Why use sunscreens for façades?

In conformity with the Kyoto protocol and the new 2005, ther-mal regulations, many countries, France among them, have undertaken to work towards diminishing the building greenhouse effectby reducing their consumption of energy.Terreal sunscreen systems provide solutions to these environ- mental concerns.They provide real solar protection, and thus improved comfort inside the building and reduced energy con- sumption. Too much light is dazzling, and too much heat causes over-inten-sive use of building air conditioning systems. Action to regulate input of light and solar energy not only saves energy but also optimizes comfort in all seasons.What are the advantages of using sunscreens on a façade? - this solar protection diminishes glare without cutting off visual con-tact with the outside world.- sunscreens provide greater comfort in summer (higher heat inertia,lower temperatures).- they are versatile in use: they can be used equally well on new orold buildings- sunscreens have multiple applications: they can be used forcladding, building ventilation grills furniture, solar building screens, pergolas, architectural balustrades, etc.

Why use sunscreens made of terracotta?

Several reasons explain the enthusiasm for terracotta sunscreensthat we see today:- Terreal terracotta sunscreens enhance the appearance of façades(there is a rich variety of formats, colours and finishes) and form an ideal combination with other Terreal façade materials.- they broaden the range of possibilities for architectural creation.- they need no special maintenance.Their colours do not fade andare resistant to UV- the terracotta sunscreen is a 100% natural, ecological and re-cyclable product. The Town Hall at Dompierre sur Yon, France, in OCHRE HARMATTAN
® . building architect: Sandrine Alain
©Christophe Doucet

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