There are many beautiful and creative ways Landscape Architects can provide natural shading solutions for their projects. However, when it comes to engineered solutions such as those that are commonly used in Pergolas, or where unusual shading structures require more creative approaches, the choices become somewhat limited. This article will explore a variety of new and exciting products from the resources of InSync Solar, experts in exterior solar shades.
The idea of an exterior shading solution is not a new one. A great example from history is a 2000-year-old system shown on the photo below of the Roman Coliseum. If you have been fortunate to take a tour of this architectural wonder, you would have learned about the Velarium. The Velarium was a retractable fabric awning system to shade the spectators for the hot Italian sun.
The products presented here all are focused on providing shading for outdoor living environments. Many of these systems are often specified as a sustainable solution to reduce solar heat gain entering an interior living space as well.
Northwest of Venice, Italy is the city of Trento. It is the capital of Trentino and is located on the Adige River valley. Located in this historic city is the site of the MUSE Museum of Science complex designed by the word renowned architect Renzo Piano.
Throughout this large complex are over 6000 exterior shades installed. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop designs many of their projects using such coverings. They also commonly customize basic functions of the products they specify. This includes the exterior shading solutions for the outdoor living spaces. For example the decks on the condos, they designed “hockey stick” shaped swing arms to project the gravity assist exterior solar shades over the railing’s edge. This clever alteration provided excellent shading along with good ventilation and unobstructed deck space.
Another interesting application for an exterior shading solution is installed on the patios. In the photo below the Renzo Piano team wanted to provide a retractable shading system with cables. The tension force system proved to be an excellent solution. Since a simple gravity assist shade would sag as it rolled down, a device to provide tension to the fabric was required. The result was a taught, sloping shading system designed to mirror the surrounding Dolomite Mountains.
Located in Los Cabos, Mexico is a brand new hotel and residence due to open this December. It’s named the Mar Adrentro Hotel. Designed by the architect Miguel Angel Aragones, this unique tourist destination features an 83-suite five-star hotel, as well as 106 private residences and 18 estates. This one-of-a-kind architectural project is located in San Jose del Cabo, an enclave formed by desert and sea.
The complex is spread out across a series of reflecting and infinity pools, the likes of which has not been seen anywhere. Also unique to the design is the wide use of exterior shading solutions throughout the project. Outdoor living and dining are the top reasons tourists visit tropical destinations. The cable guided exterior shading solutions are installed to provide comfortable environments for lounging, socializing, and relaxing.
For public projects, outdoor common areas may require retractable shading devices. Another Renzo Piano Building Workshop example is at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. The exterior walkways are shaded with the tension force skylight solution as shown below.
Today’s Pergolas are taking outdoor living to levels of luxury comparable to the Caesars of Rome. Systems with rotating louvers, drainage systems for rain, built in LED light and heaters are now available. Below are a few systems showing louvers and retractable canopy systems.
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