Passive solar protection systems

STACBOND aluminum composite panels provide a wide range of possibilities for use in the passive solar protection systems of buildings, one of the key aspects for optimizing energy efficiency in new sustainable architecture trends. By adequately controlling sunlight, energy is reflected and dissipated outside the living space, thus reducing energy demand. Below is a selection of passive solutions for solar protection and the use of natural light.

VENTILATED FACADE


Ventilated facades are a building envelope system in which STACBOND composite panels are installed, separated by a layer of thermal insulation by means of a supporting structure. As a result of this separation distance, and thanks to the effect of sunlight, the indoor air warms up and a flow is produced between the panel and the facade. This system ensures optimal thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as effective protection against atmospheric elements.

The main advantage of ventilated facades is energy savings, which are possible thanks to the chamber between the building’s exterior wall and the composite panels, reducing thermal transmittance and saving energy.

CANTILEVERS AND ROOFS


Cantilevers are fixed, horizontal solar protection systems that generate shadows on the facade and openings of a building in summer, while enabling the entry of solar radiation in winter. Cantilevers usually protrude approximately one meter from the facade, although ideally their size should be calculated according to the orientation of the building. They are a very effective method to prevent buildings from heating up excessively in summer, reducing the effect of solar radiation by up to 40%. This system is a good option for use in single-family homes where we often have greater freedom when making changes to the exterior of our home.

Given that cantilevers are fixed and horizontal elements, they are less effective in areas of the building where the sun hits at a lower angle, such as the west and the east, and they are better suited for south-facing areas. The use of STACBOND composite panels in these systems has many advantages, such as ease of installation, reduced weight of the substructure and material and a wide range of finishes.

SLATS AND BLINDS


Vertical or horizontal exterior slat systems are systems that, when correctly fitted and used, are highly effective as a barrier against solar radiation. These systems are usually placed vertically and are therefore particularly suitable for orientations where solar radiation hits at a lesser angle, that is, east and west orientations. In this case, horizontal solar protection systems are not as effective as the sun is low and hits the facade and windows.

Their main advantage is that, while they prevent the entry of direct solar radiation, they allow the entry of indirect sunlight, enabling the correct lighting of interiors. It is essential to use these systems in exteriors given that, indoors, once the radiation passes through glass, they would only serve to filter light, but they would not prevent the heating of the interior space.

Slat systems do not have to be used only in front of glass openings, they can also be used to cover the entire building facade, like a second skin, generating shade on the facade and thus preventing it from overheating. The mechanical behavior of STACBOND composite panels make this product an ideal solution in slat systems, making it possible to unify finishes with the rest of the building’s facade.

LATTICES


Among the many transformation possibilities using STACBOND composite panels, perforation offers a wide range of esthetic solutions for filtering sunlight on facades. Perforation enables the use of numerous shapes and sizes that can be combined, along with regular and non-regular patterns, making it an ideal option for customizing buildings while also greatly improving their energy efficiency.