Designing in the Shade:
Sunshades Offer Lower Cooling Costs and Eye-catching Designs
Mike Wallace,
Posted
04/01/2008
In today's design
environment, architects, designers, specifiers and building owners
are considering products and product designs that not only define a
building's appearance but also contain elements of green design. As
several products are competing for any given project, the actual
performance of the product is instrumental in the decision
process.
A sunshade is one such product that is catching the eye of the
architectural community. As a product that is environmentally
friendly, very functional, cost effective and aesthetically
appealing, it offers all the ingredients a building owner might
desire.
Cool
Benefits
Functionally, sunshades can effectively shade the lower area of a
window or curtainwall, reducing cooling costs in the interior
building area. In addition, sunshades reduce the glare from the
perimeter area-a continuing issue in existing buildings where
unsightly blinds may have to be installed so occupants do not have
to deal with the excessive solar heat gain and troublesome glare
that affects viewing of computer screens. The reality is that
products such as sunshades enhance occupant comfort and health by
providing a more habitable work area. Match this product with the
more effective glass products, interior light shelves and other
products, and the long-term reduction of operating costs can be
very beneficial.
As a product that is constructed primarily out of aluminum
products, we cannot forget the fact that it is 100 percent
recyclable. In addition, aluminum typically offers a reasonably
high post-industrial and post-consumer recyclable content, which is
a plus for LEED recognition on your projects.
Working in the
Shade
Sunshades bring a high-tech look to almost any building. Two main
types of sunshades are available. The panel, or solid, sunshade is
constructed to have a mostly solid surface with little or no open
area, while the open lattice sunshade is constructed from grilles,
airfoils, blades, or louvers with open and solid areas. With both
types, the key factors to consider are the shape or configuration
of the outriggers, facia and the overall sunshade components. As
with most architectural metal products, the product can be finished
with standard or custom Kynar 500/Hylar 5000 painted finishes.
Paint matches to meet most requirements for custom colors can be
easily attained with today's paint mix systems. Anodic finishes are
also available in the various standard shades used in the
architectural community. As with most architectural applications,
it is important that a long-lasting, durable paint or anodic finish
be selected.
One of the keys to any successful sunshade installation is to
ensure it performs properly on the structure. It is essential that
any sunshade design be properly engineered by a licensed engineer
to ensure the system performs properly in its application.
Engineering calculations would include taking into account design
loads, live load, dead load, snow load and even wind drift. Proper
connections and bracketing to the structure is also a key component
to any proper installation that is defined during this process. It
is also imperative that the designer and contractor consider a
manufacturer that has the ability to provide submittal drawings and
design assistance to ensure the designer's concept is turned into
reality.
As mentioned
previously, sunshades offer several design options that maximize
design flexibility. Some manufacturers offer specific sunshade
designs; however, custom sunshade designs are very cost effective
and rarely cost more than most standard designs. Some manufacturers
supply packages containing all the components for a sunshade system
with the actual assembly being done by the installer. A more
effective option is a factory built sunshade system that is ready
for installation when it arrives at the job site.
Lastly, as with any product line, it is imperative to select a
reputable manufacturer that can offer all the services and support
to make your project a success. As with any project, the
construction team that is selected-the manufacturer, contractor,
designer and building owner-is the key to achieving your goals!
Mike Wallace is
CEO/president of Quality Metalcrafts, a custom fabrication facility
providing wall panels, column covers, sunshades, breakmetal and
others located in Ramsey, Minn.
www.qmcrafts.com