Screens for Facade Restoration

Retrofitting Buildings

Retrofitting is the process of upgrading or modifying an existing building to improve its performance, functionality, and efficiency. This can include improving insulation, upgrading mechanical systems, and installing new windows or lighting.

Retrofitting is necessary because many buildings were constructed before modern energy codes and standards existed, resulting in high energy consumption and increased environmental impact.

Retrofitting is not the same as renovation or refurbishment, it is the process of upgrading existing buildings to make them more energy-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

It involves modifying the building's systems, such as lighting, heating, and cooling, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Retrofitting is crucial because buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions.

By retrofitting existing buildings, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable future for generations to come. From a fad to a future-focus: retrofitting buildings is the next step in sustainable construction, and an opportunity to create more energy-efficient environment.

By retrofitting buildings, we can:

Reduce energy consumption
Shrink greenhouse gas emissions
Lower operating costs
Improve occupant comfort and health.

It is a critical step towards creating sustainable and resilient communities.

For more information about Retrofitting please CLICK HERE

Microlouvre Koolshade® can rejuvenate and transform tired buildings into modern, energy-saving, weather-protected investments. Our mesh system can help prolong the life of a building for many additional years. Discrete application to historic buildings is possible. It creates uniformity and an improved aesthetic as well as the solar protection performance.

When Microlouvre Koolshade® screens are fitted to dated single or double glazing, still commonplace in most building stocks, the overall glazing performance for protection from solar heat gain is superior to even the best current solar glass. Microlouvre Koolshade® screens can be made to look just like the original windows but offering so much more.

It is also A1/A2 fire rated, which is now a legal requirement for many residential buildings.

The Benefits of External Solar Shading

External solar shading is a highly effective way to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly those that are being retrofitted. By reducing the amount of solar radiation that enters a building through windows, external shading can significantly reduce cooling loads and improve indoor comfort levels.

This can result in lower energy bills, improved occupant satisfaction, and increased productivity.

In addition to its energy-saving benefits, external solar shading can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. With a wide range of materials, colours, and designs available, it is possible to create shading systems that are both functional and visually appealing.

From sleek, modern designs to traditional, ornate styles, there is a solution to suit every building and budget.

Campus Pictet de Rochemont

The building facade design is using a unique woven louvre material, known as MicroLouvre Koolshade from SmartLouvre Technology, that will bring immense benefits to the occupants of the building and to the environment itself.

The angular selective, 3D, Copper Bronze material will be added externally remove solar heat gain, allow ventilation to flow and remove glare whilst meeting LEED visual contact with the outside, critera.

(Due for completion in 2025)

Integrated Photonics Cleanroom (IPC) Southampton

RESULTS

Significant reduction in internal temperatures
Light and easy to install
Compliant with all standards and regulations
Maintained ability to view out

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Facade to Reduce Solar Heat Gain

RESULTS

Significant reductions of solar heat gain
Permanent unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean
Perfect natural daylight with 100% CRI
80% Natural ventilation
Blocked up to 100% direct glare

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.

Facade Restoration using MicroLouvre Koolshade® is efficient and effective.

When MicroLouvre Koolshade® screens are fitted to dated single or double glazing, still commonplace in most building stocks, the overall glazing performance for protection from solar heat gain is superior to even the best current solar glass. MicroLouvre Koolshade® screens can be made to look just like the original windows but offering so much more.

How does MicroLouvre Koolshade® work?

MicroLouvre Koolshade® is light, but solid, architectural material made from 700 paper-thin bronze louvres woven into every metre of the unique metal fabric. It can be integrated into your glazing or tensioned into a lightweight aluminium frame. It can be quickly and easily installed to the whole façade, the window frames, or just the glazing itself.

Applying MicroLouvre Koolshade® to your facade, either using a stand-alone screen or within the glazing, provides effective protection against excess heat gain and glare whilst still maintaining visibility to the outside world. Its application has been proven to reduce energy demand for cooling by as much as 70% and lighting by over 50%, therefore providing a rapid return on investment.

How it works

How does MicroLouvre Koolshade® work?

MicroLouvre Koolshade® invisibly neutralises solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the window. MicroLouvre® 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.