Why External Louvres Are Perfect for New Build Homes
Here’s how external louvres are perfect for new build homes
Open-plan layouts and properties featuring a lot of glazing are becoming increasingly common in modern residential architectural design. People typically want brighter, cleaner-looking spaces in keeping with the trend of minimalist style choices.
Of course, this creates several fundamental challenges. These sorts of homes are prime candidates for solar overheating, and with properties becoming better at retaining heat (which is otherwise a great feature), what has been designed as an airy living space can soon become a sauna.
The answer? High-quality external louvres. They provide a stylish, highly functional way of controlling heat, and all without sacrificing the view and light profile the property is prized for.
The Overheating Challenge in Modern Homes
When you prioritise natural light, you’re always going to have to mitigate the issue of overheating somehow – and the problem becomes more significant the more glass you have.
Particularly for properties that face south and west, sunlight very quickly raises temperatures, often making the entire house uncomfortable to reside in within a few hours. While mechanical cooling solutions can mitigate the problem somewhat, they’re almost always insufficient.
The issue has become so pervasive that it has been addressed in the UK building regulations. Part O provides technical guidance on solving the problem and stresses the importance of doing so.
Why Internal Blinds are Often Not Enough, and How External Louvres Reduce Solar Heat Gain
Blinds have traditionally been used as a solution, but while this might make sense in principle, it doesn’t really work.
Traditional blinds help with brightness, but the reality is that once heat has already entered through the glass, the problem of excessive heat will result regardless. In fact, because blinds trap heat between the window and the interior space in question, they can actually contribute to the issue.
As such, mitigation needs to be implemented outside the building with external shading systems, such as external louvres and façade louvres. These block heat before it reaches the inside of the property.
Attractive, Multipurpose Sun Control Systems
There are several different types of louvres. First off, there are a variety of sizes to accommodate a broad range of building types, as well as those optimised for specific orientations.
Then, there’s stylistic variance. Sunshield provides the option of sleek aluminium or natural wood, as well as dozens of different colours to pick from (there are both powder coat and anodising colours available). This also isn’t an all-or-nothing solution. Just like blinds, they can be opened or closed to varying degrees, shutting out the sun during the summer months while enabling the warmth to circulate in winter, and everything in between.
They’re a fantastic choice for privacy, too, enabling the resident to enjoy a bright, open interior during the day while simultaneously offering the ability to be completely invisible to the outside world in the evening.
Summary of the Key Benefits of Architectural Louvres
External louvres for windows make sense for a plethora of reasons, so now that you’re a little clearer about why they’re important, let’s round off with the key benefits.
Heat Reduction
These systems result in drastically improved temperatures, and with modern architecture favouring open spaces, louvres for new build homes are becoming an essential feature. There’s no other option that both maximises the utility of the space while optimally shielding it from the elements.
Glare Control
External louvres prevent sunlight from dazzling the occupants inside, making living spaces much more comfortable to spend time in during the day. They’re easily adjustable and unintrusive.
Natural Light Optimisation
With an external shading system like this, it’s not simply an option of either total darkness or blinding sunlight; they’re designed to optimise natural light. A louvre can be fine-tuned and adjusted to let in just enough light for whatever activity the occupant is engaged in.
Compliance with Building Regulations
With the aforementioned issues being ubiquitous in modern home design, installing louvres is necessary to comply with the latest building regulations and ensure all boxes are ticked.
Design Flexibility
External louvres can be fixed or adjustable, horizontal or vertical. There are also various blade sizes and spacing options available, as well as the choice between different materials and colours.
Ready to Innovate with Us?
If you’re a developer or architect looking for high-quality, innovative solutions to the challenges of open-plan modern design, or you’re a homeowner hoping to improve the livability of your own property, be sure to request a quote today and download the brochure.
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For a visual representation of what Sunshield can offer you, you can also check out the project page. Overheating solutions for glazing don’t need to be complex; they just require an expert approach. No matter what type of design you need, Sunshield's bespoke installations provide the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, ensuring every property looks and feels its best.
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Stunning louvres - A perfect feature for any home design
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