Colt International LLC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Shadoglass is an external fixed or moveable glass louvred solar shading system, designed to reduce heat gains and glare whilst maximising the use of natural daylight.

Shadoglass may be installed either vertically or horizontally in front of the faade or on the roof. It can be either fixed or moveable. It is also suitable as a primary or secondary facade element to provide ventilation.

A wide range of louvres Shadoglass louvres are available in various colours, surface finishes and coatings to meet specific design requirements. Depending on the chosen type of glass, frit or film, the desired transmission of light and/or heat radiation can be accurately achieved for every specific application. The louvre spans depends on structural considerations and the kind of louvre blade selected. Click theoptionstab above to find out more.

A wide range of carrier systems- The various Shadoglass carrier systems are suited for use with glass, metal, fabric, wood and translucent acrylic louvres, as well as photovoltaic cells (see ourShadovoltaic pagefor further information).

Flexible controls- Shadoglass shading systems can be operated by linear actuators that have the capability to operate complete facades. A series of louvres are attached to a system of levers and push rods which link them to a control system. The louvres may be fixed at any angle and can rotate under motorised control within a range of up to 90.

Robust- Shadoglass is made from high grade aluminium and stainless steel. The system is designed to compensate for thermal expansion.

Potential to reduce installation time Shadoglass can be provided in modular pre-assembled form.

Shadoglass has five basic carrier systems - click theoptionstab above to find out more:

Shadoglass LS-1is centrally pivoted, intended for wide spans, and incorporates a central aluminium torsion tube incorporating the louvre brackets along the length of the louvre for additional support.

Shadoglass LS-2is primarily intended for small spans or where frequent anchor points are available. It provides minimum obstruction to the glass area, thereby maximizing daylight and enhancing the view to the outside.

Shadoglass LS-3is centrally pivoted, intended for very wide spans. An aluminium clamping system is fixed along to the short edges of the louvre blades.

Shadoglass LS-4is a back hinged system with hidden control mechanisms integrated within the main vertical supports. This enables a seamless continuous appearance when viewed from the outside, since the supports are installed to the back of the louvres.

Shadoglass LS-5is a centre pivoted system which provides maximum transparency. An aluminium clamping system is fixed along to the short edges of the louvre blades.

A fixed solar shading system may only truly be effective on a south facing building.

Controllable solar shading systems can better optimise the flows of heat and light energy than fixed solar shading systems. Since the louvres are designed to follow the path of the sun, daylight levels may be optimised whilst radiation levels are reduced to a minimum. The likelihood of over-shading or under-shading that frequently occurs with fixed solar shading is reduced, since the louvres are always set to optimum shading angle.
An additional benefit of movable systems is that when they are closed, they can provide additional security and can help reduce winter heat loss.

Colt ICS 4-Linkor Soltronicare the standard controls for Shadoglass. These provide accurate control of the louvre blades, continually calculating the position of the sun and together with internal temperature and lighting sensors controlling the position of the louvres. On dull days, light sensors can operate to fully open the louvres to allow the occupants full vision to the outside at all times. Remote operation is also available via an internal modem interface.

Solar C is a simple and effective fixed aluminium C-section brise soleil solar shading system designed to reduce heat gains and glare. It is positioned around or above windows.

It offers architects and contractors a versatile and practical solution to managing solar radiation, whilst adding a modern architectural aesthetic.

Fixed brise soleil devices such as Solar C are most effective on facades where it is possible both to reduce the amount of high angle sun in the summer, but also to allow low angle sun in the winter, which can then provide some passive solar heating.

Versatile -Solar C can be mounted above or in front of windows and, as with all Colt solar shading systems, the louvres can also be mounted around corners and curves. This, combined with the various angles at which the system can be installed, ensures that the shade created is always optimal. The versatility of the system, with respect to dimensions and colours, offers many design alternatives.

High light transmission, low heat transmission -Unlike conventional 'Z' shaped blades, which reduce both direct and diffused light, the Solar C blade is designed to be particularly effective at controlling solar heat gain while allowing a large proportion of diffused light through the blade.

Potential to reduce installation time Alternatively Solar C can be provided in modular pre-assembled form and also as a panellised system.

Six blade profiles are available varying in width from 100mm to 150mm. A perforated blade is also available with a width of 110mm. The pitch between the blades is normally set at 100mm but this can be varied to suit the blade size and angle.

Five basic Solar C brise soleil rafter designs are available. Their use depends on the fixing method and the loadings on the structure. For any projections less than 1m the rafter can be cantilevered from the building structure, assuming the wind load is not excessive. Maintenance walkways with kick plate and hand rails can be attached to the rafter to enable access for cleaning.

Solar C is normally provided as a continuous brise soleil louvre system mounted either above or below fixed rafters projecting from the building. However, if a panellised system is preferred, then this is available with profiled end plates which can make a prominent feature to a building. This can also reduce installation time.

With continuous brise soleil louvres, the louvres are sent out in breakdown for on-site assembly, unless it is supplied in modular pre-assembled or panellised form. An adjustment in the louvre system can accommodate building tolerances of +/- 10mm. Particular attention is required to suitable fixing locations and the structural integrity of the fixing material. This should be considered at the early stages of the project.