Solar & Regulatory Compliance

External Solar Shading

Engineered solutions that keep buildings cool, meet Part O of the Building Regulations, and earn BREEAM credits — without compromising the view.

Part O · Building Regulations 2021

The law changed.
Your glazing needs to keep up.

Since June 2022, Part O requires all new dwellings to demonstrate they will not overheat. External solar shading is the most reliable compliance route — internal blinds, glass specifications, and ventilation alone rarely achieve the required results.

  • 01External shading provides the highest solar factor reduction — typically 60–85% depending on system and orientation
  • 02TM59 dynamic thermal modelling confirms compliance before planning is submitted
  • 03We work alongside your architect or M&E engineer — or manage the TM59 process end to end
  • 04Solutions available for new build, retrofit, and planning condition discharge

Compliance at a glance

Solution Part O BREEAM TM59
External Venetian Blind
External Roller Blind
Brise Soleil / Fin
Awning / Pergola
MicroLouvre® Screen
Internal blind only

✓ Typically compliant  ◐ Orientation dependent  ✗ Insufficient alone

Product Range

External shading solutions

Every project is different. We specify the right system for your building's orientation, wind zone, and planning context.

External Venetian Blinds

Motorised aluminium louvres that track the sun's angle throughout the day. The highest-performing shading solution for Part O compliance. Wind-rated to Beaufort 9 with automatic retraction sensors.

  • Solar factor reduction: up to 85%
  • View-through preserved when open
  • KNX, BMS and smart home integration
  • Powder-coated in any RAL colour

External Roller Blinds

High-tensile woven fabric screens that block solar gain while preserving outward visibility. Ideal for bifold and sliding-door openings. Guide-rail system maintains fabric tension in wind.

  • Openness factors from 1% to 10%
  • Zip-channel side guide option
  • Up to 6 m wide without joins
  • BREEAM Hea 04 eligible

Awnings & Pergolas

Cassette awnings from leading European manufacturers, including heated pergola systems for year-round outdoor living. Perfect for south-facing terraces and orangeries.

  • Projection up to 5 m
  • Integrated LED and infrared heating options
  • Wind and sun sensors as standard
  • Fully retractable cassette enclosure

Brise Soleil & Fins

Fixed or adjustable architectural louvre fins that become part of the building's facade design. Specified for new-build developments and planning-sensitive sites where a permanent shading language is required.

  • Aluminium or timber-effect cladding
  • Fixed, adjustable or motorised
  • Designed to planning drawings
  • Supplied and installed

Perforated Screen Panels

Powder-coated aluminium perforated panels mounted as secondary facades or privacy screens. Combines solar control, privacy, and architectural texture. Popular on balconies, stairwells, and plant-room enclosures.

  • Custom perforation patterns available
  • Fixed or sliding configurations
  • Fire-rated options for commercial use
  • Anti-graffiti coating available

MicroLouvre® Screens

Precision-engineered panels containing hundreds of micro-scale aerofoil blades. Blocks direct solar radiation whilst maintaining natural daylight and outward views — an elegant option where conventional external blinds are not feasible.

  • No moving parts — maintenance-free
  • Slimline frame suits heritage facades
  • Part O and TM59 compliant
  • Frameless and framed systems
0–85% Solar factor reduction
0+ Years of solar shading expertise
0 External shading systems specified
0% Surveyed & installed in-house

Automation & Controls

Intelligent solar management

External solar shading is most effective when it responds to the sun automatically. We integrate with all major building management and smart-home platforms.

Smart Home

Control4, Lutron, Crestron, Loxone, HomeKit, KNX

BMS Integration

BACnet, Modbus, DALI, proprietary protocols

Sun Sensors

Automatic deployment on sun, retraction in wind

Scheduling

Time-of-day programs, astronomical clock

How it works

From specification to installation

01

Site survey

We assess orientation, wind zone, planning constraints, and building control requirements.

02

System specification

We recommend the optimum system, fabric, and control specification — with TM59 modelling if required.

03

Manufacturing

Made to measure — typically 4–8 weeks depending on system and volume.

04

Installation

Our own installation team — no subcontractors. Full handover, user training, and aftercare.

Ready to specify?

Discuss your project with us

Whether you have planning drawings ready or are at early design stage, we can advise on the right system and compliance pathway.

Request a Consultation Trade & Specification Enquiries