flexible and scalable, fitting spaces of any shape.
The needs of the building or its décor can dictate the sail blind solution with little impact to the design process. Sails can be configured in a wide range of shapes and sizes to meet coverage, solar control and aesthetic requirements. With this flexibility, the design approach is to leave open views whenever possible.
As a premium sail blind fabric, ISX cuts glare and excess heat, optimises light transmission, and comes with a 10 year warranty. Sail blinds significantly reduce cooling costs, and single or layered sails add shade, shape, texture and dimension to enhance work spaces.
Important facility issues can be targeted with a sail blind, such as glare at a reception desk. InShade can revive under-utilised spaces with an attractive visual aesthetic. Sail blinds enhance acoustic quality, reducing sound reflection and echo from hard surfaces.
UK designed and manufactured, with UK-based support.
Case 1
Sails support shift to high occupancy, open plan office
An iconic building underwent a significant change of use which resulted in solar control issues. A space designed for low occupant density moved to high density with high heat loading.
The space was now being used as a data analytics centre occupied by teams that worked in clusters, collaborating closely around their computers. There were many complaints about nuisance glare on screens, which made them unreadable or caused eyestrain.
There were also uncomfortable levels of direct sunlight on occupants. The excessive heat compromised occupant performance. The increased cooling requirement overloaded the air conditioning and increased running costs.
There were nearly 240 windows in different sizes and shapes. Each window shape was repeated only four times within the building. The complex geometry and heavy steel frame meant it was impossible to fit conventional window blinds.
High strength magnets mounted to brackets provided a quick and discrete fixing for the sails. A total of 240 sails across just 12 sizes met all requirements without drilling a single hole. In the future, should another change of use arise, the sails can simply be repositioned by the onsite maintenance team to tailor the solution to the new requirement.
Case 2
Assessing options for a glazed facade: Sun Study
When required, we can conduct a detailed sun study to validate the design concept in a modelled environment. This step can reduce uncertainty over how client preferences will function and eliminate options that do not meet the requirements.
We work with stakeholders to efficiently identify key requirements. We build a simple 3D computer model from as-built drawings or new survey data. We add the building orientation and geographic location so that we can accurately predict the track of the sun during the day for each day of the year. Running simulations identifies the critical periods where there is glare and heat gain.
We then evaluate concept ideas for performance. For example, is it important to always shade a specific area such as a reception desk? Are natural light levels maintained in winter or during overcast days?
Once a concept meets performance requirements, we can run further studies to look at ways to enhance aesthetics and quality of light.
