About Us

SmartLouvre® Technology

SmartLouvre® Technology is the world’s sole manufacturer of KoolShade® , a revolutionary metal fabric originally invented by two senior researchers from Dow Chemical and first produced in collaboration with Borg-Warner Corporation .

Marketed as KoolShade® , these advanced fabric screens were mass-produced for commercial buildings across the United States and later distributed worldwide. However, in 1989, a devastating hurricane destroyed the original factory. Despite rebuilding efforts, prolonged power outages and supply chain disruptions halted production indefinitely.

Years later, the dormant weaving machines were transported to the UK , where SmartLouvre Technology revitalised the manufacturing process, modernising it with computerised precision for the 21st century.

Today, while driving innovation in advanced shading solutions, SmartLouvre remains committed to investing in the future through cutting-edge manufacturing and unique apprenticeship programs , nurturing the next generation of skilled engineers.

SmartLouvre®: Sustainable Shading for a Cooler Planet

As temperatures rise, the need for passive cooling solutions grows. KoolShade® delivers—blocking heat, reducing glare, and cutting air-conditioning costs in the world’s most sustainable buildings.

From a decades-old innovation to a modern climate solution , our high-performance shading systems create better living and working environments—proven, unique, and energy-efficient.

At SmartLouvre®, we’re committed to sustainable innovation —lowering energy use, enhancing comfort, and protecting well-being.

Cooler buildings. Smarter planet.

Our vision

At SmartLouvre® , we revolutionise indoor environments with our high-performance shading systems —uniquely engineered to block heat, reduce glare, and enhance comfort in commercial, public, and residential spaces.

Our proven, innovative technology doesn’t just improve working and living conditions—it dramatically cuts air-conditioning costs , reduces energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of HVAC systems.

We are committed to sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that prioritise occupant well-being, energy efficiency, and superior comfort , helping buildings work smarter for people and the planet.

The Story Behind Our Truly ‘Micro’ Louvres

Our innovative product traces its origins to the late 1930s, when John Grebe, a prolific inventor at Dow Chemicals, developed and patented this groundbreaking technology in the U.S. Initially manufactured in collaboration with the Borg-Warner Corporation, it quickly became the leading external sun-shading solution across America.

Years later, our Managing Director, Andrew, a fifth-generation blind maker—never lost sight of his heritage. After selling his business, Coopers Fire, he brought the weaving machines for KoolShade® to the UK, ensuring this exceptional technology could continue to thrive.

Certified in efficiency and efficacy

Building Research Establishment (BRE) wind tunnel tested MicroLouvre KoolShade® screens from different angles and proved it to be indestructible at winds exceeding 100mph/160 kph/46 metres per second.

The Berkeley Lab included MicroLouvre KoolShade® in a major research project for PG&E. With MicroLouvre®, daily cooling loads were reduced by 68% on sunny days when compared with dual pane, high performance solar control glass with an internal blind.

The IFC Group have confirmed MicroLouvre KoolShade® to be A1/A2-s1,d0 : BS EN 13501 Fire Rating, making it one of very few passive and dynamic external sun and solar heat gain blocking systems compliant for use on high rise buildings.

When tested at Fraunhofer, results confirmed MicroLouvre KoolShade® as the most comprehensive solution for Thermal and Visual Comfort in one system.

SmartLouvre® Technology Limited is an ISO: 9001 2015 Accredited Quality Management company.

MicroLouvre KoolShade® has been extensively modelled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in SimScale.