InShade passive solar control: a simple solution to common issues with ETFE roofs

Clients impressed with the performance of InShade sails blinds at a previous site needed help retrofitting a large, multi-story atrium.  They needed to mitigate glare, heat and acoustics issues in a large breakout area where people sought to have informal meetings, relax, snack and chat.  Tackling multiple problems with a single product provided a cost-effective solution.

We recommended and installed a two-layer sail blind solution. Upper sails are fixed to the roof structure, while lower sails are clipped onto an offset cable grid sitting a half metre below. Heat gain in the atrium decreased significantly, dramatically cutting air conditioning costs for this space and the adjacent offices.

The configuration also reduced high intensity summer light by 77%, to provide lux levels well within the comfort range.  The sail material maintains minimum light levels on dull, overcast days, by allowing 23 % light transmission, as soft diffused light. Whilst the colour recommendation for this atrium was white, InShade sail blinds can be made in any colour.

Sail blinds also absorb reflected sound to improve acoustics. InShade mitigated the echoing of voices and other office sounds which had affected workspaces nearby. Rain drumming on the atrium roof had been loud and disruptive, and InShade made the space quieter and more inviting.

The client was delighted at the speed and simplicity of the installation. With no electrical requirement the work was completed in just three days with minimal disruption. Aesthetically, the sails are a soft, elegant touch which complements the atrium décor.

With a 10-year warranty and 20-year design life, the modular design provides an adaptable solution, allowing enhancements – which might be required following a change in use or from increased demand caused by climate change -to be simply and cost effectively delivered.