A design method for fixed outside solar shading device

ABSTRACT: A new sun shading device was developed by Pir 2 architects and the author in conjunction with the design of the “Wonderwall ” project. The project was awarded with a purchase in the international architectural competition “The most energy efficient building in Europe ” in Bjørvika, Oslo, September 2005. The main reason for awarding the project was the design of the east and west oriented outside walls, equipped with fixed outside solar shading panels. Additionally, fabric curtains were proposed inside the building. The design method described in this paper was developed after the competition. It is based on the idea that solar shading against strong and undesired solar radiation could be separated from solar shading against solar glare. The shading system preventing solar radiation is to be placed outside the façade in form of extremely optimised fixed panels. The outside shading system does not need to be 100 % opaque for solar radiation. The shading against solar glare is handled by inside curtains having precisely chosen light transmittance