How Solar Shading Transforms Buildings with Glass Glass is often called a building’s “eyes to the world.” It connects people with their surroundings, fills spaces with natural light and creates inspiring architecture. From landmark skyscrapers to modern offices, glazing defines the character of today’s buildings. But there’s a challenge. Glass, while beautiful, is also one of the weakest elements of the building envelope when it comes to energy performance. Without proper management, it can lead to excessive heat gain in the summer, unwanted heat loss in the winter and high energy bills year-round. This is where solar shading becomes essential. The Role of Glazing in Modern Architecture Modern buildings are designed to maximise natural light. The benefits are clear: Daylight is free and reduces reliance on artificial lighting, cutting electricity use. Passive solar gain in winter reduces heating demand, lowering costs and carbon emissions. Views and outside connection improve staff wellbeing, productivity and satisfaction. Research by the World Green Building Council highlights that access to natural daylight can increase worker productivity by up to 18%. If designers reduced glass to limit energy losses, they would sacrifice all of these benefits. Instead, the smarter solution is to combine glazing with shading. Why Solar Shading Matters Unlike walls, glass is static. Its performance doesn’t change with the weather or sun angle. Yet the environment is dynamic, shifting hour by hour, even minute by minute. Solar shading gives buildings the flexibility glass alone cannot provide. Shading solutions whether internal blinds, external louvres or dynamic façades allow glass to deliver its benefits while keeping the building comfortable and efficient. They control: Heat gain: Blocking excessive solar energy in summer to prevent overheating. Heat loss: Retaining warmth during winter nights when properly specified. Glare: Diffusing harsh sunlight to protect occupants without losing natural light. Light levels: Allowing adjustable daylight penetration that supports circadian rhythms. Shading in Practice: The Shard, London The Shard is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a model for how solar shading can work at scale. With its fully glazed façade, it would be impossible to keep residents, office workers and hotel guests comfortable without effective control. The building integrates automated shading systems linked to sensors that track sun position, brightness and temperature. This automation means shading reacts in real-time, optimising thermal comfort and reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating. The result is a glass-dominated design that remains practical, sustainable and comfortable to occupy. The Energy Case for Shading The UK building stock accounts for around 30% of the nation’s total energy consumption, with heating and cooling representing the largest share. Reports such as the Glazing Supply Chains Report recognise solar shading as a key strategy to cut this energy use without compromising design intent. By integrating shading, buildings can: Reduce cooling loads by up to 60%, especially in south-facing glazed façades. Lower heating demand in winter, when shading is retracted to allow free solar gain. Extend the life of HVAC systems, as equipment is not pushed to its limits as frequently. Improve occupant wellbeing, which indirectly boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism. Types of Shading Solutions The right solution depends on the building’s purpose, orientation and design. Common approaches include: External Shading Systems: Such as brise soleil, external venetians or roller systems, which stop solar radiation before it reaches the glass. These are highly effective at reducing cooling demand. Internal Blinds: Cost-effective and flexible, they control glare and heat gain while enhancing occupant comfort. Fabrics with reflective coatings or honeycomb structures add measurable insulation value. Automated Systems: Connected to building management systems (BMS), these adjust automatically to maximise efficiency and comfort without relying on occupant intervention. Designing with Glass and Shading Together The most effective projects treat shading not as an add-on, but as part of the design process. Integrating blinds and shading systems into the architectural concept ensures glass can be used more extensively without risking overheating, glare or energy waste. Forward-thinking architects and engineers use databases like the European Solar Shading Database (ES-SDA) to model how different fabrics and systems will perform under real conditions. This allows informed choices that balance aesthetics, comfort and energy performance. Final Thoughts Glass will always play a defining role in modern architecture. It delivers daylight, aesthetics and human connection. But without shading, glass can quickly become a liability driving up energy costs and creating uncomfortable environments. Solar shading transforms glazing into a controlled, dynamic element of the building envelope. It allows more glass to be used responsibly, protects occupant wellbeing and supports sustainability goals. As energy costs rise and carbon reduction targets tighten, shading is not just an optional extra. It’s a fundamental part of modern building design. For more information call 020 7700 6000 or send an enquiry.
