Design Principles of window blinds for offices - #4 Thermal
Hugh McCreadie
Blinds and Curtains Consultant - helping property developers and their designers create market-leading spaces
Buildings are subject to thermal modelling as part of their design. Blinds are an important part of the strategy to reduce cooling costs and prevent overheating.
The positioning of the blinds in relation to the glazing, and the type of fabric selected are both important factors in meeting the thermal needs of the space.
Fabric selection will also have an impact on glare control; so light and thermal factors should always be considered together
FABRIC TYPES
Use metallised fabrics for maximum thermal efficiency. Our preference is for metallised fabrics so that internal colour selection does not impact on thermal or glare properties.
Fabrics selected should aim for a solar reflectance value of at least 70%.
THERMAL FRACTURE
There is a risk of thermal shock fracture of glazing units if blinds are installed too close too close to the glass.
For the fully illustrated 2019 design guide covering all 8 principles request your copy at [email protected]