Close up of the dense array of shading devices following the curved facade of the Applied R&D Building at Northern Arizona University.

Applied R&D Building, Northern Arizona University

Solar control

Owners are calling for more daylight penetration & better energy efficiency. 

Modern aesthetics require larger, clearer glass panes.

Regulators are demanding ever higher levels of energy efficiency. 

This all means that solar control strategies are an increasingly vital component of cutting-edge building design.

Shading Options Performance Visualization Diagram

Visualization diagrams showing the various shading solar control system options with red/orange/yellow heat map graphs indicating their effect on monthly window heat gain across the year.

Solar control is a key component of most of our projects. 

Our holistic approach, predicated on consideration of the interconnectivity of the facade & the other building systems, ideally positions us to:  

  • Advise on facade shading systems that enhance the aesthetic,
  • Work with subcontractors to address their issues while preserving the design intent & aesthetic,
  • Quantify the impact of different shading options on daylight penetration, occupant comfort, and lighting & mechanical systems design,
  • Prepare visualization diagrams to easily communicate quantification data to facilitate design choices,
  • Create details to preserve control line continuity,
  • Devise testing plans to ensure control line continuity at anchorages.

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

High level staggered overhang shading devices on the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

California Academy of Sciences

Close-up of the black & white photovoltaic cells on a deep overhang shading device at the California Academy of Sciences.

Center for Health Sciences, UCLA

Stair Tower shading devices at the Center for Health Sciences South Retrofit, a building facade recladding project at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA.

Illuminance Assessment

A line graph showing the desk surface daylight illuminance levels at different distances from the facade.

Valley Specialty at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Close-up of the gray metal horizontal shading devices on the glass facade, reflecting in the cloudy blue sky at the Valley Specialty at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Typical scope of work

Our solar control expertise usually augments other services as the shading system is inextricably intertwined with the rest of the facade & building.  We typically:

  • Advise on shading system selection, design characterization & development
  • Create thermal & daylight performance modeling & visualization graphics
  • Review final shading system details for aesthetics, constructability & performance continuity
  • Prepare indicative sketches of shading attachment details
  • Work with subcontractors during design assist to ensure design & performance intents are met
  • Advise on testing to confirm shading anchorages remain air & water-tight

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