We see brise soleil much more often in Britain than external blinds and yet they are much less efficient at shading and reducing solar gain.
A project for a client living in a modern block of flats with brise soleil and overhanging balconies, suffered from overheating because the shading was inadequate. With permission from the freeholder, we were commissioned to supply and install solar powered external screens with positive results, as expressed by our client:
“The reduction in the solar gain and internal temperature is marked with the previously sweltering east facing bedrooms now comfortably cool”
Brise soleil have been popular because they are independent of the window and don’t obstruct the view, or clash with outward opening windows. However, their projection is often not sufficient to provide adequate shading. Compared to external blinds, brise soleil are less energy efficient because they are non retractable, and block out beneficial solar gain. However, external blinds are still uncommon in the UK because the choice of specifications are not widely known. They offer different degrees of light and visual comfort, with fabrics that retain the view to the outside or blackout. External blinds should be designed in conjunction with the window, which can be sash, sliding or inward opening, to allow ventilation when the blinds are in use. External screens and roller shutters do require a minimum of annual maintenance but they are certainly worth it!
Outdoor Roller Shades | Stylish External Screens (enviroblinds.co.uk)