Exterior motorized shades provide the ultimate solution where heat and glare control are needed while preserving the view of the outside world. Europe has a long history of using exterior solar shades to reduce operating costs for owners while enhancing tenant comfort. Many European countries are now mandating exterior shading on all new building projects. The US is rapidly embracing this concept and exterior solar shading will become a common place solution set for most architects and designers.
The challenge of selecting a control system design is often hampered by a lack of knowledge and manufacturers who do not fully understand the limitations of the equipment they are proposing. There is a fundamental difference between the actual equipment selected and how it is configured and laid out. In short, the equipment is not the control system. It is just one element in the overall design.
Technology has complicated the process rather than simplifying it. Manufacturers benefit from the sale of high end and technically challenging control equipment. It provides them with a built in revenue stream due to the proprietary nature of the equipment and the need to have highly trained technicians to install and service the system. Maintaining the installation can become an expensive long term proposition for the building’s owners.
In most cases it is completely foolish to specify a system that requires a computer programmer to make it work.That is technology run amuck! Keep It Simple, Stupid – KISS- should be the watch phrase in the design and implementation of exterior shading control. Often less is more without any loss in control functionality. Use the following checklist as an aid to flowchart smarter exterior shading designs. Engineered shading consultants should be an essential part in the overall process and will add value to the finished project.