News from Schüco for passive and active building protection not only against the sun

Thermal comfort and suitable lighting conditions at workplaces and at home are important year-round. In the effort to maximize thermal gains of buildings, however, during warm days there can be overheating of the building due to heat from people, electrical devices, and especially solar radiation. The optimization of the overall energy balance of buildings is significantly contributed to by shading technology. When chosen and used correctly, it demonstrably helps reduce cooling costs in summer months, as well as heating costs in winter. Solar energy is a significant renewable source, and thus it should be taken into account when planning the energy balance of the building. Often unnecessarily, cooling costs in summer paradoxically exceed heating costs of the building in winter months.  

Appropriate shading protects against overheating of spaces, direct sunlight, and glare, and contributes to an even distribution of light throughout the day. Architects and developers therefore require flexible and variable solutions that are effective against solar radiation, resistant to wind, and aesthetically appealing. In the text below, we will present three current innovations on the market from the portfolio of Schüco, a specialist in windows, doors, and façades.

Integral shading roller blind

For this product, Schüco partnered with the German company Sun-Master Sonnenschutz GmbH and together developed shading and anti-reflective window protection known as Integral. It is a standalone unit consisting of a specially rolled pleated film, discreetly integrated into the glazing profile. The roller blind installed from the inside can reach a maximum width of 1800 mm and a height of up to 3200 mm, and is compatible with all Schüco window systems, the most common being Schüco AWS 75.SI and Schüco AWS 90.SI.

Due to the hidden installation of the anti-solar and anti-reflective protection into the glazing profile, the roller blind is only visible when in use. When retracted, the blind and related accessories do not disrupt the window. The Integral roller blind is suitable for new buildings as well as modernization, as the original glazing profile can be simply replaced with a complete system including the roller blind. Two control options are available. In the electric version, the roller blind is integrated into the lower glazing profile and rolls up. In the mechanical version, the film is installed at the top and moves downwards.

The internal and thus weather-independent blind is made from five different polyester films with special pleating. Three of these films allow a clear view outside the window. Specifically, model SHGS 03 is a screen with a highly reflective film that excellently protects against direct sunlight. Glare is reduced by 97%, providing excellent shading for offices and other workplaces with challenging conditions. The other two transparent films serve as effective glare protection. The remaining two shading films - one with a black and the other with a white inner color - are opaque.

Large-area "hi-tech" sunshades Schüco ALB

The new rectangular sunshades belong to the group of large-area aluminum sunshades Schüco ALB. They can be arranged vertically or horizontally in front of façades or windows. They are available in fixed or active configurations. The option of individual adjustment of the sunshade according to the position of the sun provides highly efficient shading at any time of the day. A wide range of shaped metal slats are manufactured, with or without perforation, in widths of 250 mm, 300 mm, and 400 mm. The slats are mounted on the Schüco supporting system with pre-drilled threaded holes, allowing for easy attachment of many different types of blinds. The shape, color, perforation, and arrangement of the slats are optional, contributing to an attractive facade design.

Shading slats Schüco ALB in C and Z shapes

The exterior ALB slats in new shapes provide top-notch protection against sun and weather elements. They are designed for large-area installations and façades and can be arranged horizontally or as a cantilever system. The distances between the individual slats can be easily adjusted to suit local conditions, especially the position of the sun, as well as the architect's visual requirements. With C and Z shaped slats, corner constructions can also be realized. A high degree of prefabrication and a simple system ensure reliable and fast installation.

The slats are secured to the supporting profile structure, which is preferably attached to the building, using plastic clamps. These are available with angles of 45° and 60° and can be used in facade cladding or as a cantilever solution. For corner constructions of C and Z shaped blinds, rotary clamps and holders are also available. C-shaped blinds are manufactured in widths of 100 mm and 150 mm, while Z-shaped slats are available in widths of 100 mm and 120 mm. To prevent soiling of the building, the manufacturer offers two Z-shaped blinds with an additional groove for either perforated or non-perforated bird protection. The blinds can further be configured to include a mesh against insects.

In addition to the above innovations, the Schüco range includes the system of exterior solar screens CTB with high wind resistance for windows and façades, or the sliding shutters ALB system.

More at www.schueco.cz.