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EACH ORIENTATION OF THE BUILDING REQUIRES A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO THE DESIGN

OF SHADING.
The north elevation (in the northern hemisphere) essentially does not require shading
because except in the summer months in the early morning and late evening, no sun
penetration occurs. At this time of day, the sun angle is so low that horizontal projections
would be useless as shading devices. It is best to limit as much as possible fenestration on
the north elevation as there will be very little solar heat gain and much direct heat loss from
this side. If fenestration is required for daylighting, then it is important to select a highly
efficient glazing assembly to reduce energy transfer.
The south elevation (in the northern hemisphere) allows for the easiest control of solar
energy. Shading devices are normally designed as horizontal projections above the windows
— the length of the projection is determined as a geometric function of the height of the
window and the angle of elevation of the sun at solar noon. Such shading devices can be
designed to completely eliminate sun penetration in the summer and allow for complete sun
penetration during the winter when such is desired for passive heat gain.

Basic Shading Strategy for a South Elevation

The east and west elevations are both difficult to shade “architecturally”. The sun angles in
the morning and afternoon are low enough to preclude shading using overhangs. The
morning sun is normally cooler and less offensive than the heat and glare of the late afternoon
sun.

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Shading Issues with East and West Facades

Shading needs to be provided in the way of landscaping and foliage. Deciduous trees are
effective as they block the sun in the summer when it is not desired and allow sun penetration
during the winter. Fences work to block the sun and view at all times of the year and so are
not so climatically responsive. Vines on more transparent “fence like” elements are effective
as they too bear leaves to shade in the summer, and keep their leaves until later in the fall
when sun is again desired. Vines are often used as well on south facing elevations on trellises
to achieve seasonal variation in the opaqueness of the overhangs.

Vegetative Shading
The natural environment can be used to shade low rise buildings. Deciduous trees can
effectively shade the facade when heat avoidance is desired, and permit solar penetration
where passive solar gain is sought. Vines can be used on trellises or trellis like shading devices
to the same effect. Vegetative shading also works well with the shoulder heating and cooling
seasons. In the spring when heating is still often desirable, leaves are not yet present, allowing
continued passive heating. In the fall, when continued warm days might suggest cooling, the

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leaves have not yet been shed. If natural ventilation is also desired, it is important to allow
adequate wind penetration around exterior plantings or potential natural cooling will be
blocked.
The diagram above divides the types of shading devices into fixed and movable. Movable
shading devices may include awnings, hinged extensions and vegetation. If a mechanically
dependent solution, the device needs to be designed for durability.
GENERAL TYPES OF SHADING DEVICES:
The basic types of exterior shading devices can be identified as HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL OR
EGGCRATE. When designing shading devices for heat avoidance it will be important to also
weigh the amount of solar penetration that is desired during the heating months. Where the
heating degree days greatly exceed the cooling degree days (in COLD climates), be careful not
to compromise the potential for solar gain in the winter months. Where the cooling degree
days exceed the heating degree days (HOT climates), shading should be effective for a longer
period. In some climates this may warrant the virtual elimination of south facing windows,
with deference to north facing windows to promote daylighting.
Horizontal shading devices are suited to southern exposures. Roof overhangs can also easily
be used to shade southern exposures on low rise buildings. This is perhaps the most
economical and potentially aesthetically pleasing solution for residential applications.

Basic Typology of Horizontal Shading Devices for Southern Exposures

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Where sun is hitting the facade from a south-easterly or south-westerly direction, vertical
devices can effectively block the sun. Egg crates are often used on non-true south facing
elevations as well.

Shading Devices for Non-Southern Exposures

The general configuration of the building can also be modified to alter the orientation of
windows for heat avoidance.

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Various Plan Metric Configurations of Non South Facing Shading Devices

For reasons of both heat avoidance and economy, it is often best to “gang” the south facing
shading devices. In order to obtain shading in the late morning and early afternoon when the
sun is not at its high point, the shading device should be extended either side of the window
opening.

Elevation of Shading Device Configurations for South Facing Facades

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENT – NOTE, LIMA M.T.