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 SolutionCable-Guided Exterior Window Shade
The cable-guided exterior sun shade is a motorized system with an elegantly designed tubular cassette, which adds an attractive architectural element to today’s dynamic facades. The aluminum housing protects the roller shade components from the elements. The shade has an extended bottom bar that slides along the stainless steel side cables. The cassette and cable brackets are designed to integrate with the facade.
Cable-Guided Exterior Shade
Exterior Roller Shade Tension System
The exterior window shade tension system is an innovative shading system designed for horizontal, inclined, and vertical glazing. Its unique tensioning device keeps fabric flat and taut over wide and long spans of glazing. Moreover, the system provides the ability to customize applications on curved glass (such as solariums), irregularly shaped glass, and triangular windows. The product is very reliable and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. It is a durable, heavy-duty product and can withstand adverse weather conditions.
Tensioned Exterior Shading Solution
Exterior Window Shade Blinds and Louvers
Exterior window shade blinds have become one of the premier products in today’s most sustainable buildings. The primary benefits of aluminum louvers, compared to roller shades, are the ability to tilt the louvers to provide harvesting of natural daylight into a space, the privacy achieved (along with a view) by tilting the louvers to prevent views into a space, and blocking nearly all of the solar heat gain with a highly reflective surface. These systems can be installed on the exterior of a building or within a double glass facade.
Exterior Louver Window Shade Solution