Fenestration and Shading

Fall 2007, 2008 graduate/undergraduate elective ‘Topics Studio’

Fenestration and Shading

Solar radiation through windows can contribute a significant amount of heat into the building. This radiation can be beneficial when heating is required but can also be a liability when cooling is needed. It can be regulated with properly designed shading systems that block the heat when it is not required and allows it when it is desirable. Daylighting, however, should be provided during the whole year.

The objective is to design and optimize an integrated window and shading system to provide the necessary solar protection in the summer and solar radiation in the winter (if required) while providing daylight. All of this with minimum use of materials.

1.1.Climate analysis to determine shading needs. Analysis of weather files with the BBC or the psychrometric chart indicate when solar radiation is needed inside the space. The sun shading chart in Climate Consultant plots solar position with outdoor temperature and dates and times in one diagram. This chart shows when shade is needed as a function of the shade line which can be adjusted by the user in the criteria screen.

1.2. Incident Solar Radiation.
In Ecotect use the option for solar access analysis and select the option to determine the incident solar radiation. A grid should have been created inside the space and the option to select objects in analysis grid should be selected. It is usually easier to visualize average daily values. An analysis for both the winter and summer seasons must be performed.

1.3. Daylight Analysis
A simple daylighting analysis using Ecotect permits to indicate if the shading system is also providing enough daylight inside the space. Ecotect’s analysis uses the CIE standard overcast sky. This should ensure enough daylight but in constantly clear skies opens the possibility of glare and overheating.

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