Cooling Modular Buildings

Building in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way is becoming the norm, and Modular Building designers often lead the way.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. As Members of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) we are contributing points towards Platinum LEED Certification for many buildings & notably on the current Construction of the Campus Pictet De Rochement, one of the most environmentally conscious buildings in Europe.

Koolshade® stops overheating. Instantly.

External Shading: The Best Solution

As the demand for extra space continues to rise, modular buildings have become an increasingly popular solution. However, with this increase in popularity comes a new set of challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the problem of overheating, which can have serious consequences for the occupants of these buildings.

Modular buildings are a cost-effective solution for creating extra space. They offer flexibility, speed of construction and can be easily relocated if necessary. In fact, the modular building market is expected to grow by 6.9% annually over the next 5 years.

Modular buildings are also becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability. The off-site construction process means that waste is minimized and materials are used more efficiently. Additionally, modular buildings can be designed to be energy-efficient, reducing their carbon footprint especially when ‘passive’ methods of heat control are used.

Overheating can be a serious problem in modular buildings

Overheating is a serious problem in modular buildings, which are often constructed with limited ventilation and insulation. This can result in dangerously high temperatures inside the building, making it uncomfortable and even unsafe for occupants.

The causes of overheating in modular buildings are numerous, ranging from the materials used in construction to the orientation of the building itself. For example, materials such as metal or concrete can absorb and retain heat, while poor orientation can lead to direct sunlight exposure for extended periods of time. The impact of overheating on occupants can be significant, causing health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. In addition, productivity can be drastically reduced as a result of discomfort and lack of concentration.

Modular buildings are often designed and constructed with limited ventilation systems, making them particularly susceptible to overheating. Without proper ventilation, heat can become trapped within the building, causing temperatures to rise rapidly.

Ventilation is essential

Where modular building are being used as classrooms, are constant, cool, well ventilated environment is essential. It will deliver significant benefits for academic performance and well-being.

This lack of ventilation can be compounded by other factors such as insulation and air conditioning systems that may not be sufficient for the size of the building. As a result, occupants may experience discomfort, decreased productivity, and even health risks due to the high temperatures.

The construction materials used in modular buildings play a significant role in contributing to overheating. Materials such as metal and concrete absorb heat and radiate it back into the building, making it difficult to regulate the temperature indoors.

Additionally, insulation materials that are not designed for hot climates can exacerbate the problem by trapping heat inside the building. This can lead to a buildup of heat during the day, which can take hours to dissipate at night, resulting in uncomfortable living or working conditions.

Furthermore, overheating can also have a negative impact on productivity. Studies have found that workers in hot environments are less productive and make more errors than those in cooler environments. This can have a significant impact on businesses and organizations that rely on their employees' productivity to succeed.

Stopping the sun's heat before it reaches inside

External shading is the most effective solution to prevent overheating in modular buildings. By shading the exterior of the building, heat gain can be reduced by up to 80%. This is because external shading blocks the sun's rays before they can penetrate the building, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed.

Not only is external shading effective, it is also a cost-effective solution. Compared to other cooling methods such as air conditioning, external shading requires less energy and maintenance costs are lower. Additionally, external shading can improve the aesthetic appeal of the building by adding an architectural feature that can enhance its overall design.

Landscaping can also be used as a form of external shading. Trees and other vegetation can provide shade and help cool the surrounding air. Green roofs and walls can also be used to reduce heat gain and improve insulation. However, it is important to choose plants that are appropriate for the local climate and will not require excessive watering or maintenance.

When designing external shading for modular buildings, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is orientation. The shading should be designed to block the sun's rays during the hottest parts of the day, while still allowing natural light to enter the building. This can be achieved by positioning the shading on the east and west sides of the building, where the sun's rays are most intense.

Another important design consideration is the materials used for the shading. The materials should be durable and able to withstand the elements, while also being aesthetically pleasing.

When considering the cost of implementing external shading in modular buildings, it is important to take into account both the initial costs and ongoing maintenance. While external shading may require a higher upfront investment compared to other solutions, such as air conditioning, it can provide significant long-term savings by reducing energy consumption and increasing the lifespan of the building.

In addition to the financial benefits, external shading can also improve the overall comfort and productivity of the occupants, leading to a better return on investment. When evaluating the cost considerations, it is important to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term benefits and consider the unique needs of the building and its occupants.

Why MicroLouvre Koolshade®?

An exceptional range of sustainable green credentials and fire protection

Made in Britain - Delivered Globally

Our fabrics are all made in the UK to reduce shipping emissions.

100% recyclable

MicroLouvre Koolshade® metal fabrics and frames are 100% recyclable and are proven to last over 60 years.

90% recycled

The metal fabrics are made from over 90% recycled scrap copper.

68% HVAC savings

Air conditioning usage can be reduced by more than 68% and equipment halved - When used as Solar Shading.

Architectural Glazing using our MicroLouvre Koolshade® is efficient and effective.

MicroLouvre Koolshade® metal fabric can be laminated with any combination of glass to form a completely unique architectural glazing and solar control glazing, providing a new and exciting dimension to high performance glass aesthetics, designed to maximise both appearance and function.?

The MicroLouvre Koolshade® interlayer can be natural bronze or painted any colour and can be full colour printed to present any image, logo or message. MicroLouvre Koolshade® can be tensioned intra glass panels to form a unobtrusive extra mid-pane barrier which provides the wide range of performance benefits for solar control, glare control, perfect outward vision and daylighting whilst providing a sleek and uniform building exterior for onlookers.

How it works

How does MicroLouvre Koolshade® work?

MicroLouvre Koolshade® invisibly neutralises solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the window. MicroLouvre Koolshade® uniquely works non-stop providing dynamic g-value (heat blocking) performance to continually dissipate the sun’s heat and energy into the atmosphere but not blocking vision out, natural daylight or natural ventilation; solar shading using our products is efficient and effective.