Neil Gordon

Exterior Window Shades are retractable blinds or shades that are mounted on the outside of the glass. They are in their infancy in the United States. Architects are now being introduced to the innovative European systems that provide superior performance for the reduction of solar heat gain. All across the European continent (including northern climates), exterior window shades are seen on the most sustainable buildings.

Kinetic architecture is a concept through which buildings are designed to allow parts of the structure to move, without reducing overall structural integrity. Kinetic Architecture is becoming a force in sustainable building across the globe and a significant contributor to a growing trend in Exterior Window Shades. 

Exterior window shades are gaining popularity because of their superior performance in reducing solar heat gain. The graphic below tells it all. A space with no shades allows 80 percent solar heat gain; an interior shading solution allows more than 50 percent solar heat gain, and an exterior window shade blocks between 80 and 90 percent.

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Solar Heat Gain Performance of an Exterior Shading Solution

Our latest interview is featured in the newest edition of WF Vision Magazine for May/June 2015. In this issue, we focused on integration and included an interview called “The Importance of Integration”with Gianni Stramandinoli. Below you will find the article but if you have the physical or digital copy check it out on pages 22-23.

It’s hard not to be aware of the revolution in sustainable architecture and design. From the sudden surge in popularity in solar energy, to passive homes and sustainable cities, we are living, working and experiencing a massive global shift in how mankind interacts with the earth. Hopefully, this effort will be enough to prevent an environmental disaster. 

 
The world-renowned architect Renzo Piano has specified and installed Exterior Shading Solutions in many projects throughout Europe and the USA.  Many of these installations showcase his attention to details.

When I visited Italy last summer, I toured his project in Trento. This large complex of condominiums, offices, retail and a museum was highlighted with over 6000 Exterior Shades.

This redevelopment project was built to replace the former Michelin tire factory on an 11-hactare brownfield industrial area adjacent to the Adage River. The site is bound on the north by the historic Palazzo delle Albere, on the south by Monte Baldo Road and on the east by the railroad.

The Scotch Holland Roller Shades originated in the early 1700s. They were made from Holland linen, which came from the Netherlands. The fabric was first produced in Glasgow, Scotland, by James Louis Robertson and John King, hence the name Scotch Holland.

The first roller shade made from Scotch Holland linen did not have a spring mechanism. Instead, when the blind was closed, the fabric lay in folds on the windowsill. To open the blind, you had to pull on a cord, which was attached to a top rod. To secure the open blind, you wound the cord around a cleat.

I recently found this interesting article by the Sweedish photographer Jakob Ehrensvärd. He photographs abandoned buidings. He stumbled across this roller shade factory. There are some great photos along with his observations. Enjoy…

We wanted to share with you our latest writing we did in WF Vision Magazine for the March April 2015 magazine. First we wrote an article entitled “The Next Generation of Window Treatments” – it’s really a great concept and hopefully you find it equally enjoyable and informative. You can see the article below or use the following link and go to page 20-21 (or page 23-24 if you are viewing it online) 

Our Architectural and Contractor Services is what makes InSync Solar different from the completion. We have found many Architects and Contractors have become more and more overwhelmed trying to specify the correct Engineered Shading Solution. To help with the confusion, we at InSync Solar work with the Architect from itinial concept to completion to ensure their vision is met.

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
When Architects work with one of our consultants during the planning and design stages, products are proposed and integrated into the project as Engineered Shading Solutions and not as afterthoughts. Consultants provide Architects with many useful services in designing, planning, and fabricating Engineered Shading Solutions.

CONCEPT DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS
Concept drawings or renderings may be needed when a visual representation is required. The consultant may offer solutions from the toolkit of products, but sometimes there is a need for unique customization. The first step would be to provide a concept drawing as the one shown below. In this instance, the Architect was seeking a treatment that would travel down a solarium skylight onto the vertical wall in one application.