Shadoglass Glass Louvred Solar Shading System

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 façade 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 the options tab 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 our Shadovoltaic page for 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 90⁰.

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 the options tab above to find out more:

Shadoglass LS-1 is 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-2 is 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-3 is centrally pivoted, intended for very wide spans. An aluminium clamping system is fixed along to the short edges of the louvre blades.

Shadoglass LS-4 is 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-5 is 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-Link or Soltronic are 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.