2014 Products Focus: Sun Control
Custom Bus Shelters
The San Bernardino Express (sbX) rapid transit system recently gained a series of bus stops designed by Gruen Associates to help shelter passengers from the California sun. The firm specified 3form’s Transwhite Koda XT resin material, which was heat-formed in sizes ranging from 20” x 81” to 34” x 81” and then mounted onto a steel frame, resulting in subtly undulating canopies.
Mid Shade
One of five stainless-steel-mesh patterns recently introduced, Mid Shade features an open area of 54%, making it ideal for exterior solar shading on building facades. The 16-gauge, 1.4-pound-per-square-foot mesh can be tension mounted using the company's patented attachment systems. Mid Shade is also 100% recyclable after use.
Bi-Color UniQuad
UniQuad consists of two independent translucent, insulated polycarbonate pieces, joined by interlocking aluminum connectors. In addition to diffusing daylight for a comfortable environment, the system makes a design statement when specified in the Bi-Color option, as demonstrated in the Eagle Center charter school in Washington, D.C., by Shinberg.Levinas Architectural Design.
SheerWeave Style 4903/4901
The shade and screen manufacturer has added two new styles to its SheerWeave interior solar control series. Both 4903 and 4901 are woven polyester-twill shade fabrics with coordinating reversible faces. Style 4903 has an openness factor of 3%, while 4901 features an openness of 1%. The two are available in 63” or 98” widths, and in 12 neutral colors that are well suited to a variety of settings, from health-care to residential and office.
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Radio Window Sensor
The company's Hyperion Solar-Adaptive Shading software can now work in conjunction with a new Radio Window Sensor. The 1⅔” diameter, battery-powered units mount directly onto opposing mullions to detect the amount and intensity of natural daylight penetrating the windows. The Hyperion technology, in turn, uses those readings to automatically adjust Sivoia QS shades.
ShadeLoc
ShadeLoc eliminates the light gaps between shade bands by incorporating zippered edges that securely lock within 2”-wide side and 2½”-wide center channels. This motorized system enables the textile to glide smoothly and without the use of exposed hardware, such as guide cables, and stabilizes the cloth even as air pressure and flow within the room change. It is available with MechoSystems' 0700, 1300, and 6000 series shadecloths.
Exterior and interior solar shading and diffusing solutions range from resin panels and textiles to responsive systems.
